Girlfriend Chelsea Becirevic has joined Trent Cotchin and Zak Butters among the many paying tribute after premiership ruckman Ivan Soldo announced his immediate retirement from the AFL on Monday. The 30-year-old played 57 games for Richmond at AFL level from 2015 to 2023, including the triumphant 2019 grand final.
He also played nine games for Port Adelaide after joining the Power in 2024, but his time there was plagued by injuries. He ruptured his ACL in February, which ruled him out of the entire 2026 season.
Girlfriend Chelsea Becirevic paid tribute to Ivan Soldo after his retirement. Image: Chelsea Becirevic/Getty
On Monday he announced he’s decided to call it quits and retire with immediate effect. “I just want to say thank you to everyone at the club – players, coaches, staff, and our supporters,” Soldo said in a statement released by Port Adelaide. “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. I’ve got a lot of respect for the people, the success we shared, and everything that came with that period.
Ivan Soldo in action for the Power in 2024.
(via Getty Images)
“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. 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.”
AFL world pays tribute to Ivan Soldo
Port Adelaide football boss Ben Rutten said: “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. 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.”
Soldo posted a series of photos on social media, writing: “Thank you for the memories over the past 13 years.” Cotchin, Butters, Oleg Markov, Hugo Ralphsmith, Dion Prestia and Noah Balta were among the many to respond with congratulations.
Soldo’s girlfriend posted her own tribute, writing: “Truly end of an era. Forever your #1 fan. Some of our moments over the last few years…so proud of you. It’s been a wild journey, but such a privilege to watch you over the years.”
The official Richmond account wrote: “A massive congrats to 2019 Richmond premiership player, Ivan Soldo, who has announced his AFL retirement. Soldo played 57 games for the Tigers from 2015-2023 and kicked a goal in the 2019 Grand Final victory.”