Former Liverpool star announces retirement at the age of 37 more than a year after his last professional game

Former Liverpool winger Ryan Babel has announced his retirement from football at the age of 37. 

The 69-time Netherlands international last played for Turkish side Eyupspor in 2023 following spells at Anfield, Ajax, Fulham and Galatasaray among others. 

‘Woah, guys. As I look back on my career it feels surreal to think about how far I have come.’ Babel wrote in a post on X. ‘From my early days at Ajax, to playing for some of the biggest clubs in Europe. It’s been a journey full of unforgettable moments.

‘Football gave me everything I dreamed of and so much more. Thank you to all my team-mates, coaches, fans and even the media who have been part of this incredible adventure. This game will forever be in my heart. Thank you.’ 

The Amsterdam native, who claimed two Eredivisie titles with his boyhood club across two spells, made his debut in 2004 before going to make 142 appearances for the four time European Cup winners. 

The winger was capped 69 times by the Netherlands and was part of two World Cup squads

Babel is best remembered for his four-year spell at Anfield under Rafael Benitez, when the Reds pushed to claim their maiden Premier League crown. 

The forward netted 22 goals and provided 18 assists in 142 matches for Liverpool before he was sold to Hoffenheim in 2011. 

Shorter stays followed at Kasimpasa, Al Ain, Deportivo La Coruaa, Besiktas, Fulham, Besiktas, Galatasaray and Eyuspor. Babel was also part of Dutch squads for the 2006 and 2010 World Cup, though he failed to make an appearance at the tournament in South Africa. 

In addition to his post on X, the 37-year-old took to Instagram to announce his retirement on Saturday. He wrote: ‘If it wasn’t clear yet, here it is – thanks football’.

Earlier this year, Babel made a surprise appearance on Peacock’s new reality dating show ‘Love Undercover’.  

‘Love Undercover’ takes five footballers who have played for some of the biggest clubs in the world and bring them all to Los Angeles to meet single women with one catch: they’re not allowed to say they’re professional athletes until the end of the show.