Article by Alexandru Tomuțiu – Published Friday, November 21, 2025 20:36 / Updated Friday, November 21, 2025 20:40
Zinho Vanheusden, the 26-year-old Belgian central defender, has decided to end his football career, he himself announced on social networks.
The defender, who represented his country only once in 2020, explained that the numerous physical problems he had throughout his career led him to retire prematurely.
Zinho Vanheusden: “Today I announce that I have made a decision that I did not think I would have to make at this age”
“Today, I announce that I have made a decision that I never thought I would have to make at this age. After 22 years of football, from the age of four until now, my life as a professional footballer is coming to an end,” he began.
“The last few years have been difficult, much harder than it might seem. Injuries, operations, injections, drugs… I gave everything to come back, but it got harder and harder. In my heart, I will always want to be a footballer, but my body has been saying stop for a while,” he added.
Vanheusden made his first steps in football at Standard Liege before moving to Inter at just 16. He was considered one of the biggest promises of the Italian academies, but he never played for the Nerazzurri's first team.
Vanheusden announced his retirement
He then returned to the Belgian club, before representing Genoa, AZ and Mechelen, all on loan. This season, he moved to Spain to play for third-tier side Marbella, for whom he played seven games.
