Former Kenya national football team captain Victor Wanyama has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34, bringing an end to a career that spanned nearly two decades. Wanyama, who made history as the first Kenyan to play in the English Premier League, began his top-flight journey……
Former Kenya national football team captain Victor Wanyama has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34, bringing an end to a career that spanned nearly two decades.
Wanyama, who made history as the first Kenyan to play in the English Premier League, began his top-flight journey in England when he joined Southampton FC from Celtic FC in July 2013 for a reported £12.5 million.
During his time at Southampton, the midfielder made 85 appearances and scored four goals before securing an £11 million move to Tottenham Hotspur FC in June 2016.
Announcing his decision in a post on X late Friday, Wanyama reflected on his journey in football.
“Today I announce my retirement from football,” he said.
“Four different countries, six different clubs, a boy from Muthurwa with a big dream, carrying a nation’s pride everytime I stepped onto the pitch.”
On the international stage, Wanyama earned 64 caps for Kenya before stepping down as captain of the Harambee Stars in September 2021 after being overlooked during the country’s failed bid to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
He was later invited out of retirement by head coach Benni McCarthy ahead of the 2025 African Nations Championship co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, but declined the call-up.
In March 2025, Wanyama briefly returned to Scotland, signing a short-term deal with Dunfermline Athletic FC after a two-and-a-half-year stint with CF Montréal in Major League Soccer.
