The successful Cameroonian defender Joel Matip has decided to retire from football. After spending an incredible eight years at Liverpool, Matip left the club as a free agent and came to this decision just a few months later. During his time at Liverpool, Matip played 201 matches, winning both the UEFA Champions League and the Premier League. Previously, he had also spent a long period at Schalke 04, where he made a total of 500 appearances, scoring 45 goals and providing 25 assists at the club level.
Matip also earned 27 caps for the Cameroon national team, scoring one goal during that time. After not receiving the offers he anticipated from Europe’s top clubs during the summer transfer window, Matip, who remained a free agent, decided to retire at the age of 33. While it was likely he could have found a new team had he waited until the winter transfer window, Matip may have preferred to end his career while still at the top.
Described as a “key figure” during Jürgen Klopp’s tenure as manager, Joel Matip will also be missed by the Cameroon national team as they prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Having achieved great success at both the club and international levels, Matip’s leadership and experience in defense will be a significant loss for Cameroon.
