“Without her, my story would have been different”

Sakho revealed his decision to “hang up his boots” at the Parc des Princes on Monday night ahead of the Paris derby between PSG and Paris FC. The former France international played for Paris FC as a child before signing for PSG aged 12.

Mamadou Sakho retired from football

The Frenchman, known for his imposing physique, enjoyed an impressive career in which he played over 200 games for PSG before signing for Liverpool and then Crystal Palace. He took advantage of the French Cup match between PSG and Paris FC to announce his official retirement from football. Before the start of the game, the two clubs prepared a special moment for him, together with his mother, whom he thanked for the support during his career.

Both clubs have great sentimental value for Sakho, given that he spent his youth at Paris FC before moving on to PSG.

“It is an immense pleasure to return to 'my home' with such an exceptional audience. The grounds are as beautiful as ever. I have wonderful memories here. I wanted to introduce you to my mother, because without her, my story would have been different. A big respect for all mothers in the world. I want to thank everyone and officially announce my retirement,” said the Frenchman, before the start of the match between PSG and Paris FC, a French Cup match.

Mamadou Sakho has announced his retirement from football / Imago Images

• During his career, Sakho played 437 matches and scored 13 goals

• For PSG he played 201 games and won 4 trophies, including a championship title

• He played 80 games for Liverpool but did not win any trophies

This decision comes 6 months since he played his last official match. The last match played by Mamadou Sakho was on 29 May 2025 when Torpedo Kutaisi, his former team, played FC Gareji Sagarejo in the first league of Georgia.

Mamadou Sakho at Liverpool / Imago Images