Former Barcelona and France defender ends his journey at 32 after lengthy damage battles
France’s 2018 World Cup Star Hangs Up His Boots
French defender Samuel Umtiti’s formally introduced his retirement from soccer closing the curtain on profession marked by each glory & painful setbacks.
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The 32 12 months previous .. a 2018 World cup winner confirmed the information in emotional Instagram video.
A profession overshadowed by accidents
Umtiti’s profession was derailed by recurring knee issues that stored him sidelined for greater than 600 days.
The turning level got here after the 2018 World cup the place he performed key position in France’s triumph however suffered long run penalties.
From Lyon to Barcelona glory
Born in Cameroon and raised in Lyon, Umtiti started his profession with Olympique Lyonnais earlier than shifting to Barcelona in 2016 for 25 million euro.
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In Spain, he gained 2 La Liga title & 3 Copa del Rey trophies throughout 6 12 months.
World Cup heroics in Russia
His most interesting second got here within the 2018 World cup semi remaining scoring the decisive aim in opposition to Belgium. Umtiti grew to become 1 of the pillars of Didier Deschamps protection as France lifted the trophy in Moscow.
The ultimate chapters in Italy and France
After struggling at Barca, Umtiti joined Lecce on mortgage in 2022 making 23 appearances.
He later moved to Lille in 2024 however was restricted to only 13 matches earlier than his contract expired. Final Friday, he was seen leaving Lyon’s coaching floor fueling comeback rumors however days later he confirmed his resolution to retire.
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A farewell with gratitude
“After profession stuffed with successes and failures, the time has come to say goodbye, I gave every part with ardour and I remorse nothing” Umtiti wrote.
He thanked Lyon, Barcelona, Lecce, Lille and the French nationwide workforce for shaping his journey.
Together with his announcement, Umtiti turns into the fifth member of France’s 2018 World cup profitable squad to retire becoming a member of Raphael Varane, Blaise Matuidi, Adil Rami and Steve Mandanda.