Former Liverpool striker Divock Origi has retired from soccer after winning the Premier League and Champions League with the Reds annd was labeled a cult hero by supporters
15:53, 08 Jun 2026Updated 16:11, 08 Jun 2026
Divock Origi has announced his retirement
Divock Origi has announced his retirement(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Divock Origi has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31, after the former Liverpool striker's career struggled following his Anfield departure.
“My purpose in the game as a player is fulfilled,” Origi wrote on social media. “I lived out my childhood dreams to play on the biggest stages and win the biggest trophies. I am grateful to God for all of it. To my fans across the world who helped me shine: every iconic moment, every goal, every piece of history we made together will forever be ours.
"To every club, and all the coaches and teammates who stood beside me, thank you. You shaped me in ways that go far beyond the pitch. Representing Belgium, my nation, while carrying Kenya, my roots, was a joy. And to my family and those closest to me… without you, I am not who I am today. I am forever grateful. The mission is complete. Now I step into my next calling. More of the journey to come…"
A product of the Genk academy, Origi joined Liverpool in the summer of 2014 from Lille, although he remained in France on loan for the 2014–15 season before arriving at Anfield the following year.
Initially under Brendan Rodgers and later Jurgen Klopp, the Belgian striker scored 10 goals in his debut 2015–16 campaign, a season disrupted by injury, before adding a further 11 the following year as Liverpool secured a return to the Champions League.
After spending the 2017–18 season on loan at VfL Wolfsburg and starting the next campaign on the fringes of the squad, Origi’s Liverpool career was reignited by a late 96th-minute winner against Everton in December 2018.
He went on to play a defining role in Liverpool’s European success, scoring twice in the 4–0 semi-final second-leg victory over Barcelona and then netting the second goal in the 2–0 Champions League final win over Tottenham Hotspur in Madrid.
MADRID, SPAIN - JUNE 01: Divock Origi of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League Final between Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool at Estadio Wanda Metropolitano on June 01, 2019 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Divock Origi was instrumental to Liverpool's Champions League success in 2019(Image: Getty Images)
Origi made 42 appearances in the 2019–20 season, scoring six goals as Liverpool completed a trophy haul that included the Premier League, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup, before also adding the FA Cup and League Cup during his time at the club. Across his Liverpool career, he made 175 appearances and scored 41 goals before leaving on a free transfer in 2022.
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After signing for AC Milan, Origi initially hoped to establish himself in an attack featuring Rafael Leao and Ante Rebic, but he quickly fell behind Zlatan Ibrahimović and Olivier Giroud in the pecking order.
He spent his first season largely as a backup, scoring just two league goals in 27 appearances before returning to the Premier League on loan with Nottingham Forest. However, his second spell in England proved difficult, as he failed to score in 20 Premier League appearances, with only a single goal coming in the FA Cup.
He then returned to Milan the following season but was informed he would not be part of the first-team plans despite still having two years remaining on his contract. He parted ways with the Serie A side in December