Samuel Umtiti Announces Retirement from Football at 31

Samuel Umtiti hangs up boots

Samuel Umtiti, the 2018 World Cup winner with France, announces his retirement from football at 31 due to persistent knee injuries.

“I gave EVERYTHING with passion and I regret NOTHING...” 

Samuel Umtiti, the 2018 World Cup-winning defender, has announced his retirement from professional football at 31. He shared the news on Instagram, posting an emotional farewell message.

“After an intense career with ups and downs, the time has come to say goodbye,” Umtiti said. “I gave EVERYTHING with passion and I regret NOTHING.” He expressed gratitude to all the clubs, presidents, coaches and players he worked with, including Lyon, Barcelona, Lille, Lecce and the French national team. Umtiti also thanked supporters for their unwavering support, highlighting the significant role they played in his career.

Umtiti's career was marked by impressive achievements, including winning two La Liga titles and three Copa del Rey trophies during his seven-year stint at Barcelona. He was instrumental in France's 2018 World Cup victory, scoring the decisive goal in the semi-final against Belgium. Despite his successes, Umtiti struggled with persistent knee injuries that limited his playing time and ultimately led to his retirement.

Notre Champion du monde 2018, Samuel Umtiti, a choisi de raccrocher les crampons à l’âge de 31 ans 🥹💫

Bravo pour ta grande carrière Sam’ et merci pour tout ce que tu as donné à l’Équipe de France 🙏💙#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/UkXD2S72nm

— Equipe de France ⭐⭐ (@equipedefrance) September 15, 2025

Key Highlights of Umtiti's Career:

• Clubs: Lyon (2009-2016), Barcelona (2016-2022), Lecce (loan, 2022-2023), Lille (2023-2024)

Achievements:

• World Cup Winner: 2018 FIFA World Cup with France
• La Liga Titles: 2 (2018, 2019)
• Copa del Rey Trophies: 3
• French Cup and Super Cup: Winner with Lyon
• Career Challenges: Persistent knee injuries and surgeries limited his playing time, particularly in his later years.

Samuel Umtiti, a key player in France's 2018 World Cup-winning team, has announced his retirement from professional football at 31. He scored the winning goal in the semi-final against Belgium, cementing his place in French football history.

Samuel Umtiti, forever a legend of the game ❤️🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/HLhXn8RGLx

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) September 15, 2025

Umtiti's career was marred by injuries, particularly knee problems that limited his playing time. Despite attempts to revive his career, including a loan spell with Lecce in Italy and a transfer to Lille, he struggled to regain his form.

Umtiti's persistent knee issues forced him to undergo multiple surgeries, significantly impacting his career. His struggles with injuries began after the 2018 World Cup, and he was often limited to a supporting role or sidelined due to his condition.