Divock Origi has hung up his boots. The former Liverpool and Belgium striker, 31, announced his retirement from professional football after leaving AC Milan in December, saying his playing career has run its course.
Origi spent his most memorable years at Anfield, where he became a fan favourite and a crucial player in Liverpool's Champions League and Premier League triumphs. He leaves the game with a decorated résumé that includes stints at some of Europe's biggest clubs and 10 goals in 89 appearances for Belgium.
In his retirement statement, Origi said his purpose as a player has been fulfilled. He plans to pivot toward entrepreneurship, fashion, and philanthropy, charting a new path away from the pitch.
The Belgian's departure from Milan marked the end of a stint that began in 2021. His move to the Italian club came after years as a reliable depth option at Liverpool, where he made his mark with crucial goals in major competitions. At his peak, Origi was a player managers trusted in high-pressure moments, but opportunities became scarcer as he entered his thirties.
With this announcement, Origi closes a chapter that began when he first broke through at Lille before moving to Liverpool. His decision to step away while still in his early thirties follows a pattern among ageing footballers seeking new ventures beyond the sport. What comes next for Origi will unfold in the boardrooms and fashion houses of Europe rather than on the pitch.
