Dutch forward Ricky van Wolfswinkel has announced his retirement from professional football at the end of the current season, bringing an end to an 18-year career. The 37-year-old, currently playing for FC Twente, revealed his decision in a video posted on the club’s social media channels on Wednesday morning.
Van Wolfswinkel described his career as a fulfilled dream, stating he had given everything to each training session, match, and moment. He expressed a sense of timing, acknowledging that now was the right moment to step away from the highest level of the game.
Throughout his career, van Wolfswinkel has played for a number of clubs including Sporting CP and FC Basel. He also had a spell in France with AS Saint-Étienne, joining on loan from Norwich City during the 2014-2015 season. During his time with Les Verts, he made 40 appearances and scored 9 goals, notably finding the net in a 3-0 derby victory over Olympique Lyonnais in November 2014.
He returned to the Netherlands to play for Vitesse, before joining Twente. While his later career was spent in the Eredivisie, van Wolfswinkel’s time at Saint-Étienne remains a memorable chapter for fans of the French club. His retirement marks the end of a career spanning nearly two decades, during which he consistently demonstrated a commitment to the sport.
Van Wolfswinkel’s departure leaves a void in the Twente squad, though his age suggested retirement was approaching. The club is expected to address the forward position in future transfer windows. His final season will be viewed as a chance for fans to celebrate his contributions to the game.
