Former France midfielder Dimitri Payet has retired from professional football at age 38, concluding a 21-year career.
Payet made the emotional announcement during halftime of Olympique de Marseille’s Ligue 1 match against Lille at Stade Vélodrome-the club where he had his greatest success across two stints.
Born in Réunion, Payet began his pro career at FC Nantes in 2005. He earned 38 caps for France, scoring eight goals, and played a key role in the team that reached the Euro 2016 final, losing 1-0 to Portugal in extra time.
“I come from an island and my dream was to become a professional,” Payet said. “I made it and did it for 20 years at the highest level... today is the end of a beautiful journey.”
Though never lifting a major trophy, Payet gained global recognition as a set-piece specialist with Marseille and West Ham United.