The purpose of this chapter is to review theoretical developments in the area of career transition, with a particular focus on contributions of European researchers. In this chapter I cover the development, current status, and future challenges of the European sport psychology discourse on career transition, drawing on 25 years’ experience as a career educator, researcher, and practitioner in both East and West European contexts. The major theoretical developments within this discourse can be summarized as follows: (1) the conception of an athlete as a whole person, (2) the holistic lifespan perspective and relevant frameworks, (3) the athletic career transition model, (4) the holistic ecological perspective and relevant frameworks, (5) the assistance in career transitions model, and (6) the cultural praxis of athletes’ careers paradigm. These theoretical contributions are briefly introduced and explained in regard to how they guide athletic career transition research and practice in Europe and beyond. © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.