Ex-PSG, Liverpool Cult Hero Mamadou Sakho Announces Retirement; PSG Roll Out Emotional Farewell

Mamadou Sakho has officially brought the curtain down on his football career — and fittingly, it happened at home.

The former France, Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool defender announced his retirement

on Monday at the age of 35, delivering the news on the pitch at the Parc des Princes ahead of PSG’s Coupe de France clash against Paris FC.

“I wanted to officially announce the end of my career,” Sakho told supporters, visibly moved as the stadium applauded one of its own.

PSG marked the moment with a heartfelt tribute, inviting Sakho and his family to the match and presenting him with a commemorative trophy.

Thank you, Mamadou Sakho 🥹🫶 pic.twitter.com/TMPeFFY6RT

— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) January 12, 2026

A product of PSG’s academy, Sakho rose through the ranks to become club captain, making over 200 appearances and playing a key role in the 2012–13 Ligue 1 title-winning side. His leadership and aggressive defensive style made him a fan favourite long before his career took him abroad.

In 2013, Sakho joined Liverpool for around £18 million, quickly endearing himself to Anfield with his physicality, aerial dominance and unmistakable on-pitch intensity. He was a crucial part of the Reds’ thrilling 2013–14 Premier League title charge, and later enjoyed a resurgence under Jürgen Klopp, memorably captaining Liverpool and scoring in their iconic 4–3 Europa League comeback against Borussia Dortmund.

Though his time on Merseyside ended abruptly in 2017, Sakho’s passion for the red shirt left lasting memories.

He went on to represent Crystal Palace, Montpellier and most recently Torpedo Kutaisi, while earning 29 caps for France and featuring at the 2014 World Cup, including the quarter-final defeat to Germany.