Samuel Umtiti Reveals Rift With Barcelona and Battles With Depression

Samuel Umtiti’s turbulent relationship with Barcelona has come to light as the retired French defender shared his struggles with injuries, mental health, and his eventual departure from the Spanish giants.

Samuel Umtiti’s Barcelona Rift and Career Setbacks

Samuel Umtiti, once a shining star at Barcelona, opened up about the deep rift that developed between him and the club during his long injury layoffs. The World Cup-winning centre-back, who began his professional journey at Lyon before joining Barcelona in 2016, quickly became a pillar in the Catalan defense. Under Luis Enrique, Umtiti helped secure back-to-back La Liga titles and clinched the 2018 World Cup with France, marking the peak of his playing career.

However, persistent knee injuries soon began to plague Umtiti, severely limiting his appearances. These physical setbacks not only affected his performance but also led to disagreements with Barcelona’s medical staff over the best course of treatment. Umtiti’s decision to seek outside opinions and forgo surgery, against Barcelona’s preferences, became a significant point of contention.

Umtiti Details Struggles With Depression and Misunderstanding

Speaking with RMC, Umtiti revealed the emotional toll these injuries took on him. “After the World Cup, I needed clarity on my health and wanted to explore all treatment options,” he said. “I wasn’t always in agreement with the club, so I sought specialists’ advice. Most said surgery wasn’t necessary, and eventually Barcelona agreed with my decision. Still, that’s when the rift began. Internally, things happened that people didn’t appreciate, and from then on, people started blaming everything on me.”

Umtiti described feeling isolated, with bouts of depression making daily life challenging. “I didn’t leave my house, and people assumed I was doing nothing. In reality, I was training constantly—sometimes two or three times a day. I sacrificed my social life and worked tirelessly to get back on the pitch. It was heartbreaking to read negative press about my dedication or see claims that I was only motivated by money. All I wanted was to play football again.”

Mutual Termination and an Early Retirement

By 2023, Umtiti and Barcelona mutually agreed to terminate his contract. The defender returned to France with Lille, hoping for a fresh start, but his chronic knee issues persisted. In September 2025, at just 31 years old, Umtiti made the difficult decision to retire from professional football.

Reflecting on this period, he admitted, “I tried to follow the club’s protocols, but my knee wouldn’t heal. I took matters into my own hands, adjusted my diet, read medical literature, and relentlessly pursued recovery. Despite all efforts, the inflammation was too severe. I harbor no resentment now, but at the time, I felt a lot of frustration.”

Umtiti’s Next Chapter: From Defender to Coach

While Umtiti has transitioned into punditry with DAZN, his passion for the game remains strong. He revealed to OLDTV his ultimate goal: coaching. “I’m so passionate; I watch every match. I plan to earn my coaching diplomas soon, and coaching is the ultimate goal I’ll set myself. My inspiration will come from everything I’ve learned, both the highs and the lows.”

Umtiti’s experiences at Lyon, Barcelona, and Lille, along with his achievements for France, have shaped his footballing philosophy. He aims to use these lessons in his future coaching career, drawing on both triumphs and adversities.

Mental Health in Football: Umtiti’s Legacy

Umtiti’s candidness about his mental health struggles sheds light on the immense psychological pressure faced by top-level footballers, especially when dealing with prolonged injuries and public scrutiny. His story serves as an important reminder that behind every athlete’s public persona lies a deeply personal journey.

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Opinion: Umtiti’s Courage Highlights Football’s Human Side

Samuel Umtiti’s willingness to speak openly about his depression and rift with Barcelona not only humanizes a world-class athlete but also calls attention to the need for greater empathy and support systems within professional football. His story is a powerful example of resilience and a testament to the challenges many players face away from the spotlight.