Adel Taarabt, the former Queens Park Rangers midfielder, has announced his retirement from professional football at age 37. The Moroccan international confirmed the news on Instagram this week.
Taarabt's most memorable spell came at Loftus Road, where he joined from Tottenham Hotspur in 2009. He initially arrived on loan before making the move permanent the following year. His peak season was the 2010-11 campaign, where his 19 goals and 21 assists in just 44 appearances were instrumental in firing QPR to the Championship title. That incredible form earned him the Championship Player of the Year award.
What was Adel Taarabt's QPR legacy?
He made 164 total appearances for the Rs, scoring 34 goals and providing 41 assists. His flair and creativity made him a fan favourite during a successful period for the club. After QPR's relegation from the Premier League in 2013, Taarabt moved to Fulham. He later had a short return to Loftus Road for an eight-game stint in the 2014-15 season. His career took him across Europe and beyond after leaving west London.
Where did he play after leaving QPR?
Following his time at Craven Cottage, Taarabt had a spell with Italian giants AC Milan. He then enjoyed a lengthy period with Portuguese powerhouse Benfica, making more than 100 appearances. Later moves included Genoa in Italy and stints in the United Arab Emirates with Al-Nasr and Sharjah. He began his professional career with French club Lens before his move to Tottenham.
Internationally, Taarabt won 30 caps for Morocco, scoring four goals for the Atlas Lions. In his retirement statement, he reflected on his journey. "Football gave me amazing memories, let me meet incredible people and live moments I will never forget," Taarabt said. He thanked every club, coach, teammate, and supporter he encountered along the way.
How does his retirement connect to the current QPR squad?
The announcement comes as the current QPR squad manages its own challenges. The club's injuries list currently includes key attackers Ilias Chair and Karamoko Dembélé, alongside Boy Kemper and Richard Kone. These absences highlight the constant need for creative talent, a role Taarabt once filled spectacularly. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming matches on the official fixtures page.
What did Adel Taarabt say about ending his career?
"The time has come to close this chapter," the former midfielder stated. He acknowledged the full spectrum of his professional life. QPR supporters will long remember his decisive contributions during the club's 2011 promotion-winning season.
