Liverpool cult hero Divock Origi has officially called time on his playing career at the age of 31.
Announcing his retirement just over two years after his last senior match, the Belgian forward paired the news with a heartfelt, emotional farewell message dedicated specifically to the Liverpool supporters who witnessed his greatest triumphs.
When Liverpool called upon a man to save the day under Jurgen Klopp, Divock Origi was the one to deliver. From being the man on the outside of the squad to scoring in a Champions League final, it’s been a legendary story.
Announcing his retirement
Origi announced his retirement on Instagram, Praise for his former clubs followed, as he declared: “My purpose in the game as a player is fulfilled.”
“To my fans across the world who helped me shine: every iconic moment, every goal, every piece of history we made together will forever be ours.
“To every club, and all the coaches and teammates who stood beside me, thank you. You shaped me in ways that go far beyond the pitch.”
Liverpool took to social media to thank their former player, being the man to stamp their sixth Champions League. The 31-year-old found himself playing for AC Milan’s Futuro side in Serie D in the final months of his playing career.
Life after Liverpool rarely matches the highs of Anfield, and Origi’s post-Merseyside journey proved to be a difficult one.
His 2022 free transfer to AC Milan generated plenty of excitement, but he struggled for form and fitness in Serie A, scoring a mere two goals in 36 games. Keen for regular football, he secured a loan switch to Nottingham Forest, though he managed just one goal in 22 appearances.
In a twist of fate, Origi actually started against the Reds at the City Ground during that loan spell. In true Liverpool fashion, however, a 99th-minute winning goal stole the headlines and provided a massive shot in the arm for the Reds’ title charge.
That would prove to be one of the final chapters of his time in England. Upon returning to Milan, he was cast aside, failing to feature at all before the club finally cut ties and released him in December 2025.
Origi lead Liverpool to glory
It wasn’t until the German manager joined Liverpool that Kopites were able to witness why he was signed in the first place. The striker constantly popped up with goals, including two significant ones in their Europa League tie with Borussia Dortmund that year.
However, a brutal challenge by Ramiro Funes Mori kept Origi out of the side for a long period, as he eventually lost his place in the team. After a failed loan spell at Wolfsburg, it took him till December 2018 to bounce back in the Merseyside derby.
Virgil Van Dijk’s sliced effort flew into the Anfield sky, signalling a 0-0 draw at home in their tense title battle with Manchester City. As Jordan Pickford lost the flight of the ball, the substitute pounced on the chance as he headed home, sending the famous old ground into ecstasy.
Months later, he proved to be the difference late on again, in a 3-2 win over Newcastle at St James Park. However, the dazzling moment came later in the week against Barcelona. Injuries to Mohamed Salah and Roberto Firmino meant he led the line, and his two goals in the Reds’ 4-0 win over Lionel Messi and Co has been etched into football history.
He settled the Champions League final in Madrid once more. His late goal against Tottenham gave Liverpool a two-goal cushion and sealed the victory. Liverpool, six-time champions of Europe.
Still a backup, but still popping up with big moments when called on. Another goal in a Merseyside derby pushed his side closer to their first Premier League title. While a ridiculous finish in the Carabao Cup against Preston in 2022 was a true piece of magic.
A cult hero
Liverpool have a fair share of cult heroes, though very few have had the impact Origi had. From famous European nights to Everton’s nightmare, there are few remembered so well.
He delivered when his side needed him most. He knew he was never the centre of the spotlight at Anfield, but he continued to change the club’s history time and time again. With very few chances to demonstrate his craft, he always left an everlasting memory for Kopites.
Origi may be saying his goodbyes to football, though along the Anfield roads, or the concourse of the Kop, he is too hard to forget. His actions will live on, as he arrived at the perfect opportunity to make that impact, which earnt him the love and support from every single Liverpool supporter.
