Ex-Chelsea wonderkid tipped to be 'football's next big thing' announces shock retirement from football

A former Chelsea wonderkid who was tipped to be the ‘next Eden Hazard’ has confirmed his retirement at just 28 years old.

The name Charly Musonda may bring back memories for some Chelsea supporters.

The Brussels-born attacking midfielder/winger joined the Blues’ academy from Anderlecht back in 2012 before making his first-team debut in 2017 during the Community Shield against Arsenal.

But he failed to nail down a spot in the senior side and instead embarked on loan spells at Real Betis, Celtic and Vitesse before making a permanent switch to Levante in 2022.

When speaking in an exclusive interview with SPORTbible back in 2023, Musonda cut an emotional figure as he recalled several years of uncertainty on the pitch following a serious knee injury he sustained to his posterior cruciate ligament while playing for Vitesse in 2018, which caused doctors to tell him “you're not going to be able to do the things that you were once able to do”.

Charly Musonda in action for Chelsea (Credit:Getty)

And despite returning to action after a 48-month rehabilitation from his injury in 2022, he has now called time on his career, having last played for Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta.

Musonda, a Belgium youth international, confirmed his decision in an interview with Rising Ballers and explained how his Chelsea exit “killed” him.

Musonda said: "The exit killed me. It killed me mentally. It was the worst thing.

"I was obviously with the reserves at that time so the plan was to pick up with the reserves, get some training in and if there were a few games where I could fit in toward the back end of the season, that was the plan.”

He added: “The first team was doing really well. It was COVID, so the buildings were split and you wouldn’t really see the first team.

"Then toward the back end of the season in the car park I ran into Thomas Tuchel, the manager.

"It was my first time meeting him. He said, 'I’m looking forward to seeing you back and I said, 'Don’t worry, I’ll be back for pre-season'.

"Because in my mind, it was always pre-season and I’d be back with the first team and we’d see from there.

"So I came back for pre-season and that’s where things got tricky. That was the end of my time at Chelsea."

Charly Musonda played for Spanish outfit Levante (Credit:Getty)

Later in the interview, the 28-year-old explained: "I've got a big announcement today.

"It's not easy but it's something I've been thinking about for a long time. After reflecting on my experiences and who I am, I've realised I want to live with purpose to inspire and motivate others."

It is unclear what Musonda will do next, but his playing career is over, although at 28, he will no doubt, still have a lot to give in terms of knowledge of the game and advise for up-and-coming footballers.