Samuel Umtiti, a cornerstone of France’s 2018 World Cup triumph, has announced his retirement from football at just 31. The former Barcelona and Lyon centre-back enjoyed a glittering spell at the Camp Nou, making 133 appearances and winning two LaLiga titles. Despite his early promise, Umtiti’s career was plagued by chronic knee issues that limited his playing time in recent years. His final stint came with Ligue 1 side Lille. A gifted defender with impeccable timing, Umtiti now steps away from the game that he helped shape at both club and international levels.
