Italian basketball player Achille Polonara has announced his retirement from the sport due to ongoing health issues. Polonara, who battled testicular cancer in 2023 and underwent surgery, had hoped to return to the court. However, in June 2025, he was diagnosed with myeloid leukemia, leading to a bone marrow transplant.
Despite his efforts to resume individual training, Polonara has made the difficult decision to step away from professional basketball. “I tried, I resumed individual training, but I understand that it is time to say goodbye to basketball because I will never be the same player again, and I want you to remember me for who I was!” he stated on social media.
Polonara has had a notable career in European basketball, having played in the Euroleague for clubs such as Baskonia Vitoria, Fenerbahçe Istanbul, Anadolu Efes, Zalgiris Kaunas, and Virtus Bologna. He also represented the Italian national team on 94 occasions.
Achille Polonara Forced to Retire from Basketball
Italian basketball player Achille Polonara has announced his retirement from the sport due to ongoing health issues. Polonara, who battled testicular cancer in 2023 and underwent surgery, had hoped to return to the court. However, in June 2025, he was diagnosed with myeloid leukemia, leading to a bone marrow transplant.
Despite his efforts to resume individual training, Polonara has made the difficult decision to step away from professional basketball. “I tried, I resumed individual training, but I understand that it is time to say goodbye to basketball because I will never be the same player again, and I want you to remember me for who I was!” he stated on social media.
Polonara has had a notable career in European basketball, having played in the Euroleague for clubs such as Baskonia Vitoria, Fenerbahçe Istanbul, Anadolu Efes, Zalgiris Kaunas, and Virtus Bologna. He also represented the Italian national team on 94 occasions.
Achille Polonara Forced to Retire from Basketball
Italian basketball player Achille Polonara has announced his retirement from the sport due to ongoing health issues. Polonara, who battled testicular cancer in 2023 and underwent surgery, had hoped to return to the court. However, in June 2025, he was diagnosed with myeloid leukemia, leading to a bone marrow transplant.
Despite his efforts to resume individual training, Polonara has made the difficult decision to step away from professional basketball. “I tried, I resumed individual training, but I understand that it is time to say goodbye to basketball because I will never be the same player again, and I want you to remember me for who I was!” he stated on social media.
Polonara has had a notable career in European basketball, having played in the Euroleague for clubs such as Baskonia Vitoria, Fenerbahçe Istanbul, Anadolu Efes, Zalgiris Kaunas, and Virtus Bologna. He also represented the Italian national team on 94 occasions.