Samuel Umtiti set to announce retirement

Samuel Umtiti (31) is set to announce his retirement from professional football, according to a report from RMC Sport. 

Umtiti, who soldiered through France’s victorious 2018 World Cup campaign, despite a knee injury, has been paying for it ever since. His international career came to an end one year later, and his knee problems have limited his game time at club level ever since. 

In 2024, he underwent two bouts of surgery, and he hasn’t played since January 2024. A whole season on the sidelines meant that – unsurprisingly – Lille OSC did not extend the defender’s deal at the end of last season.

L’Équipe reported last week that Umtiti did have offers on the table, however, he was going to mull over his decision for a week, with retirement also a very real option. The Frenchman was then spotted at one of his former clubs, Olympique Lyonnais, on Friday. 

It was an appearance that suggested a potential return to his formative club, however, RMC Sport understands that this is not the case. The publication adds that the defender asked if he could go to the training ground to shoot a personal video. OL accepted that request. 

It is thought that Umtiti is now set to put an end to his 13-year career. 

GFFN | Luke Entwistle