David Ospina announces retirement from football aged 38

David Ospina, the Colombia goalkeeper who played for Arsenal, Napoli and Al Nassr, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 38.

Ospina confirmed his decision on Wednesday in a message posted on his Instagram account, bringing an end to a career spanning more than 600 appearances.

“I say to football, thank you! I will not give it up… but I am grateful! It has been an incredible journey! From now on, I will go wherever my smile takes me,” he wrote.

Ospina was most recently with Mexican club Atlante. Before moving there, he spent two seasons with Al Nassr, remaining at the Saudi Arabian club until 2024.

The goalkeeper joined Arsenal in 2014 and represented the English club until 2018. He then moved to Napoli, where he played until 2022.

Earlier in his European career, Ospina spent six years with French club Nice between 2008 and 2014.

At international level, Ospina made 131 appearances for Colombia. That figure makes him the most-capped player in the history of the national team, level with James Rodriguez.

Colombia are listed to play a friendly against Chile on 13 November 2026.