Former Arsenal youngster confirms retirement | OneFootball

Former Arsenal forward Rui Fonte has confirmed his retirement from football, over 16 years after leaving the Gunners.

Photo via Rui Fonte on Instagram

Rui Fonte joined Arsenal as a 16-year-old, going on to make his senior debut for the Gunners under Arsene Wenger in a League Cup game in 2008.

That turned out to be the young forward’s only appearance for the Arsenal first team, and after a loan spell at Crystal Palace he returned to former club Sporting CP in 2009.

16 years later, after spells in La Liga, the Primeira Liga, and Ligue 1, Fonte has called time on his playing career following two seasons with Portuguese second-tier club Pacos Ferreira.

Photo by Octavio Passos/Getty Images

“The end,” Fonte announced on Instagram. “Today I close the chapter of my career as a professional player and as it could not be otherwise, I want to thank those who have always been with me.

“Thank you Mom, Dad and Bro! You believed in me from an early age and did everything so I could fulfill my dream. You always tried to pass on me the greatest values and principles. For everything and for ever. Thank you.

“Thank you, also, to the love of my life, who, since the age of 18, has accompanied me on this journey, has never let me down in the bad times and has always celebrated our achievements.

“Thank you to my 3 boys who are the light of my eyes and have always been a great force of motivation.

“To everyone else, without wanting to single anyone out—thank you to teammates, coaches, directors, and all the staff.

“Thanks to all the clubs, I learned from all of them and was always very well treated and cared for.

“Looking now to the future, I am sure it will be one full of achievements and joy.”

Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images

Rui Fonte is the younger brother of former Southampton centre-back Jose Fonte, who may also be on the verge of retirement.

The 41-year-old spent the 2024/25 campaign playing for Casa Pia in the Portuguese top flight, but he only signed on with the club on a one-year deal, so he’ll be free agent within days.

As for Rui, we wish the former Gunner well with his next steps.