Victor Wanyama: FKF President leads Kenyans to celebrate retired captain

Football Kenya Federation (FKF) President Mohammed Hussein led Kenyans to celebrate former Harambee Stars captain Victor Wanyama, who hanged his decorated boots after a pioneering 19-year career.

During his career, Wanyama become the first Kenyan to score in the UEFA Champions League, when he scored the first goal in Celtic’s 2-1 win over Barcelona in 2012.

Congratulations Victor Wanyama on your remarkable career, as you hang up your boots we celebrate your illustrious career marked by resilience, dedication, patience, and passion for the sport.

Your journey, from Kenya to Europe, your skills and leadership on and off the pitch… pic.twitter.com/HgieNNjOWh

— Hussein Mohammed (@husseinmoha) April 3, 2026

Wanyama made the announcement in a heartfelt message on social media on Friday, He said: “Today I announce my retirement from football,” explained Wanyama via a social media statement on Friday.

“Four different countries. Six different clubs. A boy from Muthurwa with a big dream, carrying a nation’s pride every time I stepped onto the pitch.

“To my family, friends, agent, the fans, and the coaching staff that helped me throughout my career. Thank you for walking this journey with me. I now take my next step into coaching where I will be completing my UEFA A License this year.”

‘Your skills will continue to inspire future’

Mohammed Hussein said, “Congratulations Victor Wanyama on your remarkable career. As you hang up your boots, we celebrate your illustrious career marked by resilience, dedication, patience, and passion for the sport.

“Your journey, from Kenya to Europe, your skills and leadership on and off the pitch will continue inspiring future generations and will be remembered for years to come. Wishing you a happy retirement and a fulfilling next chapter.”

Today i announce my retirement from football, Four different countries six different clubs, A boy from Muthurwa with a big dream, carrying a Nations pride everytime i stepped onto the pitch. To my family, friends, agent, the fans and the coaching staff that helped me throughout pic.twitter.com/ZTUII58KWO

— Victor Wanyama (@VictorWanyama) April 3, 2026

In 2013, Wanyama moved to Premier League club Southampton, making him the most expensive player sold by a Scottish club at the time, surpassing the £9.5 million Russian club Spartak Moscow paid for Aiden McGeady in 2010.

In summer 2016, he moved to Southampton’s Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur where he stayed until March 2020, when he signed with Major League Soccer club Montreal Impact. In March 2025, Wanyama returned to Scotland to play for Dunfermline Athletic under his former Celtic manager Neil Lennon.

‘We enjoyed every moment’

Tottenham took to their official social media platform to celebrate Wanyama, praising his time at the club and wishing him all the best in retirement.

“We had Victor Wanyama, and he was fantastic. We enjoyed every moment. Wishing you all the very best in your retirement, Victor. Thank you for the memories,” read the statement from the Premier League club.

He became the captain of the Harambee Stars in 2013, and represented Kenya at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Egypt.

Tottenham took to their official social media platform to celebrate Wanyama, praising his time at the club and wishing him all the best in retirement.

Wanyama earned over 60 caps for Harambee Stars since making his international debut in May 2007 at age 15.