{
    "title": "Veteran goalkeeper Simon Mignolet to retire at end of season",
    "modified_at": "2026-04-02 11:42:40",
    "published_at": "2026-04-02 11:46:00",
    "url": "https://www.belganewsagency.eu/veteran-goalkeeper-simon-mignolet-to-retire-at-end-of-season",
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    "slug": "veteran-goalkeeper-simon-mignolet-to-retire-at-end-of-season",
    "body": "<p><strong>Simon Mignolet has announced he will retire from professional football at the end of this season, bringing nearly 20 years at the top level to a close.</strong></p><p>The 38-year-old, currently playing for Club Brugge, will finish the ongoing play-offs before stepping away from the game. He is then set to begin a new role in management with the Royal Belgian Football Association on 1 September.</p><p>Mignolet has enjoyed a highly successful career across Belgium and England. He previously played for Sint-Truiden, Sunderland and Liverpool, winning the UEFA Champions League with Liverpool in 2019. He later returned to Belgium, where he helped Club Brugge win four league titles.</p><p>At international level, Mignolet earned 35 caps for Belgium national football team and was part of squads at multiple World Cups and European Championships.</p><p>Despite injury setbacks and competition for his place this season, he remains focused on ending his career strongly. Club Brugge are aiming for another league title, which would be a fitting final achievement for the experienced goalkeeper.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><sup>#FlandersNewsService | BELGA PHOTO TOM GOYVAERTS </sup></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>",
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        "created_at": "2022-03-07T09:25:52+00:00",
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