Mamadou Sakho Retires: Former PSG Defender Ends Career at Parisian Derby

Mamadou Sakho bids farewell to football in emotional Paris derby

**PARIS, September 2025** – Former French international and central defender **Mamadou Sakho has officially retired from professional football**, choosing the poignant setting of a Paris derby in the national cup to announce his departure.

Career comes full circle

**After honing his skills at Paris FC and later at Paris Saint-Germain (PSG)**, Sakho marked the end of his career by attending a match that saw Paris FC triumph over PSG with a 1-0 victory in the Coupe de France’s round of 32. The announcement comes after Sakho’s contract with the Georgian club Torpedo Kutaisi ended on July 1, 2024. At 35, and having not played competitively for a year and a half, Sakho chose the **iconic Parc des Princes**—a venue where he spent his formative years—as the backdrop for his retirement announcement.

Heartfelt thanks and reflections

In an emotional address, Sakho expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout his journey. **”It’s a great pleasure to return to my home ground with such an incredible audience,”** Sakho stated. He shared personal memories, highlighting the influence of his family, particularly his mother, on his career. **”Without Paris FC, there wouldn’t have been PSG for me,”** he added, emphasizing the foundational role the club played in his life.

Remarkable career statistics

During his illustrious career, Sakho earned **29 caps for the French national team**, scoring twice. At the club level, he made **201 appearances for PSG**, netting seven goals and providing two assists. His career also included stints at **Liverpool** with 80 matches and three goals, **Crystal Palace** with 75 games and one goal, **Montpellier HSC** appearing in 49 matches with one goal, and concluding with **19 matches at Torpedo Kutaisi**.