Former Belgium international Dries Mertens has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 38, bringing an end to a glittering career that spanned over two decades.
Mertens made the announcement on Sunday via a heartfelt video posted on social media. His current contract with Galatasaray, where he has played since 2022, is set to expire at the end of this month.
Before bowing out, Mertens confirmed he will make a final on-pitch appearance in a testimonial exhibition match hosted by his former Napoli teammate Marek Hamsik in July.
Mertens leaves behind a legacy of remarkable achievements, most notably as Napoli’s all-time leading goalscorer, having netted 148 goals for the Serie A side. During his time in Naples, he also lifted two Coppa Italia titles and became a fan favourite for his consistency, creativity, and loyalty.
After his stint in Italy, the forward moved to Turkey in 2022, joining Galatasaray, where he played a key role in helping the club win three consecutive Turkish Super Lig titles.
Internationally, Mertens was a regular fixture for the Belgian national team, earning 109 caps and scoring 21 goals. His final appearance for the Red Devils came during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where Belgium exited at the group stage.
Widely respected for his professionalism and impact both at club and international levels, Mertens leaves the game as one of Belgium’s finest modern-era players.