Beninese international Mickaël Poté has officially ended his professional football career. The 39-year-old announced his retirement in a heartfelt message posted on his digital platforms between the night of July 2 and the morning of July 3.
“It is with great emotion that I announce the end of my career as a professional footballer, whether in a club or in the national team,” Poté wrote.
“I would like to thank all the people I have met during my long career, without forgetting my family who had to support me during all this time! Thank you to all the coaches, the managers, the people who work in the shadows for our comfort etc.”
Mickaël Poté’s career has been remarkable, leaving an indelible mark on the football world. Born in Lyon, France, Poté began his football journey at the Ménival FC Academy before joining Grenoble Foot in 2003, where he officially began his professional career.
After a few appearances with Grenoble, he moved to AS Cannes (National 2) in the 2006-2007 season, where he made a significant impact by scoring nine goals in 31 matches.
Over his 20-year career, Poté played for numerous clubs across different leagues. His journey took him to Clermont Foot, OGC Nice, Le Mans, Adana Demirspor, Apoel Nicosia, Bandirmaspor, Menemenspor, and most recently, Karsiyaka SK in the Turkish fourth division.
Poté’s contributions extended to the international stage as well. He earned his first cap for the Benin national team in 2008, accumulating a total of 69 appearances and scoring ten goals.
He participated in two African Cup of Nations tournaments, in 2010 and 2019, with his standout performance helping Benin reach the quarter-finals in Egypt in 2019.
Throughout his career, Poté achieved significant milestones, including being the top scorer in four different seasons, winning the Cypriot First Division title with Apoel Nicosia in 2016-2017, and securing a runner-up position in the Turkish Second Division, which led to a promotion to the Turkish Super Lig.
Remarkably, Poté was one of only three Beninese players in history to play in the Champions League final phase, where he scored two memorable goals against Borussia Dortmund.
In his farewell message, Poté reflected on his extensive career, during which he scored 150 goals in 309 matches across all clubs and competitions.
His contributions to football have been recognized and celebrated by fans and peers alike. As he steps away from the pitch, Poté hinted at future endeavors, writing, “A new chapter will open very quickly In Sha Allah.”
Mickaël Poté’s retirement marks the end of an era for a player who has been a consistent and influential figure in both club and international football. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of footballers in Benin and beyond.
