Ex-Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen announcement retirement

Jan Vertonghen – one of Belgium’s most distinguished footballers – has announced that he will retire from professional football at the end of the current season.

The 37-year-old defender, who has had a remarkable career spanning nearly two decades and played his best years at Tottenham will soon hang up his boots.

Reflecting on his decision, Vertonghen shared his thoughts on stepping away from the game.

He said: “In recent weeks it has become clear to me that these will be my last games. This is by no means an easy decision, but it is the right one.

“I have noticed that it is becoming more and more difficult to prepare myself physically for training sessions and matches and to show myself as the player I want to be.

“Not only towards the fans and my fellow players, but also towards myself. That is why I will be stopping after this season.”

🚨🇧🇪 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐈𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 | Jan Vertonghen (37) will retire from football at the end of the season! 👋

880 professional appearances for club & country with 5 trophies won.

Career Path: Ajax, Waalwijk, Tottenham, Benfica, Anderlecht. pic.twitter.com/yV4sbdb11e

– Eurofoot (@eurofootcom) March 25, 2025

Vertonghen’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. He began his professional journey with Ajax, making 220 appearances for the Dutch giants.

His talent and leadership then took him to the Premier League, where he spent eight successful years at Tottenham Hotspur, amassing 315 matches.

A two-season stint with Portuguese club Benfica followed before he returned to Belgium in 2022 to join Anderlecht. Since then, he has worn the captain’s armband for nearly three seasons, playing 77 matches.

Beyond club football, Vertonghen’s impact on the Belgian national team has been historic. With 157 caps to his name, he holds the record as Belgium’s most-capped player. His contributions have been instrumental in shaping the past, present, and future of the Red Devils.

As his career approaches its close at the end of May, Vertonghen remains committed to giving his all in the final stretch of the season.

He added: “I’m going to give it my all for the last eleven games and hopefully experience a few more great moments with the fans and my team-mates.

“I am very proud of what I have been able to experience and of what I have achieved. I would also like to thank everyone who has supported me all these years from the bottom of my heart.”