By Peter.
Former Inter Milan and Belgium defender Zinho Vanheusden has announced his retirement from professional football at just 26 years old, ending a career ravaged by injuries.
In an emotional Instagram post on Sunday, November 23, 2025, the centre-back revealed his decision came weeks after suffering his third anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear while playing for Spanish third-tier side Marbella.
Vanheusden, once one of Europe’s brightest defensive talents, joined Inter Milan at 16 from Standard Liège’s academy and was tipped for stardom. He made his senior Belgium debut in 2020 but never played a competitive match for Inter’s first team due to recurring injuries.
Career highlights:
- 100+ appearances for Standard Liège (captain at 21)
- Scored in front of the Ultras
- Loan spells at Genoa and AZ Alkmaar
- One senior cap for Belgium
Despite a fresh start at Marbella in summer 2025, he managed only seven appearances before the latest devastating injury.
In his heartfelt farewell, Vanheusden wrote:
“After 22 years of soccer… my life as a professional player is coming to an end. Football made me who I am today… but the last few years were tough. Much heavier than I ever seemed. Injuries, operations, injections, medication… I gave everything to go back, but it got harder every time. In my heart I will always want to be a footballer, but my body has been saying enough for a while now. Out of respect for myself, for my health and for my responsibility as a father — I am making this decision… I want to be able to walk in my life without pain, play with my son and enjoy life with my family.”
A tragic end to a career that promised so much. Football will miss you, Zinho. Wishing him health, peace, and happiness ahead.
#ZinhoVanheusden #Retirement #ThankYouZinho #FootballFamily
