Cameroon international Nicolas Nkoulou has said his final goodbye to football at age 35, bring an end to his illustrious career.
Nkoulou bows out after remarkable career that saw him represent several top European clubs including Olympique de Marseille, Olympique Lyonnais and AS Monaco in France, as well as Torino in Italy.
Known for his composed and intelligent defensive abilities, Nkoulou earned a reputation for his leadership and consistency at the highest level of the game.
“Every journey has a beginning… and every great journey deserves a meaningful end. From the streets where the dream was born to the biggest stadiums in the world, I truly lived the game I imagined as a child. I didn’t just play football, I respected it, I fought for it and I gave it everything I had.
Today, I leave the game with my head held high. Knowing that I have remained true to myself… with discipline, resilience and a character always driven by the desire to win.
My gratitude is immense. Above all, I thank God for guiding me and giving me strength through every challenge. I am grateful to my family for their unconditional love and sacrifices. And I thank all the coaches, teammates, club members and supporters who believed in me and supported me throughout this journey.
Today, I say goodbye with serenity, pride and deep respect for the game that made me who I am. Thank you, football. The dream was real,” wrote Nicolas Nkoulou on his social media accounts.
At the international stage, Nkoulou was a pillar of the Indomitable Lions, earning 83 caps for Cameroon. He played a crucial role in the country’s triumphant run at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon, where Cameroon defied expectations to lift the trophy.
The experienced defender also represented his nation at three FIFA World Cups, underlining his longevity and importance to the national team.
Renowned for his positional awareness, calmness under pressure and sharp reading of the game, Nicolas Nkoulou leaves the sport as one of the finest defenders of his generation in African football. His legacy, both at club and international level, remains firmly intact.
