Samuel Umtiti has begun a new phase of his life after officially stepping away from professional football, closing a career defined by elite success and prolonged physical and emotional struggles. The former Barcelona and France center back, who retired earlier this season after failing to overcome persistent knee problems, has spoken candidly about the period that ultimately shaped his exit from the game.
Now 31 and living in Paris, Umtiti revisited his time in Catalonia during a recent interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport. Despite enjoying the most decorated spell of his career at Barcelona, he admitted that those years also brought profound isolation. “In Barcelona, I felt very lonely. I did not want to talk to anyone,” he said. Injuries limited his minutes and, as his physical condition deteriorated, the psychological toll grew heavier. “If you are not well psychologically, your body cannot perform at its maximum, and that affects your performance.”
Umtiti joined Barcelona from Olympique Lyon in July 2016 and quickly established himself as one of Europe’s top defenders. Over six seasons, he made 134 appearances, scored twice in La Liga and lifted seven trophies, including two league titles and three Copa del Rey wins. His peak came in 2018, when he helped France win the FIFA World Cup in Russia, a moment that cemented his place among the game’s elite.
That high point was followed by a steady decline. Recurring knee injuries kept him sidelined, and his role within the squad diminished. According to Umtiti, the lack of continuity and support made the situation harder to manage. “Footballers are often thrown into huge realities that are difficult to handle,” he explained, stressing the importance of speaking openly about mental health. “You have to have the courage to say out loud that you are not well.”
In 2022, Barcelona sent him on loan to Lecce, a move that proved pivotal on a personal level. His arrival in Italy was marked by an emotional reception from fans at the airport, a moment that symbolized a fresh start after years of frustration. Reflecting on that day, Umtiti said, “I am not someone who talks much; my heart expresses itself better than my mouth. Those tears probably came straight from the heart. I needed sincere love, and I found it from the very first moment in Lecce.” He recalled initial doubts about leaving Barcelona but acknowledged that Lecce sporting director Pantaleo Corvino’s prediction came true. “He told me I would fall in love with the people and the city. I was not so sure, but he was right, a very strong bond was created.”
After spells with Lecce and later Lille, Umtiti found himself without a club last summer. Ongoing knee issues eventually led him to retire earlier this season, bringing an end to a career that, as Barcelona noted in its farewell message, combined major honors with long battles against injury.
Although he has left the pitch behind, Umtiti is already planning his future in football. He is studying to become a coach and has a clear idea of the profile he wants to develop. “I want to be a versatile coach, capable of bringing out individual qualities,” he said. “The human side is crucial. We focus a lot on physical health, but we also have to pay attention to mental health. Very often, the two go hand in hand.”
