Victor Wanyama says scoring in Tottenham’s final match at White Hart Lane remains one of the most memorable moments of his career.
The former Kenya international, now 35, officially retired in April 2025 after playing his final professional match in March 2025.
Tottenham’s farewell to their historic stadium came in May 2017, when they beat Manchester United 2-1. Wanyama opened the scoring with a header, bringing the curtain down on the ground with a goal.
He had already made a significant impact during his first season at the club, scoring the winner against Crystal Palace on his home debut. Tottenham went unbeaten at home throughout their final campaign at White Hart Lane, with Wanyama making 36 appearances as they finished runners-up in the Premier League.
Wanyama looked back on his time in north London while attending a Club Legends Lunch at Tottenham’s training ground in August.
“We had a great group of teammates who wanted to be better in every game,” he said. “Every weekend we stepped onto the pitch, we wanted to prove that we could still be at the top.
“That’s how it should be here, competing every weekend. Once you’ve played here, you feel the treatment you get and the reaction from the fans – it’s truly incredible. I don’t think you’d get that feeling anywhere else.
“I just want to see the club keep progressing; that has always been my wish. I always follow them.”
Reflecting on the final season at White Hart Lane, Wanyama said remaining unbeaten had been particularly important.
“For me, the most special thing was that we didn’t lose at White Hart Lane. It was incredible,” he said. “The farewell match, the goal against Man United, and scoring in the last home game of the season meant a lot to me.
“To close out that stadium with a goal will always be remembered. For me, it was beautiful, like a dream come true.”
Wanyama said persistent knee problems ultimately forced him to end his playing career, despite still enjoying football.
“Football was my life, and retiring wasn’t easy, but my knees just couldn’t take it anymore,” he said. “I was actually still enjoying the game, and every time I stepped onto the pitch, I made sure I gave my all, leaving no regrets.
“After returning to Europe from the MLS, I went to Dunfermline, and in one game I pushed myself to the limit, and my knee swelled up for three days. That’s when I realised I couldn’t torture myself like that anymore. It was time to give my knees a rest and spend more time with my kids at home.”
Wanyama is now completing his A-level coaching license and wants to contribute to the sport that shaped his life.
“I love this sport; it’s what I know best,” he said. “I also want to give back to football what football has given me.”
He also hopes to support the development of football in Kenya, where he was surprised to find organised Tottenham supporters.
“It’s important to help develop football in my country,” Wanyama said. “The most surprising thing is that there are Tottenham fans in Kenya, and even Tottenham fan groups. They gather every season, and whenever I’m in the area, they invite me. It’s truly wonderful to see such things.”
