David Ospina brings distinguished playing career to an end at 38

David Ospina has announced his retirement from football at the age of 38, ending his career while playing for Mexican club Atlante.

The Colombia goalkeeper confirmed his decision on Wednesday in a message posted on his Instagram account.

“I say to football, thank you! I will not abandon it… but I am grateful! It has been an amazing journey! From now on, I will go wherever my smile takes me,” Ospina wrote.

Ospina made more than 600 appearances during his career, including 131 for Colombia. That international total makes him the country’s most-capped player, level with James Rodriguez.

His club career included four years with Arsenal between 2014 and 2018. He then joined Napoli, where he remained until 2022, before moving to Al Nassr and staying with the Saudi Arabian club until 2024.

In France, Ospina was known for a six-year spell with Nice from 2008 to 2014. He later continued his career with Atlante before bringing it to a close.

Colombia are listed to play Chile in a friendly on 13 November 2026.