Victor Wanyama calls time on wonderful career
victor wanyama has announced his retirement from professional football, ending a career that took him from Nairobi to top Scottish and English clubs. He announced the decision on Fri 03 April 2026 at 14: 10 ET. The midfielder leaves with domestic titles in Scotland, a Canadian Championship, and 64 caps for Kenya, where he served as captain.
Victor Wanyama: career in fact and memory
The essentials: Wanyama made 97 appearances and scored seven goals in all competitions after joining one Premier League club from Southampton in June 2016; he opened the scoring in the club’s final game at White Hart Lane and produced a memorable strike at Anfield in February 2018. A midfield partnership with Mousa Dembele helped power the team to a second-place Premier League finish in 2016/17, and he featured in several dominant league wins that season.
Earlier in his career he left Nairobi for Europe in 2007 to join Helsingborg, moved within a year to Belgian side Beerschot where he made 56 appearances, and then signed for Celtic in July 2011. He won the Scottish league in his first season and in 2012/13 made 49 appearances as Celtic captured the league and cup double; he scored nine goals that campaign including the opener in a 2-1 Champions League win over Barcelona at Parkhead and earned the SPL Young Player of the Year award. After his time in England he spent four years in MLS with Montreal, where he won the Canadian Championship in 2021 and made 133 appearances, before a brief return to Scotland with Dunfermline last season.
Immediate reaction: Victor Wanyama speaks
Victor Wanyama, former captain of the Kenya national team, spoke about where he felt most loved in Europe: “I was treated well in every European club I played for. But I think where I experienced more love was in Celtic. The fans there adore me so much. It was a beautiful feeling and experience. “
On the interpersonal side he reflected on the nature of football relationships: “Contrary to what many think, football isn’t a sport where you get to make friends. The friendship in football is different. Yes, you may get along with fellow teammates, but there isn’t really a time when you can develop a mutual bond with a teammate because of the nature of the sport. “
Quick context
Born in Nairobi, Wanyama made his senior international debut at 15 and went on to earn 64 caps, later captaining his national side. Across club football he collected domestic league honours in Scotland, a national cup in Canada, and made notable contributions in the English top flight.
What’s next
Formal tributes from clubs he served and from the Kenya national team are expected in the coming days, while details of victor wanyama’s plans beyond retirement have not been disclosed. Fans and institutions will monitor announcements for any next steps, whether in coaching, ambassadorial roles, or other football-related work.
