Top 10 Athletes To Come Out of Retirement

Just a brief look at the worlds greatest sports and some of their biggest names.

The criteria to make this list, is to have been an athlete who was among the greatest in their sport, to retire, only to come out of retirement a day, week, month or even a year later.

While I understand that there are plenty of other athletes to go down this route i felt that these ten stood out the most.

Ric Flair: Pro Wrestling

Ric Flair has been a world champon an astounding 16 times, with two WWE reigns and 14 WCW/NWA reigns.

He faced the likes of Sting, Dusty Rhodes, Ricky Steamboat, and a host full of other surging superstars who were willing to make their mark in the business. Flair was not seen as a typical wrestler to many of the fans, back then he lacked muscle, size, and power. However, Flair had great character and personality to go with it. When you have these two things and an opportunity, then anyone can become great.

During his time as the WCW Champion, Flair created the stable the Four Horseman, and he also gained the nickname as the "dirtiest player in the game." From this point on the legacy of the nature boy became synonymous with wrestling.

In 2009 Flair squared of against HBK in a match where the stipulations dictated that if Flair was to loose he has to retire from the Wrestling altogether. While wrestling is all scripted in actual fact Flair was considering to retire before the match anyway as he felt that the needed to spend more time with his family as age was catching up to him.

After the match, Flair said his farewells to the sport in which he gave over 30yrs of his life to. It was an emotional time for many of his supporters, however it would only last several months as Ric Flair decided to come out of retirement and sign with rival company TNA as a part time wrestler. He has already wrestled Hogan and other famous stars in the company.

Justine Henin: Tennis

Justine Henin is one of Belgium's most successful tennis players in the history of the sport. She has won at least 43 WTA singles titles and 7 grand slam championships. The former world ranked No. 1 was one of the most entertaining athletes to watch, she has been credited by many former tennis players as one of the worlds greatest players to ever hold a tennis racquet.

In May 2008 Henin shocked the world a she bowed out of the sport she grew up on aged 26. At the time she was ranked number one in the Women's Division. 

However in 2010 Henin made her long awaited return to the grass courts as she partook in The 2010 Australian Open where she made it to the finals before being thrashed by power house Serena Williams.  

Michael Schumacher: Formula 1

Schumacher is a former seven-time World Champion and the greatest driver to ever grace the sport of Formula 1, according to the official Formula 1 Website. Schumacher has been synonymous with Ferrari for the majority of his career. 

In 2007 we saw Schumacher drive his final lap as he drove straight into the welcoming yet cruel arms of retirement. During this time he has played an important figure for the Formula 1,he was mainly used as a test dummy for Ferrari's new cars and other aspects.

However in 2010  Schumacher returned to the sport this time as driver for Mercedes. 

Floyd Mayweather Jr: Boxing

Arguably one of the greatest Pound for Pound boxers to ever step foot inside a ring. Floyd is a five division World Champion, winning nine world titles in five different weight categories. Floyd also carries the distinct honour of being undefeated in 41 Matches. 

After his famous bout with Englishman Ricky Hatton, Floyd decided to hang up his gloves and focus more f his time and energy with his promotional company.

In March 2009 Floyd made his triumphant return to the sport where he took on Juan Marques, in a winning effort. 

Lance Armstrong: Cycling

Lance Armstrong, best known for winning the Tour de France after beating testicular cancer, is probably the greatest cyclist in the world. He has won the Tour De France an impressive 7 times. 

Lance retired in 2005, however he made his return to the sport in 2009. 

Shane Warne: Cricket

The greatest leg spin bowler in the history of Cricket. The Australian has mustered over 1000 wickets in both formats of the game. He is one of the most recognizable names in the sport today, having made endorsements as well as appearing in several commercials all over the world, mainly for hair loss .

Warne was instrumental to Australia's Tests success, he along with Glen Mcgrath and Brett Lee were considered the most fearsome attack in all of cricket. He went a record 22 tests unbeaten something which has never been accomplished since, by any team including Australia. 

After Australia's triumphant white wash series against England, where they reclaimed the valuable yet small Ashes Trophy, Warne bowed out of the game altogether, thus ending a legacy of cricket in Australia.

Warne came out of retirement in 2007/08 when he signed to play cricket for the IPL, in his first year he captained the Rajasthan Royals to the first IPL league. 

Romario: Football

Any footballer that comes out of Brazil is obviously a star in the making. However none speak louder then that of Romario. Romario is a former world cup winner and is considered by many as one of the greatest to ever grace the game. Like Pele, he is one of two men to score over 1000 goals in their career.

Romario initially retired from the sport in 2008, however one year later he signed a contract with  América Football Club.

Randy Couture: UFC

Randy is former UFC world Champion, he hold the records for the most number of fights in a UFC Octagon (23).

Randy retired from the world of MMA in 2006, only to resign with the company in 2007 aged 43. He won a UFC title yet again after defeating Tim Sylvia. 

Jonah Lomu: Rugby

One of New Zealand's biggest and toughest stars to ever play the game of Rugby. Jonah was a key figure to New Zealands world cup success in 1995, even though his team lost to South Africa in the finals. He is regarded as Rugby's first ever international superstar, his trademark hairdo and agressive nature helped popularize the sport.

In 2007 Jonah retired from all formats of the game, however in 2009 he signed with French team Marseille Vitrolles effectively coming out of retirement. 

Michael Jordan: Basketball

One of the biggest names in the world, Michael Jordan is one of few men to have retired more then once from the same sport. 

In 1993 Jordan announced his retirement from Basketball, stating that he would love to pursue a career in Baseball,due to his lack of enthusiasm for Basketball. 

In 1995 Jordan returned to the NBA in what was a media frenzy.

Jordan retired for a second time in 1999 however he returned in 2000 as a player/owner.