5Q | Victor Wanyama – retirement, coaching, Kenya and life at the Lane - ‘an amazing time I’ll never forget’
We return to Premier League action at Old Trafford on Saturday - thinking of United, the mind wanders back to one of the most iconic afternoons of our recent history, the White Hart Lane Finale in May, 2017. Victor Wanyama’s name is stamped all over it.
Reflecting on that day earlier this summer, ‘Vic’ is now 35, but barely looks a day older. He may have officially retired in April, played his last competitive game in March, 2025, but looks like he could barrel through most Premier League midfields now, just like he used to alongside Mousa Dembele a decade ago.
The Lane brings back special memories for Vic. He scored the winner on his home debut against Palace, helped us to an unbeaten home record in the final season at our famous old stadium, including wins over City, Chelsea, Arsenal and United in the Finale, where the Kenya icon, capped 67 times and captain of his country, headed home the opener in a 2-1 win.
He played 36 of 38 matches in that debut season, 2016/17, as we finished runners-up in the Premier League.
Speaking at our Legends Lunch at Hotspur Way in August, Vic looks back with such fond memories of that time in Lilywhite…
How do you look back at your time at the club, Vic?
Vic: “We had a great group, and we always wanted to improve each game. Every weekend when we went out, we wanted to prove to ourselves that we could stay at the top. That’s how it should be, competing every weekend. Once you play here, the way you are treated, the reaction from the fans, it’s amazing. I don’t think you get that anywhere else. I just want to see the club moving forward, that has always been my wish. I’m always watching.”
What about that last season at the Lane and your goal against United in the Finale?
Vic: “For me, that was most special – not losing at White Hart Lane. It was incredible. The Finale, the goal against United, scoring in the last home game of the season, that was a big deal for me. Closing the stadium with a goal will always be remembered. For me, that was amazing. It was a dream come true.”
You were a professional for almost 20 years, how are you finding retirement?
Vic: “Football… it's been my life, you know, and it was not easy (to retire) but my knee couldn't take it anymore. I was still enjoying it, and every time I stepped on the pitch, I made sure I did everything and had no regrets. I knew it was time though. I came back from the MLS (Vic was at Montreal, 2020-2024), went to Dunfermline and I remember I really pushed myself in a game – my knee was swollen for three days. I just knew. I thought, ‘I can’t keep beating myself up like this’. It was time to let the knee rest and live a bit for my kids at home.”
Fans will want to know – what are you up to now, Vic?
Vic: “At the moment, I’m working on my A License, almost finished, close to submitting it. It’s good. I love the game. That’s the thing I know. Also, I want to give back to football what football has given me.”
You speak about giving something back – I always remember when you used to go back home to Kenya on international duty, and the reaction you got from fans, especially young fans – is that what you are talking about when you say you want to give something back?
Vic: “Exactly, exactly. It's important to help football in my country. What’s amazing is we have Spurs fans over in Kenya, a Spurs fan group. Every season they always gather together and invite me when I'm around. It's lovely to see things like this.”