FORMER Chelsea player and son of legendary Chipolopolo midfielder Charles Musonda, has announced his early retirement from professional football at the age of 28.
Charly Musonda, a gifted midfielder who was once tipped as the next big thing in European football, confirmed the emotional decision in a post on Instagram, bringing to an end a career once bursting with promise but sadly undone by injuries.
The wonder kid, who came through Chelsea’s youth ranks and attracted interest from football giants like Barcelona and Real Madrid in his teenage years, said years of surgeries, lonely recovery periods, and setbacks had taken a mental toll on him.
“I have been through so much over the last few years… happiness, sadness, which made me realise there are so many great talents with great stories who have gone or are going through similar obstacles with so much left to give but little help,” Musonda shared.
He was once viewed as Eden Hazard’s natural successor at Chelsea, but a string of serious injuries, particularly a career-threatening knee injury, saw his progress slow down.
Loan spells at Real Betis in Spain, Celtic in Scotland, Vitesse in the Netherlands, and Levante offered hope, but his body simply refused to cooperate.
Musonda said his next chapter will be focused on supporting young players navigating similar paths, hoping they avoid the emotional and physical challenges he faced in silence.
“This is not goodbye,” he added.
“But a new beginning.”
While fans in Zambia had long hoped he would follow in his father’s footsteps and don national colours, Musonda repeatedly distanced himself from representing the Chipolopolo, a position that drew mixed reactions back home.
By George Musonda
Kalemba July 1, 2025
