Ethiopian international Mentesenote Adane calls time on illustrious career

Former Ethiopian international Mentesenote Adane has retired from football after a career spanning 17 years. Adane is well known for his time at Saint George and announced his retirement on Friday, February 20.

Adane was born in Addis Ababa and came through the ranks of the Saint George youth team. He was promoted to the senior side in the 2008/09 Ethiopian Premier League season by Serbian coach Milutin Sredojević Micho. Adane became an integral part of the Horsemen, winning six Ethiopian Premier League titles and helping the club reach their maiden CAF Champions League group stage in 2017.

Adane went on to play for Adama Ketema, Mechal, and Ethiopian Insurance. He won the league with Insurance in the 2024/25 season. He has been an Ethiopian international since 2013 and was included in the squad for the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) under the guidance of former Ethiopia coach Sewnet Bishaw.

Adane thanked all the clubs he represented, as well as the coaches, fans, and players he shared the spotlight with during his 17-year career. He also asked Saint George members to settle their differences in his farewell message. “I want to thank Saint George SA management and fans for the 13 years of love and respect they have given me. I grew up at Saint George, and I worry about the current situation the club is in. I want the dispute to be settled and all parties to come together for the common good of this great club.”

Adane is one of the great Ethiopian midfielders to emerge after the Ethiopian millennium.