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Samuel Umtiti

Samuel Umtiti is a former professional footballer who played as a centre-back.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Samuel Umtiti is a former professional footballer who played as a centre-back. Born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, he represented France internationally and won the 2018 FIFA World Cup. His club career included spells with Lyon, Barcelona, Lecce and Lille before he retired in 2025.

Early life and youth career

Umtiti was born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, and moved through youth football in France, including Ménival FC and Olympique Lyonnais. He developed at Lyon before breaking into the senior team in 2012.

Club career

After establishing himself at Lyon, Umtiti joined Barcelona in 2016 for €25 million and won multiple domestic trophies there, including two La Liga titles and three Copa del Rey titles. He later spent a season on loan at Lecce and returned to France with Lille in July 2023.

International career

Umtiti represented France at senior level and was part of the team that won the 2018 FIFA World Cup. He played as a left-footed centre-back and was widely used in France's defence during that tournament.

Retirement

Umtiti retired from professional football in 2025 after a career affected by persistent knee and cartilage problems. His retirement followed his final spell with Lille.

Key facts

  • Started professional career with Olympique Lyonnais in 2012.
  • Transferred to FC Barcelona in 2016 for €25 million.
  • Won two La Liga titles and three Copa del Rey titles with Barcelona.
  • Part of France's 2018 FIFA World Cup-winning squad.
  • Announced retirement in September 2025 due to knee cartilage damage.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Samuel Umtiti?
Samuel Umtiti is a retired French professional footballer who played as a centre-back and won the 2018 FIFA World Cup with France.
Which clubs did Samuel Umtiti play for?
He played for Olympique Lyonnais, FC Barcelona, Lecce on loan, and Lille.
What position did Samuel Umtiti play?
He played primarily as a centre-back and was left-footed.
What did Samuel Umtiti win with Barcelona?
He won two La Liga titles and three Copa del Rey titles with Barcelona.
When did Samuel Umtiti retire?
He announced his retirement from professional football in September 2025.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samuel_Umtiti
    Supports: Career timeline, club transfers, retirement, and general biographical details.
  2. FC Barcelona — https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/players/6883/samuel-umtiti
    Supports: Date and place of birth, position, appearances, honours, and club history.
  3. FC Barcelona — https://www.fcbarcelona.com/en/football/first-team/news/4363396/samuel-umtiti-announces-retirement-at-31-years/featured
    Supports: Retirement announcement, titles won at Barcelona, and overview of later career.
  4. BBC Sport — https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66278782
    Supports: Signing for Lille after leaving Barcelona.
  5. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/bio/_/id/150051/samuel-umtiti
    Supports: Nationality, position, and birthdate.