Dimitri Payet Announces Retirement from Professional Football

Payet calls time on 21-year career

Former France midfielder Dimitri Payet retires from football at 38, emotional at Marseille's Stade Velodrome.

“I come from an island and my dream was to become a professional. I made it and did...”

Dimitri Payet, the former France and West Ham midfielder, has announced his retirement from professional football after a 21-year career. The 38-year-old made the emotional announcement during a live interview at half-time of the Ligue 1 match between Marseille and Lille at the Stade Velodrome.

Payet, who has been without a club for nine months following his stint with Brazilian side Vasco da Gama, expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his career. “I want to take two minutes to thank everybody — to thank all those who shared these 20 years with me. It was something exceptional,” he said. Payet, who earned 38 caps for France and played in the Euro 2016 final, established himself as a premier set-piece specialist at Marseille and West Ham United.

Dimitri Payet, the Reunion-born midfielder, announced his retirement from professional football at 38, visibly emotional at Marseille's Stade Velodrome, a club where he had two successful stints. Payet began his career at FC Nantes in 2005 and went on to earn 38 caps for France, scoring eight goals, including a stunning free kick against Russia in 2016.

Wishing Dimitri Payet a happy retirement ⚒️ pic.twitter.com/JiBQrhLtCl

— West Ham United (@WestHam) March 23, 2026

Payet was a key player for France in Euro 2016, reaching the final where they lost 1-0 to Portugal after extra time. Known for his exceptional free kicks and technical skill, Payet played for clubs like Marseille, West Ham, and Vasco da Gama, scoring over 150 career goals.

“I want to take two minutes to thank everybody - to thank all those who shared these 20 years with me. It was something exceptional,” he said.

“I come from an island and my dream was to become a professional. I made it and did it ‌for 20 years at the highest level. I managed to play for the ‌national squad, and today is the end of a beautiful journey.”

The streets will never forget the 2015/16 version of Dimitri Payet. 🤩

What a player. Happy retirement to Dimitri. 🥲 pic.twitter.com/pwvqB4vZ3T

— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) March 22, 2026

Payet built a reputation as a top set-piece specialist at Marseille and West Ham United, despite not winning a major trophy.