US EditionFrance World Cup Winner Umtiti Retires at 31
Samuel Umtiti, hampered by recurring injuries and knee surgery, ended his career after failing to secure a new club following a season without appearances, officials said.
- Samuel Umtiti, a 31-year-old World Cup-winning defender, officially announced his retirement from professional football on September 15, 2025.
- Umtiti retired after failing to recover from persistent knee injuries that prevented him from playing for Lille last season, leading to his contract not being renewed.
- He began his career at Lyon, won two La Liga titles with Barcelona between 2016 and 2023, and played a key role for France during their 2018 World Cup victory by scoring the semifinal winner against Belgium.
- Umtiti expressed that he made every possible effort to return to form during his time at Lille, emphasizing his dedication and passion throughout his career and stating that he has no regrets.
- His retirement marks him as the fifth player from France's 2018 World Cup-winning squad to retire, suggesting a transition period for the national team and his club career ending with Lille.
51 Articles
51 Articles
France World Cup winner Umtiti retires at 31
Former Barcelona centre back Samuel Umtiti, a key figure in France's triumphant 2018 World Cup campaign, has announced his retirement from soccer at the age of 31.A product of Olympique Lyonnais academy, Umtiti joined Barcelona in 2016, where he made 133 appearances and won seven major trophies, including two
Samuel Umtiti, the zaguero who became champion with France in the World Cup in 2018, has retired from football. Umtiti, 31 years old, who was part of Barcelona who won two La Liga titles and three trophies of the Copa del Rey, had been without a club since he decoiled from the Lille of the French first division at the end of last season. “After having lived an intense race with his ups and downs, the time has come to say goodbye. I gave it all w…
Imperial and indispensable for the 2018 title, Samuel Umtiti was handicapped by repetitive injuries, mainly to the knee, and never played more than 20 games per season until 2022. Formed in Lyon and passed by FC Barcelona, Umtiti had signed in Lille in January 2024.
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Santa Maria Times
Independent EspañolSamuel Umtiti, the champion who became champion with France in the 2018 World Cup, has retired from football.
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