16 September 2025
Samuel Umtiti, 2018 World Cup winner with France and a La Liga champion with Barcelona, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 31, following a career full of achievements that was later plagued by injuries. Umtiti posted a farewell message on his social media accounts, saying: "After a career full of successes and failures, the time has come to say goodbye. I gave my all with passion, and I have no regrets. Thank you to the clubs, officials, players, and coaches who accompanied me throughout my journey."
Umtiti was one of France's standout stars at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, scoring the winning goal in the semi-final against Belgium to lead Les Bleus to the final and the title. However, after the tournament, he began to suffer from recurring knee injuries, which severely impacted his continuity, leading him to remain without a team since his contract with Lille expired this summer.
Umtiti joined Barcelona from Lyon in 2016 and spent six seasons with the club, making 133 appearances and helping the team win two La Liga titles and three Copa del Rey titles.
He moved to Lille in 2023 after a short loan spell at Lecce, but he only made 13 appearances over two seasons due to aggravated injuries and knee surgery.
Umtiti ultimately decided to hang up his boots at the age of 31, a decision many described as "premature," but one that was ultimately the result of compelling health conditions.
Umtiti became the fifth player from France's 2018 World Cup-winning squad to announce his retirement, following Raphaël Varane, Blaise Matuidi, Adil Rami, and Steve Mandanda.
