Image Credits: Imago Images
Liverpool secured their pathway to the FA Cup fourth round with a 4-1 win over Barnsley in at Anfield on Monday night. The Reds will host Brighton & Hove Albion in round four of the competition, with fourth-round ties are set for the weekend of February 14.
But while that was happening, a former Liverpool fan favourite announced his retirement across the Channel. Indeed, former Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain defender Mamadou Sakho has officially hung up his boots at the age of 35.
The French centre-back confirmed his retirement in a poignant ceremony at the Parc des Princes on Monday night, stepping onto the pitch before PSG’s French Cup clash against Paris FC – fittingly, two of his former clubs:
“I wanted to officially announce the end of my career,” he said. “This is an immense pleasure – to return to my garden with such an exceptional crowd.”
“The pitch is just 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.”
“Big respect to all the mothers in the world. I want to thank everyone and officially announce my retirement. Thank you to the Parc des Princes and to Paris FC, without which PSG wouldn’t have been part of my journey.”
Sakho joined Liverpool from PSG in September 2013 for approximately £18 million, quickly establishing himself as a cult hero at Anfield during his four-year spell with the club. The imposing centre-back made 80 appearances for the Reds across all competitions, scoring three goals.
While Sakho’s football career has concluded, the defender has already laid the foundations for a successful life after the game through his burgeoning property business based in Dubai. The former Liverpool man is the founder and CEO of Sakho & Co.
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[📺LIVE] 🏆 #CoupeDeFrance
⚽ Mamadou Sakho est à notre micro après l’annonce de sa retraite sur la pelouse du Parc des Princes #PSGPFC #CDFCA pic.twitter.com/FZDWNQDBVt
— beIN SPORTS (@beinsports_FR) January 12, 2026
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