By reviewing the literature, it has been found that there are no longitudinal researches dealing with the study of the entire career of athletes. In this paper, the emphasis is placed on the post-sports career and the issues that may occur after the end of an active sport career. First part of the paper describes three categories (cultural dimensions, welfare system and socioeconomic situation) related to the sport retirement. The second part of the paper describes three mezzo categories (elite sport system, dual environment and career programs) related to the sport retirement. The third part describes the characteristics of the individual, its environment, as well as reasons for the end of an active career.It is interesting to see the patterns through which successful and elite athletes are celebrated in certain countries, so the question arises: are elite athletes’ special people which need different treatment? This research suggests that the process of retirement is commonly related and very often generates decreased control, lowered self-esteem and general decrease in life satisfaction of an elite athlete. Top-level athletes are not immune to negative impacts of retirement, on the contrary, they are more prone to traumas during retirement. The authors present depression and anxiety as common traits that might emerge during transition period, namely leaving the active sport and entering into sport retirement. The decision of a professional athlete to retire can be caused by various reason, however three categories (retirement related to age, retirement related to injuries and retirement as an active decision) are mentioned as the most common. The Swiss model, which offers career counseling to athletes (who are active, retired or in the process of retiring) and support in finding an internship or job, seems to be a very wise way to solve the transition after the end of a sports career.On the other hand, the Danish model based on creating educational opportunities so that elite athletes can combine academic and sports careers seems to be the most appropriate one. The general welfare system, and the strong idea of equality in terms of well-being is also applicable to the sport. Many positive examples presented in this paper can be used as a guidance for the Croatian model, especially in solving the problem of transition of professional athletes from the elite sports to their second career.