Former Chelsea starlet announces retirement from football as next chapter confirmed

Former Chelsea ace Charly Musonda, once likened to fellow Belgian Eden Hazard, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 28.

Musonda joined Chelsea’s academy in 2012 from Anderlecht and went on to enjoy a series of loan spells with clubs including Real Betis, Celtic, and Vitesse. He made his senior debut for the Blues in August 2017 during the Community Shield clash against Arsenal but managed just seven first-team appearances in total for the club.

In 2018, only weeks into his loan at Vitesse, Musonda suffered a serious posterior cruciate ligament injury which significantly curtailed his playing time over the next two seasons. He required further surgery in 2019 and didn’t return to training until December 2020.

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He departed Stamford Bridge as a free agent in June 2022, bringing to an end an injury-hit, decade-long spell with the London side. Musonda represented Belgium at nearly every youth level - from under-15s through to under-21s - but never earned a senior international cap.

Following his Chelsea exit, he joined Spanish outfit Levante, where he made 19 appearances across all competitions during a single season. He then moved to Cyprus, signing for Anorthosis for the 2023/24 campaign, where he made just 11 appearances before spending the most recent season without a club.

Now, as the 2025/26 season approaches, Musonda has confirmed his retirement from professional football. He says his next chapter will focus on using his experiences to guide and support the next generation of players.

"Today I’m announcing that I’m stepping away from 11v11 football, but not not so much away from the game I have loved, I still think I have a lot to give, especially for top players around the globe who need a stage," Musonda shared in an Instagram post on Monday.

"I have been through so much over the last few years so many emotions happiness, sadness, which made me realise there are so many great talents with great stories who have gone or are going through similar obstacles with so much left to give but little help, and there’s probably no one better to help but me, more on @vs1fc coming soon.

"For now I would like to thank my family for always supporting me through the highest highs and lowest lows, you are the best. Thank you to all the players I have played with, against, on the streets, at school and at club level.

"My idols for inspiring me. All coaches that I have had, beginning with my dad all the way to all the youth and academy coaches to first team coaches at club and international level.

"My wish is for all great players out there who go all out to make those dreams a reality the opportunity to achieve success for themselves and their families, from the current players who inspire kids around the world to the next generation on the come up, always believe, play free and enjoy every minute you have.

"As for me, I have been truly blessed, this is not goodbye, but a new beginning, one where hopefully I can help play a small part in making the world better for footballers. Thank you and see you soon with a football always."