Nedum Onuoha Announces Retirement After 16 Years Of Professional Soccer

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Real Salt Lake center-back Nedum Onuoha has announced his retirement from professional soccer.

Onuoha, 33, has played for four clubs over his career. Most recently spending three seasons with RSL where he appeared on 49 occasions for the Claret and Cobalt since 2018.

Previously, Onuoha began his career with Manchester City where he spent eight years between 2004-12. During that time he was placed on loan for the 2010-11 Premier League Season and played for Sunderland.

After departing City in 2012, Onuoha traveled south to London’s West where he played 207 games for Queen’s Park Rangers between 2012-2018.

After Onuoha ultimately conquered England he opted to pursue a new challenge in the United States.

In 2018, Onuoha signed a contract with RSL that guaranteed two seasons with a club option for a third. RSL picked up that option prior to the 2020 season.

Onuoha announced his retirement in a letter that was posted by Real Salt Lake.

"Thank you again to all of the good people that I’ve met during the journey – from teammates to coaches to fans to the people washing the dishes in the cafeteria.  You’re all invaluable to this beautiful game and I wouldn’t have been able to make it this far without you.”

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) November 6, 2020

The club announced that they will be honoring and celebrating his career in their regular season finale on Sunday, November 8. They will have an in-stadium presentation during pregame, along with special features that will run on the broadcast and on social media.

We’ll be honoring & celebrating @kickback_nedum’s career on Sunday.

In-stadium presentation set for pregame.

Special features to run on broadcast & social media. pic.twitter.com/73dxggW0uH

— Real Salt Lake (@realsaltlake) November 6, 2020

The match against Sporting Kansas City on Sunday will begin at 4:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on the KSL TV app and sports.ksl.com.