Journeyman Midfielder Hangs Up Boots After Global 18-Year Career
The highly technical midfielder, who spent his developmental years at the La Gaillette academy between 1999 and 2007, confirmed his decision on social media following a nomadic 18-year senior career. Kakuta represented 16 different clubs globally and earned 31 international caps for the DR Congo.
Kakuta burst onto the scene in the Premier League with Chelsea before embarking on a journeyman career through the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, and China. He returned to RC Lens in 2020 under Franck Haise, registering 69 total appearances and orchestrating the midfield before the tactical emergence of David Pereira Da Costa prompted a move.
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The 35-year-old concluded his club career with spells in Iran, Turkey, and Greece, and recently represented DR Congo at the World Cup, where they were eliminated by England in the round of 16. Reflecting on his journey, Kakuta stated, "There comes a time when you must listen to time. Today, with great humility, I announce the end of my career."
An elegant playmaker, Kakuta leaves the game with an Under-19 European Championship, a Premier League title, and an FA Cup to his name. Former Lens teammates including Loic Bade and Arnaud Kalimuendo publicly paid tribute to the midfielder, while the French club released a statement thanking their academy product for his artistry on the pitch.