Samuel Umtiti, the World Cup-winning defender, retires at 31 due to persistent knee injuries. He played a key role in France’s 2018 victory and won titles with Barcelona. His career was marked by both triumph and adversity.
Samuel Umtiti, the former World Cup-winning centre-back, has announced his retirement from professional football at the young age of 31. This marks the end of a career that saw him reach the pinnacle of the sport with France and Barcelona, though it was also hampered by persistent knee injuries.
Umtiti was an integral part of the French squad that lifted the World Cup in Russia in 2018. He partnered Raphael Varane in central defense for six of France's seven matches, including the final where they defeated Croatia to claim their second World Cup title. His contributions to the team were invaluable, showcasing his defensive prowess and tactical awareness on the world's biggest stage. His presence in the team brought confidence to the entire squad as they marched to lift the trophy.
Before his international success, Umtiti enjoyed a fruitful spell with Barcelona, where he won LaLiga twice and the Copa del Rey on three occasions. He arrived at the Camp Nou with high expectations and quickly established himself as a key player in the heart of the defense. His strong tackles, aerial ability, and composed passing made him a fan favorite. However, knee injuries began to plague his career, limiting his playing time and preventing him from reaching his full potential. The injuries meant he was constantly in and out of the team, disrupting the rhythm of the team, and the player himself.
Prior to the 2018 World Cup triumph, Umtiti had made 83 appearances for Barcelona in just two seasons. However, after the tournament, he only managed to play 50 games for the Blaugrana over the next four seasons, a testament to the severity of his injury struggles. The injuries became so persistent that Barcelona had to look elsewhere for options in central defense. His inability to stay fit was a huge blow to both the player and the club, as he was seen as a potential long-term leader in defense.
In an attempt to revive his career, Umtiti joined Lecce on loan in August 2022. He became a regular starter in Serie A, showing glimpses of his former self. The loan spell in Italy provided him with an opportunity to get consistent playing time and rebuild his confidence. However, further fitness issues arose, which limited him to just six Ligue 1 appearances when he joined Lille the following year. He eventually left the club as a free agent in June, signaling the end of his time at the top level. The stint in Lille did not work out as planned, and the continuous injury problems hampered the player to make any meaningful contribution to the team.
Notre Champion du monde 2018, Samuel Umtiti, a choisi de raccrocher les crampons à l’âge de 31 ans
Bravo pour ta grande carrière Sam’ et merci pour tout ce que tu as donné à l’Équipe de France #FiersdetreBleus pic.twitter.com/UkXD2S72nm
— Equipe de France (@equipedefrance) September 15, 2025
Umtiti shared a heartfelt message on social media, reflecting on his career: "After an intense career with ups and downs, the time has come to say goodbye. I gave my all with passion and regret nothing." These words encapsulated the determination and commitment that defined his career, despite the challenges he faced. His impact on the teams he played for will not be forgotten by the fans.
Before his move to Barcelona, Umtiti made 170 appearances for Lyon, where he developed into one of the most promising young defenders in Europe. He showcased his talent and potential, attracting the attention of top clubs across the continent. All 31 of his senior appearances for France came between 2016 and 2019, highlighting his importance to the national team during that period. He was a mainstay in the defense, and his performances were crucial to France's success on the international stage.
Samuel Umtiti's career is a story of triumph and adversity, marked by unforgettable moments and persistent struggles. While injuries may have curtailed his time at the highest level, his contributions to football will always be remembered. He leaves behind a legacy as a World Cup winner and a talented defender who captivated fans with his skill and determination.