Friday, September 11, 2026

Samuel Umtiti announces retirement at 31

The Cameroon-born French footballer has been without a club since his departure from Lille at the end of last season.

• September 15, 2025
Samuel Umtiti
Samuel Umtiti [Photo Credit: Football Espana]

Former Barcelona and France defender, Samuel Umtiti, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 31.

Umtiti, in a heartfelt Instagram video post on Monday, announced his retirement.

“After an intense career with ups and downs, the time has come to say goodbye,” he said in the video.

He added, “I gave my all with passion and regret nothing. I want to thank all the clubs, presidents, coaches and players I was able to stand with.”

The Cameroon-born French footballer has been without a club since his departure from Lille at the end of last season, managing just six appearances for the side.

He had struggled to get decent playing time at both club and country levels due to a prolonged knee injury and will now be watching the game from the stands.

Umtiti, an academy graduate of French club Olympique Lyonnais before securing a move to Barcelona in 2016, was part of the 2018 World Cup-winning squad in Russia.

He enjoyed his most successful club career period at Barcelona, winning seven trophies, including two La Liga titles in six years, and making over a hundred appearances for the Blaugrana.

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