At the age of 39, Fabien Farnolle, the esteemed Beninese international goalkeeper, has officially announced his retirement from professional football. Farnolle, who earned 31 caps for the Benin national team, shared the news via his Instagram account on Friday, bringing an end to a distinguished career spanning nearly two decades.
Farnolle’s decision to retire comes a few weeks after fellow Beninese international Mickael Poté also announced his departure from the sport.
Farnolle’s last professional appearance was on March 22, 2022, for Sidama Coffee in Ethiopia. Since then, he had remained out of the public eye, leading to speculation about his future.
His official announcement marks the conclusion of a career that began in January 2005.
In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Farnolle reflected on his career and expressed gratitude to those who supported him along the way.
“End of the game, but faith and passion never die. Today is a special day for me.
I put down my boots and put an end to a career as a professional footballer that has occupied a large part of my life… I will never forget my teammates, coaches, staff, and managers who have contributed to my development.
Today, I turn the page, but I am not saying goodbye to football,” Farnolle wrote.
Farnolle’s professional journey saw him play for numerous clubs across different countries, showcasing his talents and leadership on and off the field.
His career included stints with clubs such as Vitória Setúbal in Portugal, Lormont and Quevilly in France, Dinamo Bucharest in Romania, Le Havre AC in France, and BB Erzurumspor in Turkey.
His versatility and consistent performances earned him respect and admiration from fans and fellow players alike.
On the international stage, Farnolle was a pivotal figure for the Benin national team, known as the Cheetahs.
His 31 appearances for the national side were marked by several standout performances, contributing to Benin’s competitive presence in African football.
His experience and composure were invaluable to the team’s defensive stability.
Farnolle’s retirement marks the end of an era for a player who has been a stalwart in goal for both club and country.
While he steps away from playing, his statement hints at a continued involvement in football, possibly in coaching, mentoring, or other roles within the sport.
His passion for the game remains undiminished, and his future endeavors are likely to benefit from the wealth of experience he has accumulated over his career.
Fabien Farnolle’s retirement is a moment of reflection on a career that has been both impactful and inspirational.
From his early days to his final match, Farnolle has demonstrated dedication, skill, and sportsmanship.
As he transitions to the next chapter of his life, the football community celebrates his contributions and looks forward to seeing how he will continue to influence the sport he loves.
