Former international defender of France Samuel Umtiti, a world cup winner in 2018, announced his retirement on Monday.
The 31-year-old former Barcelona and Lyon player left Ligue 1 Club Lille at the end of last season.
«After an intense career at UPS and Downs it is time to say goodbye … I have given everything with passion and I have no regrets,» said Umtiti, whose career was plagued by injury, in an post on Instagram.
Umtiti, born in Cameroon, moved to France as a child who lived with his family in the Lyon, where he started his professional career.
Umtiti moved to Barcelona in 2016 and won two La Liga titles and three Copa del Rey trophies during his seven years in Spain.
The center-back was one of the architects of the World Cup title of France and scored the only goal in the semi-final against Belgium.
He will be the fifth World Cup winner in Russia to retire, after Raphael Varane, Blaise Matuidi, Adil Rami and Steve Mandanda.
Umtiti signed for Lille in January 2024 after a loan saying in Italy with Lecce but played very few matches due to repeated injuries and knee surgery.
Published on September 15, 2025
