Former Tottenham and QPR star Adel Taarabt calls time after UAE stint

Former Tottenham and QPR midfielder Adel Taarabt announced his retirement on 8 September, aged 37, after finishing his career with Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. The former Premier League cult hero wrote on Instagram that football gave him “amazing memories” and that the time had come to close the chapter.

Taarabt represented nine clubs over a colourful twenty‑year career, beginning his professional journey at French side Lens before moving to England as a teenager to join Tottenham. He later featured for three English clubs – Tottenham, QPR and Fulham – during his time in the Premier League and the Championship. His flair was evident in the 15 appearances he made for Tottenham, where his dribbling attracted attention.

QPR glory and statistics

His loan spell at QPR turned permanent in 2010 and he went on to make 164 appearances, scoring 34 goals and providing 41 assists for the club. In the 2010‑11 Championship league season he delivered 19 goals and 21 assists in 44 games, earning the Championship Player of the Season award and helping Neil Warnock’s side secure promotion to the Premier League. The promotion marked QPR’s return to the Premier League as champions.

Later years and positional shift

After a brief stint at Fulham and a loan to AC Milan, Taarabt returned to QPR for an eight‑game spell under Harry Redknapp before signing for Portuguese giants Benfica in 2015. At Benfica he reinvented himself as a defensive midfielder, amassing 164 appearances and 34 goals across two seasons, before loan moves to Genoa and later to Al‑Nasr. He was initially frozen out of Benfica’s first‑team but later reclaimed a regular spot in the unexpected defensive midfield role.

He finished his club career in the UAE, first with Al‑Nasr and then with Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates top flight, his final professional contract. Sharjah competes in the United Arab Emirates Pro League, where Taarabt added experience to the side.

Internationally, Taarabt earned 30 caps for Morocco, finding the net four times, and has repeatedly expressed that representing his country will always hold a special place in his heart. He thanked Moroccan supporters for their unwavering support throughout his international career.

His retirement brings to a close a career marked by dazzling dribbling, moments of brilliance and a loyal fanbase that will remember the ‘streets won’t forget’ flair he displayed from London to Dubai. His Instagram farewell, captioned with the hashtag #EFL, quickly trended among fans recalling his memorable moments.