Fankaty Dabo posts statement ‘with a heavy heart’ announcing retirement from pro football

Fankaty Dabo posts an emotional statement ‘with a heavy heart’ announcing retirement from professional football.

The 30 year old made the tough decision due to ongoing injuries after a year out of the game, expressing gratitude to clubs, coaches, teammates, family, and fans for supporting his career.

He reflected on achieving his childhood dream despite facing challenges, including the infamous missed penalty in the 2023 Championship playoff final that cost Coventry promotion and led to significant personal abuse and career setbacks.

But he also ended it on a positive note, and revealed he is excited for the next chapter…

reflect and keep moving forward pic.twitter.com/PYztMnaVfv

— Fankaty (@FankDabo) January 1, 2026

with a heavy heart 😪🫡 pic.twitter.com/AKweB44Geg

— Fankaty (@FankDabo) January 3, 2026

He said via social media: “After a year out of the beautiful game we all love, and discussions with those with immense knowledge, I’ve made the incredibly difficult decision to retire from professional football due to on going injury.

“I have avoided writing this or admitting this for a while as now it is ever so real.

“I have been extremely fortunate to have played for a number of teams throughout my career where I have achieved and learned so many things.

“Thank you to all the clubs that have given me the opportunity to be a part of your football club, I will always be grateful and you will aLways hold a massive place in my heart.

“To every coach, manager, scout, physio, player care rep, chef, photographer and every other job that coincides within these many great clubs, thank you: A lot of you believed in me, challenged me, and helped shape me into the player and person I am today and made football ever so pleasant.

“To my teammates, thank you for the battles, laughs, support and memories on and off the pitch that we will forever share.

“To my family and closest friends I love you all so, so much. The support and sacrifice you all have given me to achieve a dream I knew I’d achieve I only hope I can give to anyone else deserving. You have kicked every single ball with me. Travelled all over the world just to watch me play. Picked me up when I’ve been down. Been my biggest supporters. I couldn’t have prayed for anyone better.

Fankaty Dabo opens up on that missed penalty at Wembley, career slide, abuse and being ridiculed

“And to the fans, from own goals,.missed penalties, goals and great performances, you have given me so many goosebumps over the – years. Thank you-for your unwavering love for me and this beautiful game. I have been so honoured to have played professional football and to have had your incredible support throughout my career. You guys creating songs my kids sang back to me and made them lovers of this wonderful game. I will never forget the memories we shared.

“This is also for the next generation. Hard work, dedication, passion, and a genuine-love for what you do can take you further than you ever imagine, a lot further than me. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have lived mine, playing the sport I love, not only across England but around the world, doing what I’ve always dreamed of. Football has truly given me some of the best moments of my life.

“This decision hasn’t been easy, but I leave the game with nothing but pride, gratitude, and love-for football. I’m excited for the next chapter and whatever comes next.

“Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey. With peace and love, Fankaty Dabo”

HIS CAREER:

Youth career
2007–2016 – Chelsea

Senior career
2016–2019 – Chelsea
2017 → Swindon Town (loan) – 15 games
2017–2018 → Vitesse (loan) – 34 games (0 goals)
2018–2019 → Sparta Rotterdam (loan) – 26 games (0 goals)
2019–2023 – Coventry City – 131 games (0 goals)
2023–2024 – Forest Green Rovers – 35 games (0 goals)
2024–2025 – Raith Rovers – 10 games (0 goals)

International
2011 – England U16 – 5 games (0 goals)
2011 – England U17 – 5 games (0 goals)
2014 – England U20 – 1 games (0 goals)

Honours:

Coventry City
EFL League One: 2019–20

Individual
PFA Team of the Year: 2019–20 League One
Coventry City Player of the Season: 2019–20

Twitter users gave their reaction after Fankaty Dabo posts statement ‘with a heavy heart’ announcing retirement from pro football…

“Fankaty Dabo, Running Down The Wing Dabo, Hear The City Sing Dabo, We Are Going Premier League.”

Don’t forget all the good memories you made.https://t.co/1P7nVdbjr9

— Bully (@SkyBlueBull) January 3, 2026

@UK_Chemist: Go well, Fankaty. You will always be welcomed back to Coventry. Good luck for whatever comes next. Top man. #PUSB

@JaySkyBlueJay84: Good luck with your future. Please come and watch Cov as much as you can, always welcome 🩵

@CarolineJClark4: You’ll always be one of my favourites. Good luck for your future and thank you so much 🩵⚽🐘

@SkyBlueJay: Thanks for the memories Fanky, you may not realise it but without you and the other boys we wouldn’t be where we are today so you’ll always be welcome in Cov and it was great to see pictures of you sitting with the fans at Charlton. Don’t be a stranger mate and join us again PUSB

@Rickallden: Congrats on a great career 99% of people would envy. Cov lucky to have had you in your prime 👊

@maddymacmaddy1: Thanks for all the memories Fanky..we will always love at city, enjoy retirement from playing and give your body the rest it now needs, yku have given so much to the game now its time for you. Still ways for you to be imvolved in the game and pass on your knowledge to others

@tonymalonyworth: Such a shame Fanky, you always gave your all. On the plus side though, more chance to get up to the CBS! #PUSB

@NathanW69094306: Thanks for the memories Fankaty. You played a huge part in the resurgence of our club and will be remembered fondly. Best of luck in your next stage. PUSB.

@skybluelee76: You were out of this world in our L1 championship winning season, Fanky. Good luck for the future. 🩵

@NiiLampteyShow: You were absolutely outstanding for us. In a fantastic L1 team, you were possibly the very best. Thank you for havin the bravery to step up & take ‘that’ pen. All the best for the future (and the door is always open if you wanted to come on the podcast to talk about your career)

@Skyblue160587: Best of luck Fankaty. Thanks for the amazing league one season. It seems injury has robbed you and us. But exciting new times ahead. #pusb

@AndrewG14828893: Well done Fankaty, thanks for all your effort and hard work. And many thanks for all the great memories you gave us. For me personally it was when you had Bellingham in your pocket at St Andrews! 👏👏👏👏👏 See you next Legends day 🍺

Congratulations on a top career and a great journey. Here’s to happiness and health for the next part. 💙

— Chelsea Youth (@chelseayouth) January 3, 2026

Good luck fella. PUSB pic.twitter.com/f1Q13bSgsk

— ViceViceBaby (@neilharper1) January 3, 2026