Benjamin Stambouli ends playing career after final FC Metz spell

French-Algerian midfielder Benjamin Stambouli has ended his playing career at the age of 36 after moving from free agency into retirement on 3 September 2026.

Stambouli’s final club was FC Metz, whom he joined as a free agent in September 2024. He left Metz on 1 July 2026 and remained without a club before formally retiring two months later.

The defensive midfielder began his senior career with Montpellier, progressing from the club’s academy before making the move into first-team football. He helped Montpellier win the French championship in the 2011-12 season, one of two Ligue 1 titles secured during his career.

Stambouli moved to Tottenham from Montpellier in September 2014 for €5.9m, although his time in England produced 12 Premier League appearances. He returned to France the following year, joining Paris St-Germain for €8.6m.

At PSG, Stambouli won the French title, French Cup and French League Cup during the 2015-16 season. He also collected two French Super Cups, in 2015-16 and 2016-17, adding four major domestic honours to his career record.

The midfielder transferred to Schalke in August 2016 for €8m. He spent five seasons with the German club and was part of the side that finished as Bundesliga runners-up in 2017-18.

Stambouli left Schalke for Turkish club Adana Demirspor on a free transfer in July 2021. He later returned to France, joining Stade Reims from Adana Demirspor without a transfer fee in February 2024.

Across his career, Stambouli made 165 Ligue 1 appearances, scoring three goals and providing six assists. He also played 105 times in the Bundesliga, collected 82 appearances in Turkey’s top flight and featured in European competition, including 17 Europa League matches and 11 Champions League games.

Born in Marseille, Stambouli was a right-footed defensive midfielder and stood 1.80m tall. His career included spells in France, England, Germany and Turkey, with Montpellier, PSG and Schalke among the clubs for which he made the greatest number of senior appearances.

Stambouli’s move into retirement was completed on 3 September 2026, following his departure from FC Metz.