What next after retirement? Victor Wanyama reveals next career chapter
By Luke Oluoch, April 3, 2026Harambee Stars legend Victor Wanyama has revealed the next chapter of his career after announcing his retirement on Friday, April 3, 2026.
The former Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur midfielder made his retirement public through his Instagram page with over half a million followers, marking the end of a decorated football journey that spanned almost two decades across different clubs in Africa, North America, and Europe.
In what came as shocking news to the football world, his revelation followed just days after he featured in a high-profile legends clash pitting his former team, Southampton, against Manchester United legends.
The tie was preceded by an interview with a local podcaster, where he disclosed that he was uncertain about hanging up his boots despite not being involved in competitive football for nearly two years.
“At the moment, I’m not entirely sure whether I will keep playing or retire,” Wanyama had confessed in an interview with the Conversation w/Chaxy Podcast.
Playfield to the dugout
In a comforting update for fans, Wanyama has stepped away from the pitch to remain engaged in the game via a managerial role.
“I now take my next step into coaching, where I will be completing my UEFA A License this year,” stated Wanyama, who officially retired from international football with the Harambee Stars in September 2021.
The move follows a famous path that other iconic footballers across the world have taken after ending their playing days.
Wanyama’s coaching career kicks off with him completing his UEFA A License.
The UEFA A Diploma, commonly known as the A Badge, is a high-level professional qualification ranked as the second-highest certification available, sitting directly below the UEFA Pro Diploma.
According to UEFA regulations, the UEFA A Diploma is divided into two tiers: advanced and elite. The advanced tier requires a UEFA B license and typically at least one year of experience. This qualifies coaches for top amateur levels, professional youth teams, and assistant roles in second-tier professional leagues.
Coaching path
The elite level is the UEFA Pro Diploma, the highest qualification required for managing in top-tier professional leagues such as the Premier League or La Liga, as well as national senior squads.
UEFA requires that a candidate hold a valid UEFA B license and complete at least one year of experience in 11-a-side football after graduating with the B license before applying for the UEFA A Diploma.
Upon completion of his coaching badges, Wanyama will join more than 200,000 UEFA-qualified coaches active across Europe, ranging from grassroots community heroes to the household names at the top of the game.