Charly Musonda Announces Retirement
Charly Musonda, once hailed as a promising talent at Chelsea, has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 28. The Belgian midfielder, who represented his country at various youth levels up to Under-21, most recently played for Anorthosis in Cyprus during the 2023-2024 season.
Career Overview
Musonda’s career began at Chelsea when he joined the academy from Anderlecht in 2012, where he was expected to rise to stardom. However, despite a decade-long contract with the club, he only made a handful of first-team appearances, totaling just seven across all competitions.
His time at Chelsea included multiple loan spells at clubs like Real Betis, Vitesse, and Celtic, offering him opportunities to gain experience and playing time.
Reflections on His Journey
Reflecting on his journey during an appearance on the Rising Ballers podcast, Musonda shared, “I’ve got a big announcement today. It’s not easy but it’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time. After reflecting on my experiences and who I am, I’ve realised I want to live with purpose to inspire and motivate others.”
After departing from Chelsea in 2022, he moved to Levante in Spain’s second division before heading to Cyprus. Musonda faced significant challenges, particularly after enduring a serious knee injury that sidelined him for two years. He mentioned the mental toll of leaving Chelsea, stating, “The exit killed me, it killed me mentally; it was the worst thing.”
Final Days and Future Aspirations
Before his retirement, Musonda was working to regain his form while training with the reserves. He recounted a fateful encounter with Chelsea’s then-manager Thomas Tuchel, who expressed support for his return. Musonda was optimistic and committed to rejoining the first team for preseason, but faced further obstacles that led to the conclusion of his time with the club.
