"There was a real problem": former Le Havre goalkeeper Arthur Desmas retires at 32 due to concussions

Former Le Havre goalkeeper Arthur Desmas, 32, retires due to repeated concussions affecting his daily life and cognitive function.

Arthur Desmas has announced the end of his professional career after suffering multiple concussions that have left him with lasting effects. The former goalkeeper at Clermont and Le Havre, who was named Ligue 2's best goalkeeper in 2023, was advised by his neurosurgeon that he must stop playing if his condition does not improve.

Desmas described the physical and cognitive toll the injuries have taken: headaches, neck pain, eye discomfort, memory problems, and concentration difficulties. He revealed a turning point when he could no longer catch a ball his son threw to him and had to go to bed, realizing the severity of his situation.

Desmas used the announcement to raise awareness about concussions in football, arguing the issue receives far less attention than in contact sports like rugby and boxing. He called for greater emphasis on the problem within the sport. Desmas had joined Qatari club Al-Duhail in September 2025 and made 96 Ligue 2 appearances and 66 top-flight matches during his career.