Samuel Umtiti Retires from Football at Age 31

Samuel Umtiti, a French World Cup winner and former Barcelona player, has retired from football at 31.

WHAT HAPPENED?

On September 15, 2025, Samuel Umtiti announced his retirement. He has struggled with injuries and spent a lot of time away from the game. Umtiti most recently played for LOSC Lille. However, his fitness problems forced him to retire early, at just 31 years old.

HIS CAREER AND IMPACT

Umtiti began his senior career at Lyon and moved to Barcelona in 2018. With Barcelona, he won seven major trophies, including two La Liga titles and three Copa del Rey titles. He was a key member of the French team that won the FIFA World Cup, starting throughout the tournament and famously scoring the winner against Belgium in the semi-final. His performances earned him recognition as one of the top defenders of his generation.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Umtiti’s retirement comes as Barcelona continues to rebuild after a poor run that has seen them slip to second place in La Liga. They are currently two points behind leaders Real Madrid and aiming at closing the gap, as confirmed by recent updates. Their next match is a critical one against title rivals Getafe who are just one point behind, after playing Newcastle for the Champions League opener. Meanwhile, Umtiti is expected to remain involved in football in some capacity, possibly starting a coaching or ambassadorial role. Fans and former teammates have already shared messages of support and thanks for his contribution to both club and country.