Wanyama on retirement and White Hart Lane memories

Victor Wanyama, 35, has reflected on his retirement and his time at Tottenham Hotspur, singling out the White Hart Lane Finale in May 2017 as the defining moment of his career in north London.

The former Kenya captain, capped 67 times for his country, scored the opening header in a 2-1 win over Manchester United in that final game at the old stadium — a result that helped Spurs finish runners-up in the Premier League in 2016/17. Wanyama played 36 of 38 league matches that season.

"The Finale, the goal against United, scoring in the last home game of the season, that was a big deal for me," Wanyama said at Tottenham's Legends Lunch at Hotspur Way in August. "Closing the stadium with a goal will always be remembered. For me, that was amazing. It was a dream come true."

Wanyama officially retired in April 2025, his last competitive appearance coming in March of that year with Dunfermline following a spell in MLS with Montreal between 2020 and 2024. He cited a persistent knee problem as the reason for stepping away.

"Football has been my life, and it was not easy, but my knee couldn't take it anymore," he said. "I remember I really pushed myself in a game — my knee was swollen for three days. I just knew it was time to let the knee rest and live a bit for my kids at home."

Wanyama is now working towards his A License coaching qualification and says he intends to give back to the game, with a particular focus on football development in Kenya.

"It's important to help football in my country," he said. "What's amazing is we have Spurs fans over in Kenya, a Spurs fan group. Every season they always gather together and invite me when I'm around. It's lovely to see things like this."