Maha Christopher
Former Liverpool and Belgium striker Divock Origi has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 31, bringing an end to a career highlighted by some of the most memorable moments in Liverpool’s recent history.
According to Sky Sports, Origi reflected on his career and singled out three goals as the defining moments of his time at Anfield.
“Three goals come to mind. Barcelona, in the Champions League final, and the Everton derby in the 96th minute,” he said.
“Each one is iconic in its own way. The final probably represents the height of it all. But if I had to choose one, I’d say the Barcelona goal. The emotion and the feeling of those three will stay with me forever.”
Origi became a fan favourite at Liverpool for scoring crucial goals in key matches, including the famous strike against Barcelona in the Champions League semi final comeback at Anfield and his goal in the 2019 Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur.
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp once described the Belgian forward as “a Liverpool legend,” despite Origi often playing a supporting role during his eight year stay at the club.
Reflecting on his relationship with Klopp, Origi credited the German coach for helping shape both his football career and personal development.
“Klopp holds a special place for me. We shared special moments and won the biggest trophies together,” he said.
“The first thing he told me was that he believed in me. I was in his first starting XI, and from day one he believed in me.”
Signed by Liverpool in 2014, Origi scored 41 goals in 175 appearances and won the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup during his time at Anfield.
Following his departure from Liverpool in 2022, he had spells with AC Milan and Nottingham Forest, with his last competitive appearance coming in 2024.
Looking back on his journey, Origi said he leaves football without regrets.
“I’ve been blessed to win some of the biggest trophies in the game. But more than that, I’m proud to have contributed to teams that will forever be remembered in the history of football,” he said.
The former striker revealed he plans to focus on fashion, sports management and entrepreneurship in the next chapter of his life.
Asked how he would like to be remembered, Origi offered a simple response:
“A player who authentically fulfilled his purpose. A player who fully walked in who he was created to be, not just as a player, but as a man.”
