Ivan Soldo has announced his retirement from AFL football following a serious knee injury, bringing an end to his 66-game career across two clubs.
The premiership winner has officially called time on his playing career and will return to be with his glamorous partner Chelsea Becirevic, nicknamed ‘Footy’s Hottest WAG’ in Melbourne.
The 30-year-old made the decision after rupturing his ACL in February, an injury that ruled him out of the entire 2026 season and ultimately forced him to step away from the game.
Soldo played 57 matches across nine seasons with Richmond, including featuring in the club’s 2019 premiership triumph.
He later joined Port Adelaide at the end of 2023, but managed just nine games for the club before injury curtailed his time.
‘I just want to say thank you to everyone at the club – players, coaches, staff, and our supporters,’ Soldo said.
‘It’s been a privilege to be part of this club and to have had the opportunity to play at this level.
‘I also want to acknowledge my time at Richmond. I spent almost 10 years there, and it played a huge role in shaping my career and who I am.
Ivan Soldo announced his immediate AFL retirement after rupturing his ACL, ending his 66-game career across two clubs
He had been dating influencer Chelsea Becirevic since 2022, with their relationship continuing despite long-distance arrangements between cities
The couple recently launched a fashion label together, promoting their brand online following its official release to customers
‘I’ve got a lot of respect for the people, the success we shared, and everything that came with that period.’
Soldo, who originally joined Richmond as a Category B rookie after transitioning from basketball, developed into a ruck option during the club’s premiership era before making the move to Port Adelaide in search of greater opportunity.
‘It’s not how I would have hoped things would play out, and there have been challenges along the way, but I’m proud of what I was able to give and the experiences I’ve had,’ he said.
‘To my teammates at both clubs – I appreciated being part of the group and the environment. And to the fans and families who support week in and week out, that doesn’t go unnoticed.
‘It’s something I never took for granted, and I understand how much it means to the people who support us.
‘I’ll look back on this time with pride and respect for everyone involved.’
Port Adelaide football boss Ben Rutten confirmed the club would continue to support Soldo following his retirement.
‘On behalf of the entire club, we wish Ivan all the best for his next phase of life and thank him for his service to Port Adelaide,’ Rutten said.
The former Richmond premiership ruckman confirmed his decision following a serious knee injury sustained earlier in 2026
Soldo played 57 games with Richmond and nine with Port Adelaide before injuries limited his opportunities at new club
Soldo confirmed it was not how he hoped his career would end after multiple injury setbacks in recent seasons
‘Despite some challenges with his body over the past few seasons, Ivan has shown commitment and care for the club and his teammates.
‘He can always be proud to have been a premiership ruckman for Richmond – an achievement that will always be part of his story.
‘Congratulations to Ivan on a great career.’
Off the field, Soldo has been in a relationship with Becirevic since 2022.
The pair have maintained a high-profile relationship, regularly sharing moments on social media, including recent images from the Gold Coast where Soldo celebrated his 30th birthday.
Becirevic later posted images from the occasion, marking the milestone.
Their relationship has also included periods of long distance, with Becirevic relocating to Melbourne while Soldo remained in Adelaide during his time with Port Adelaide.
Becirevic has also spent time working in the Middle East, with the couple continuing their relationship across different locations.
More recently, Soldo and Becirevic have moved into business together, launching a clothing label known as ‘I’m Taken’, with both listed as founders and promoting the brand online following its release.
Soldo has since relocated to Melbourne
