The Paris 2024 Olympic Games marked the end of an era as some of the most celebrated hockey players of our time hung up their sticks, leaving behind an incredible legacy. These players have not only set the bar for excellence but have also shaped the game in remarkable ways with their skills, dedication, and leadership. Here’s a tribute to these legends who bid farewell to international hockey after Paris 2024.
John-John Dohmen (Belgium)
John-John Dohmen, one of Belgium’s most iconic midfielders, will retire as the most-capped player in hockey history, with an astounding 481 caps. His unparalleled career has been a testament to longevity, consistency, and leadership on the field. With 63 international goals, Dohmen was instrumental in Belgium’s rise to global hockey dominance.
Dohmen’s crowning achievements include:
- 1x Olympic Gold (Tokyo 2020)
- 1x Olympic Silver (Rio 2016)
- 1x FIH Hockey World Cup Gold (2018)
- 1x FIH Hockey World Cup Silver (2014)
- 1x EuroHockey Gold (2019)
- 1x FIH Hockey Pro League Gold (2021)
- 2016 FIH Player of the Year (Men’s)
A maestro in midfield, Dohmen’s vision and game intelligence will be remembered for transforming Belgium into a hockey powerhouse.
Felix Denayer (Belgium)
Felix Denayer, another stalwart of Belgian hockey, will retire with 402 caps, ranking him 7th on the all-time list. A true leader and a defensive rock, Denayer’s contributions often went beyond the statistics, but his 48 goals and steady presence at the back have been pivotal in Belgium’s golden era.
Key highlights of Denayer’s illustrious career:
- 1x Olympic Gold (Tokyo 2020)
- 1x Olympic Silver (Rio 2016)
- 1x FIH Hockey World Cup Gold (2018)
- 1x FIH Hockey World Cup Silver (2014)
- 1x EuroHockey Gold (2019)
- 1x FIH Hockey Pro League Gold (2021)
Denayer’s calm demeanor and tactical brilliance made him the backbone of Belgium’s defense.
Loïck Luypaert (Belgium)
Known for his flair and finishing, Loïck Luypaert retires after a distinguished career marked by 315 caps and an impressive 100 international goals. A versatile forward, Luypaert’s goal-scoring ability, combined with his creative playmaking, made him one of the most feared attackers in world hockey.
Career highlights:
- 1x Olympic Gold (Tokyo 2020)
- 1x Olympic Silver (Rio 2016)
- 1x FIH Hockey World Cup Gold (2018)
- 1x FIH Hockey World Cup Silver (2014)
- 1x EuroHockey Gold (2019)
- 1x FIH Hockey Pro League Gold (2021)
Luypaert’s attacking prowess helped Belgium cement their position at the top of world hockey.
Pirmin Blaak (Netherlands)
Dutch goalkeeper Pirmin Blaak will be remembered as one of the finest shot-stoppers in hockey history. With 154 caps and a string of accolades, including the 2023 FIH Goalkeeper of the Year, Blaak has been a key figure in the Netherlands’ success over the past decade.
Career achievements:
- 1x Olympic Gold (Tokyo 2020)
- 2x FIH Hockey World Cup Silver (2014, 2018)
- 3x EuroHockey Championship Gold (2015, 2017, 2021)
- 1x EuroHockey Championship Bronze
- 2x FIH Hockey Pro League Gold
Blaak’s agility and reflexes made him a formidable last line of defense for the Dutch team.
Jane Claxton (Australia)
Australia’s Jane Claxton, with 249 caps and 39 goals, is one of the most consistent midfielders of her generation. Claxton’s resilience and leadership have been central to the Hockeyroos’ success over the past decade.
Major career highlights:
- 1x Commonwealth Games Gold (2014)
- 1x Commonwealth Games Silver (2022)
- 1x World Cup Silver (2014)
- 1x World Cup Bronze (2022)
- 4x Oceania Cup Gold
Claxton’s ability to control the midfield and her fierce determination made her a cornerstone of Australia’s hockey fortunes.
Giselle Ansley (England/Great Britain)
England and Great Britain’s Giselle Ansley retires with an impressive 230 combined caps and 61 goals. As a defender with a knack for scoring from penalty corners, Ansley’s contributions were crucial in both defensive and attacking situations.
Career accolades:
- 1x Olympic Gold (Rio 2016)
- 1x Olympic Bronze (Tokyo 2020)
- 1x Commonwealth Games Gold
- 1x Commonwealth Games Silver
- 1x Commonwealth Games Bronze
- 1x EuroHockey Gold
- 1x EuroHockey Silver
- 1x EuroHockey Bronze
Ansley’s commanding presence at the back, combined with her penalty corner expertise, will be sorely missed.
Agustin Mazzilli (Argentina)
Agustin Mazzilli, the Argentine magician, has been a game-changer throughout his 276-cap career. Known for his creativity and flair, Mazzilli scored 90 goals, often leaving defenses in disarray with his skillful play.
Career highlights include:
- 1x Olympic Gold (Rio 2016)
- 1x FIH Hockey World Cup Bronze (2014)
- 4x Pan American Games Gold
- 2x Pan American Cup Gold
Mazzilli’s ingenuity and attacking dynamism have been instrumental in Argentina’s rise on the world stage.
Seve van Ass (Netherlands)
Seve van Ass, with 236 caps and 54 goals, has been a key figure in the Dutch midfield. His vision, ball distribution, and tactical acumen helped orchestrate many of the Netherlands’ finest moments.
Notable career achievements:
- 1x Olympic Gold (Tokyo 2020)
- 2x FIH Hockey World Cup Silver (2014, 2018)
- 3x EuroHockey Championship Gold
- 1x EuroHockey Championship Bronze
- 2x FIH Hockey Pro League Gold
Van Ass’s creativity and leadership made him a pivotal player for the Oranje.
As these legends bid farewell to international hockey, their legacies will live on in the hearts of fans and in the annals of the sport. Having inspired a generation of players and fans, these icons leave the game with their heads held high. Their names will be forever etched in the history of hockey, and their contributions will be celebrated for years to come.
