MIES (Switzerland) - One of Italy's greatest basketball players has hung up his sneakers as Danilo Gallinari announced his retirement from the game he played professionally for more than 20 years.
"Gallo" made the following announcement on his social media channels:
"Today, with a heart full of gratitude, I am announcing my retirement from a career I’ve always dreamed of. A career built through hard work, sacrifice, victories, defeats, teammates who became brothers, guidance from my coaches, and, of course, family and friends that were with me every step of the way," said the 37-year-old native of Sant'Angelo Lodigiano.
"It’s been an incredible journey filled with countless memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. To those who believed in me, to all those who supported me, and to those who shared every moment with me - thank you, from the bottom of my heart. 🏀❤️
"I’m beyond excited for the next chapter!"
Gallinari played 14 years in the NBA from 2008 to 2024, appearing in 828 games for eight franchises, including 51 playoffs games. The No. 6 pick in the 2008 Draft retired having scored 11,607 career points - the most ever for a player from Italy.
Gallinari announced his retirement from the Italian national team this summer after Italy's exit from FIBA EuroBasket 2025. There was a ceremony on the court after the game in which Gallinari received a plaque from FIBA Europe President Jorge Garbajosa.
"We're in good hands. The younger players have matured a lot, and it will be exciting to see them on TV," Gallinari told Italian media after the game.
Gallinari, who started his career with Casalpusterlengo in 2004, played 19 games for Italy in three EuroBaskets (2011, 2015 and 2025). He totalled 252 points, 100 rebounds and 30 assists.
In addition to the three continental championships, Gallinari appeared in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2019, the 2020 Olympics and FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments in 2016 and 2024. He never was able to reach the podium for Italy but he left his mark on the game.
FIBA