Former Chelsea midfielder Marco van Ginkel has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 33.
The Dutchman, who has been without a club since leaving Boavista last summer, shared the news in a social media statement.
“After 16 years, I am saying goodbye to professional football,” Van Ginkel wrote. “A journey full of highs and lows, valuable lessons, and memories I will carry with me forever. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. Proud of the past. Ready for a new chapter.”
Van Ginkel’s career, which also included spells at PSV Eindhoven, AC Milan, and Stoke City, was defined by persistent knee injuries. Chelsea signed him from Vitesse in 2013 for £8 million, but a serious injury in only his third game altered his trajectory.
He remained a Chelsea player for eight years, undergoing multiple surgeries and loan spells in an effort to regain fitness. He officially left the club in 2021 after making just four first-team appearances.
His final move to Boavista ended last summer amid the club’s financial troubles. Van Ginkel now closes the chapter on a professional journey marked by resilience in the face of repeated setbacks.