DR Congo: Gaël Kakuta officially announces his retirement from sports

Gaël Kakuta's football career has come to an end. At 35, the Congolese international has decided to hang up his boots for good, just days after the Democratic Republic of Congo's elimination against England (2-1) in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.

The attacking midfielder, who didn't play a single minute during the World Cup, chose his Instagram account to announce this significant decision. In an emotional message, he explained that it was time for him to begin a new chapter in his life.

"There comes a time when you have to listen to the times and accept that every season has an end. Today, it is with great humility that I announce the end of my football career," he wrote.

Trained at Chelsea, where he was considered one of the brightest prospects of his generation, Gaël Kakuta enjoyed a rich career, marked by numerous stints in several European leagues. In France, he played for Lens, Dijon, and Amiens. He also played for Vitesse Arnhem, Lazio, Rayo Vallecano, Sevilla FC, and several other clubs throughout his career.

With the DR Congo national team, Kakuta played 31 matches and scored five goals, bringing his experience and technical quality to the Leopards for several years.

Since February 2026, the Congolese player had been playing for AEL Larissa in Greece.

His retirement brings to an end a professional career spanning nearly two decades, during which he left his mark on several European leagues and on the recent history of Congolese football.