Imran Regrets Career in Football, Calls for Retirement Benefits for Athletes

Former national football team goalkeeper Imran Mohamed has voiced serious concern over the lack of retirement benefits for athletes in the Maldives, saying he now regrets dedicating 20 years of his life to the sport.

Imran, who ranks third globally in career trophies among footballers, made the remarks on social media. With 39 titles to his name, he shares the third spot with Egypt’s Husham Ashur, just behind football legends Dani Alves (43 titles) and Lionel Messi (42 titles).

“As I reflect on my career today, I question whether my choices were the right ones. I now believe that if I had secured a regular job for 20 years instead of playing football, I would at least qualify for a minimum pension,” said Imran, who retired from the national team nine years ago.

His comments come in the wake of the ratification of the First Amendment to the Maldives Sports Act, which has reignited discussions about long-term support for athletes.

Imran warned that without adequate support, talented athletes may be discouraged from representing the country. “If excelling in sports and staying on the national team brought long-term benefits, many more would remain committed. Unfortunately, that is not the case now,” he said.

He urged the Ministry of Sports, sports organizations, and all stakeholders to take this issue seriously. “So far, we’ve only had dreams about such matters—those dreams have yet to come true,” he added.