In an emotional farewell that’s left Elland Road stunned, former Leeds United midfielder Josuha Guilavogui has officially announced his retirement from professional football, bringing the curtain down on a glittering 16-year career.
The 34-year-old Frenchman, who joined Leeds as a free agent in October 2024, departs after helping the Whites lift the 2024-25 Championship title and seal a return to the Premier League.
Though he made 16 league appearances without starting a match, his impact went far beyond the pitch.
Guilavogui was credited as a huge influence in the dressing room, with Junior Firpo calling him a “Persona de Luz” — a person of light — and Joel Piroe saying: “Joined as a legend, left as a champ. I will miss your speeches the most”.
Willy Gnonto added: “Thank you for everything you have done for me and for all of us, uncle. I will miss you”.
Speaking after his departure was confirmed in May 2025, Guilavogui called his time at Leeds “an awake dream”, adding: “I was home when Daniel Farke called my agent… since the first day, it was an absolute dream”.
He said Elland Road gave him “so much love” and vowed: “I will be back to watch in the Premier League, stood in the stands with you”.
The former Wolfsburg, Atlético Madrid and Saint-Étienne star won the Coupe de la Ligue, DFB-Pokal, DFL-Supercup and now a Championship medal, finishing with 440 senior club games and seven France caps. He also broke Vinnie Jones’ 1989 club record by going unbeaten in his first 15 Leeds games.
Since leaving Elland Road, Guilavogui had been without a club but insisted he was “not retired yet”.
However, after completing his UEFA Certificate in Football Management at the University of Lausanne, he has now decided to hang up his boots and move into coaching.
“To all the supporters, thank you, you are truly amazing,” Guilavogui said. “Leeds is one of the greatest clubs in the UK… I have the feeling that everywhere I have been in the world, there is always one Leeds United fan.”
Wishing you all the best in retirement, Josuha! 🟡⚪️🔵
