Sven Kums, a veteran midfielder and captain of KAA Gent, has officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37. The news came on May 7, 2025, during a heartfelt press conference held at the Planet Group Arena, where Kums reflected on his illustrious career that spanned nearly two decades.
Having made a significant impact in the Jupiler Pro League, Kums played a total of 729 matches, scoring 64 goals and providing 86 assists throughout his career. He expressed gratitude for the experiences and memories he created in football, stating, "After long consideration and many emotions, I have decided to end my professional career after this season." Kums emphasized the emotional weight of his decision, noting, "I have been involved with football my whole life, so many emotions come to the surface. But also gratitude. I want to thank my clubs, coaches, teammates, the fans, and especially my family, who have always supported me through good and bad times."
Kums' career began in 2007 when he made his professional debut on loan at Lierse, before moving to KV Kortrijk in January 2008, where he first worked under coach Hein Vanhaezebrouck. This partnership proved fruitful as they achieved promotion to the top tier and later won the league title with Gent in 2015. Kums' performances during this period earned him the prestigious Golden Shoe, establishing him as a key player in Belgian football.
After a successful stint at Gent, Kums took his talents abroad, signing with Udinese after a brief period with Watford. However, his time in Italy was short-lived, and he returned to Belgium to play for Anderlecht. Kums faced challenges during his time at Anderlecht, including a notable red card in a match against Bayern Munich. Despite this, he later returned to Gent in 2020, where he reclaimed his status as a vital midfielder and a leader on the pitch.
Throughout his career, Kums was recognized for his technical skills and vision, often being regarded as a maestro in the midfield. He played a pivotal role in Gent's success, contributing to their league title and Belgian Cup victory in 2022. Kums also participated in the Champions League, where he showcased his talents on a larger stage.
Despite his numerous accolades, including three selections for the national team, Kums never made an appearance for the Red Devils due to unfortunate circumstances, including a cancellation of a match against Spain. Nevertheless, his contributions to club football have left a lasting legacy.
This season has been challenging for Kums, as he struggled with a calf injury that limited his playing time. "I want to give my best on the field, but this season I've had too many ailments that I didn't experience in the past. As captain, I want to help my team, and when that’s not possible, it’s better to stop," he explained. As he prepares to hang up his boots, Kums is hopeful for one last appearance before the season concludes.
Looking towards the future, Kums shared his plans post-retirement, revealing a new digital project called Honection, aimed at creating a more transparent transfer process in football. This innovative platform will connect players, trainers, clubs, and agents, facilitating communication and opportunities within the sport. "I wanted to do something with my experience in the football world, and I realized that I missed opportunities. This project aims to improve that for others," he stated.
As Kums prepares to bid farewell to the game he loves, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication and excellence. His journey through various clubs, including Lierse, Kortrijk, Heerenveen, Zulte Waregem, Udinese, and Anderlecht, has enriched Belgian football, and he will be remembered as one of the greats.
Fans and teammates alike have expressed their admiration for Kums, with many taking to social media to share their appreciation for his contributions to the club and the sport. KAA Gent tweeted, "Merci, maestro," honoring their captain's remarkable career.
As the season draws to a close, Kums is set to leave the pitch with a heart full of memories and gratitude, having made an indelible mark on Belgian football. His retirement marks the end of an era for Gent and the league, as they say goodbye to one of their finest players.
