Former France international Samuel Umtiti has called time on his professional football career at the age of 31, Afrosport reports.
The defender, who played last competitive match in January 2024, recently featured for French side Lille before he was released in June following the expiration of his contract.
Umtiti took the decision after recent struggles with serious knee injuries and failure to find a new team. He took to social media on Monday to make the announcement.
“After an intense career filled with highs and lows, it is time to say goodbye… I have given EVERYTHING with passion and regret NOTHING. I want to thank all the clubs, presidents, coaches, and players I’ve crossed paths with,” Umtiti shared on Instagram.
Our 2018 World Champion, Samuel Umtiti, has decided to hang up his boots at the age of 31 🥹💫
Congratulations on your great career, Sam, and thank you for everything you’ve given to the French national team 🙏💙#FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/mUjFOCLJ00
— French Team ⭐⭐ (@FrenchTeam) September 15, 2025
Born in Yaounde, Cameroon, Umtiti and his family moved to France and resided in Lyon, where he began his football journey in their youth team before making his senior debut in January 2012.
He departed Lyon after 14 years and 170 senior appearances, securing a €25 million transfer to Spanish giants Barcelona in the summer of 2016. His career took off at Camp Nou, where he quickly established himself as one of the best centre-backs in world football.
Umtiti played 133 times for Barcelona, winning seven trophies, including two La Liga titles and three Copa del Rey honours during his six seasons in Spain.
He spent the 2022-23 season on loan in Italy with Lecce, making 25 appearances before returning to Barcelona, who eventually terminated his contract in June 2023. The centre-back joined Lille shortly after, but managed only 13 outings for the club due to multiple injuries.
Umtiti excelled on the international stage, where he represented France throughout their youth ranks and won the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2013. He earned his senior debut in July 2016 at the European Championship and was part of the team that finished as runners-up behind Portugal.
Two years later, he was named in France’s squad for the 2018 World Cup and played an integral role in ensuring Les Bleus won the tournament, scoring the decisive goal in a 1-0 win over Belgium in the semi-final. He finished his national team career scoring four goals in 31 appearances.
