NAIROBI, Kenya – Victor Wanyama has officially announced his retirement from professional football.
The 34-year-old midfielder and former Harambe Stars captain ends his distinguished career that spanned four different countries and six clubs with a note of gratitude.
“Today I announce my retirement from football. Four different countries, six different clubs. A boy from Muthurwa with a big dream, carrying a nation’s pride every time I stepped onto the pitch,” Wanyama wrote on social media.
Born in Nairobi, Victor left Kenya for Europe in 2007 when he joined Helsingborg in Sweden.
Less than a year later, he joined Belgian side Beerschot AC, where he made 56 appearances before a move to Glasgow Celtic in July 2011.
During his time with Celtic, Wanyama bacame the first Kenyan to score in the UEFA Champions League.
He later made history as Southampton’s first Kenyan player before joining Tottenham Hotspur, where he became a fan favourite under Mauricio Pochettino.
Victor won the league title in his first season in Scotland before enhancing his reputation further in 2012/13 with 49 appearances as Celtic clinched the SPL and Scottish Cup double.
He scored nine goals in that campaign, including the opener against Barcelona in a famous 2-1 win in the Champions League at Parkhead, as they went on to advance to the knockout stages.
His performances earned him the SPL Young Player of the Year award.
After four years with Tottenham Hotspur, he moved on for a new challenge in the MLS with Montreal.
He won the Canadian Championship in 2021 and made 133 appearances in four years before returning to Scotland for a brief stint at Dunfermline last season.
Victor Wanyama made his senior debut aged just 15 and went on to become the captain of the Kenyan national team, and earned a sporting icon title.
