Josuha Guilavogui has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 35, bringing an end to a career that took him across some of Europe’s top leagues and earned him major honours in France, Spain, Germany and England.
The French international, who was born in Ollioules in southern France to Guinean parents, confirmed his decision on social media on Saturday after spending the final chapter of his playing career with Leeds United in the English Championship.
Guilavogui had been without a club since leaving Leeds last July and has now chosen to officially step away from the game after more than a decade at the highest level of European football.
During his career, he represented several major clubs, including AS Saint-Étienne, Atlético Madrid, VfL Wolfsburg, Girondins de Bordeaux, Mainz 05 and Leeds United.
The midfielder also earned seven caps for France national football team during his international career.
Although he represented France at senior level, Guilavogui’s Guinean roots remained an important part of his identity throughout his football journey, making him a familiar and respected figure among many supporters across Francophone Africa.
His retirement marks the end of a career defined by consistency, leadership and versatility in midfield.
One of the highlights of his club career came during his time in Spain with Atlético Madrid, where he was part of the squad that won the La Liga title in 2014.
He also collected silverware in Germany with Wolfsburg, helping the club win the German Cup and German Super Cup in 2015.
Earlier in his career, he lifted the French League Cup in 2013, while his final major honour arrived in England after winning the Championship title with Leeds in 2025.
Guilavogui reflected emotionally on his football journey in a farewell message shared on Instagram.
“Dear Football. You ask for a lot, but you give so much more. You gave me the chance to fulfill my father’s dream, which then became mine and which animates the hearts and eyes of millions of children… and then you chose me.”
The former midfielder also acknowledged the fleeting nature of sporting careers while expressing gratitude for his time in the game.
“You will certainly forget me, as you have done with others who were greater than me, but like them, I will never forget you. It’s time to write THE famous sentence. I’m hanging up my boots. The page turns, but the book remains open. ‘Let’s not cry because it’s over, let’s smile because it happened.’ Thank you, Football,” Guilavogui wrote.
Across Europe, Guilavogui earned a reputation as a disciplined and intelligent midfielder capable of adapting to different tactical systems and leagues.
From Ligue 1 to La Liga, the Bundesliga and English football, he built a career that reflected both resilience and professionalism.
