Lieke Martens has announced her retirement at the age of 32, closing the chapter on a career filled with historic achievements.
Martens earned 160 caps for the Netherlands, scoring 62 goals and establishing herself as one of her nation’s all-time greats.
She was the face of the Oranje’s golden generation and the driving force behind their Euro 2017 triumph on home soil, where she scored three goals, added two assists, and was named player of the tournament. That same year, FIFA crowned her the best women’s footballer in the world.
Her club career was just as decorated. After early spells with SC Heerenveen, VVV-Venlo, Standard Liege, FCR Duisburg, Kopparbergs/Goteborg FC, and FC Rosengard, Martens reached new heights at Barcelona.
With the Spanish giants, she won the Champions League in 2021 and three straight league titles, leaving a legacy as one of the club’s most influential players.
She finished her career at Paris Saint-Germain, where she made 57 appearances and scored 10 goals.
“As a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a professional footballer, something that barely existed back then,” she wrote on her Instagram page.
“I could never have imagined how far that dream would take me. Last year, I retired from the national team, and now I’ve decided to retire from club football as well. Despite having several great opportunities to continue, I’ve chosen to step away from the game I love so much and close this chapter of my career.”
Her announcement closes the curtain on a glittering journey. From inspiring a generation of young Dutch girls to lifting trophies across Europe, Martens leaves behind a legacy that will endure far beyond her final game.
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