Former Kenya national team captain, Victor Wanyama, has announced his retirement from international football, bringing to a close a distinguished 19-year career. The midfielder made the announcement on April 3, 2026, via his X handle, expressing gratitude to those who supported him throughout his journey.
In a heartfelt message, Wanyama reflected on his rise from humble beginnings to representing his country on the global stage. He noted that he had fulfilled his lifelong dream and revealed plans to transition into coaching, with intentions to complete his UEFA A Licence later this year.
Wanyama made history as the first Kenyan to score in the UEFA Champions League, netting in Celtic’s famous 2-1 victory over Barcelona in 2012. His performance during his time in Scotland earned him widespread recognition and paved the way for a move to the English Premier League.
In 2013, he joined Southampton for £12.5 million, becoming the most expensive player sold by a Scottish club at the time. He later moved to Tottenham Hotspur in 2016, where he became a fan favourite, notably remembered for his stunning long-range goal against Liverpool in 2018.
Wanyama also featured for CF Montreal, where he played under Thierry Henry and captained the side to victory in the 2021 Canadian Championship. In March 2025, he returned to Scotland to join Dunfermline Athletic, reuniting with former manager Neil Lennon.
On the international stage, Wanyama debuted for Kenya in May 2007 at just 15 years old in a friendly against Nigeria. He went on to earn over 60 caps for the Harambee Stars, captaining the team from 2013 and representing the country at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Tributes have continued to pour in following his announcement, with former clubs and football authorities praising his leadership, resilience, and contributions to the game.
