Plagued by injuries
© Imago
Samuel Umtiti gave up his football shoes at the age of 31. “After an intensive career with ups and downs, the moment has come to say goodbye,” the French world champion from 2018 announced via Instagram. “I gave everything with passion and do not regret anything.”
The central defender made the leap to the professionals at his youth club Olympique Lyon. Four years later, Umtiti not only drove to the European Championship as a newcomer with France, in which second place jumped, followed by the 25 million euro transfer to FC Barcelona. With the Catalans, he won the championship twice, among other things, in 2018 he reached its highest market value at 70 million euros-and won the World Cup title as a regular.
It should be umititis career highlight. Just a year later, the 31-time international was in the Les Bleus squad for the last time. Numerous injuries accompanied the defender in the following years, especially his knee was repeatedly affected. After a loan to the US Lecce in Italy, he returned from Barça to France in 2023. At the Losc Lille, Umtiti had to undergo a knee surgery again and failed for over a year. Although he fought back, another commitment was granted to him after the comeback.
“I would like to thank all clubs, presidents, coaches and players with whom I was able to work with,” continued Umtiti, who had in vain for an attractive offer from a top league to continue his career. “And many thanks to all fans for their support.”