Free at 37: Axel Witsel exits Girona as World Cup looms, his next destination still unknown

Belgian midfielder Axel Witsel has officially left Girona FC as his contract expired on 30 June 2026, while he remains at the World Cup with Belgium but did not feature in any of the three group matches. The 37‑year‑old midfielder, who made 32 appearances for Girona this season, is now a free agent.

Witsel, capped 138 times by Belgium, signed for Girona last summer after departing Atletico Madrid. His arrival was part of Girona's recruitment drive ahead of the 2025‑26 La Liga campaign.

During the 2025‑26 season he featured in 32 league matches, scoring once and providing two assists from midfield. Despite his contributions, Girona finished second‑last in the Spanish top flight and were relegated.

At 37, Witsel is now free to join any club that offers a contract. Standard Liège supporters were cautioned not to celebrate, as the former club prodigy recently declared he has no intention of returning as a player.

The Belgian midfielder did not receive any playing time in Belgium's three group games at the World Cup. His future destination will likely be clarified once the tournament concludes.

The timing mirrors a broader trend of players finalising moves or negotiating contracts during the World Cup, with several athletes becoming free agents on 30 June 2026. Such departures underscore how the global tournament can intersect with contract expiries and transfer activity.