Vlad Chiricheş announces retirement from professional football at age 36

Vlad Chiricheş has announced his retirement from professional football. The 36-year-old defender made the decision public in October 2026. He stated that the choice to end his career was not difficult for him to make.

Chiricheş became a free agent at the end of the previous season. At that time, he indicated that he did not plan to retire immediately. His status changed several months later when he confirmed his departure from the sport.

The defender returned to FCSB in the summer of 2023. This move followed a decade spent playing for clubs in England and Italy. His return marked the final chapter of his professional career in Romania.

During his three years with FCSB, Chiricheş achieved significant domestic success. He won two league titles with the club. He also secured two Super Cup trophies during this period.

His time at FCSB included periods of public tension with the club ownership. FCSB owner Gigi Becali publicly criticized Chiricheş on multiple occasions. These comments often placed the defender in uncomfortable situations within the media and the club environment.

Specific incidents highlighted these difficulties. In the summer of 2025, Chiricheş was substituted within the first 30 minutes of a match against CFR Cluj. Later, in the spring of 2026, Becali made public comments after Chiricheş suffered an injury during a game against Farul Constanța.

Despite the challenges in his final seasons, Chiricheş looked back on his career with satisfaction. In an interview with Prima Sport, he rated his entire football career a 10 out of 10. This assessment covered his time in Romania as well as his years abroad.