Ex-Spurs and Sevilla Star Erik Lamela Announces Retirement, Joins Sevilla Coaching Team

Erik Lamela announces retirement from professional football, joins Sevilla coaching staff under Matías Almeyda. Read more about his career highlights and new role.

Erik Lamela has officially announced his retirement from professional football. After terminating his contract with AEK Athens, the former Tottenham player is set to embark on a new chapter as an assistant coach for Matías Almeyda at Sevilla, a team he played for from 2021 to 2023 and helped win the UEFA Europa League title in 2023.

Lamela's playing career spanned multiple top clubs, including River Plate, Roma, Tottenham Hotspur, Sevilla, and AEK Athens. Notably, he won the FIFA Puskás Award in 2021 for scoring a spectacular rabona goal against Arsenal while playing for Tottenham. His time at Sevilla was particularly memorable, as he scored crucial goals, including in the Europa League semi-final against Juventus, helping Sevilla reach the final.

As an assistant coach, Lamela joins Sevilla under the guidance of his compatriot Matías Almeyda, with whom he shares a bond dating back to their time as teammates at River Plate. With his wealth of experience playing in top leagues around the world, Lamela's contribution to the coaching staff promises to be valuable. Sevilla will compete only in domestic competitions this season, providing Lamela with a unique opportunity to focus on developing the team's skills in a more concentrated environment.

Erik Lamela made a significant career move in 2011, transitioning from River Plate to Roma at just 19 years old. The Italian club secured his services for an initial fee of €12 million, with potential add-ons and bonuses totaling €17.06 million. This deal, confirmed in August 2011, marked the beginning of Lamela's successful European career. He signed a five-year contract, showcasing his potential as a talented left-footed midfielder.

Erik Lamela's career took off after joining Tottenham for around £30 million two seasons after his initial rise to prominence. He spent eight remarkable seasons with the Spurs, playing 257 matches and scoring 37 goals. During his time, he won two awards for the best goal of the year in England. In 2021, his stunning Rabona goal against Arsenal earned him the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award for Goal of the Season.

Lamela's journey began at River Plate, where he debuted at 17 and showcased his talent. He later moved to Roma for $12 million, a record at the time, and then to Tottenham in 2013. His time at Sevilla, starting in 2021, was marked by significant achievements, including winning the 2022/23 UEFA Europa League.

We will never forget that goal that sent us to Budapest 😍🥳pic.twitter.com/4INLKda9IH

— Sevilla FC (@SevillaFC_ENG) March 4, 2025

In a recent turn of events, Lamela has retired from professional football after terminating his contract with AEK Athens. He'll now join Matías Almeyda's coaching staff at Sevilla, bringing valuable experience from his playing career.

Erik Lamela's football journey took a significant turn after his stint in La Liga. The Argentine international joined AEK Athens, where he showcased his skills last season, scoring six goals in 31 official appearances. His time in Athens came to an end in May when he played his final game. Now, Lamela is trading his boots for a coaching role, joining Matías Almeyda's staff at Sevilla. This move marks a new chapter for the 33-year-old, who recently terminated his contract with AEK Athens to pursue his coaching aspirations.