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Sierra Leone international Alhaji Welbeck Kamara has officially retired from professional football at the age of 30.
The former striker confirmed his decision in an interview with Danish outlet Tipsbladet, bringing an end to a career that spanned more than a decade across multiple leagues.
Kamara began his professional journey at FC Kallon in the Sierra Leone National First Division. In his late teens, he had trials with Norwegian side Fredrikstad FK and MLS club Portland Timbers before signing with Swedish side Djurgårdens IF. Though he found limited opportunities there, loan spells at IK Frej and IFK Värnamo helped him gain experience and exposure.
His breakthrough came in 2014 when he joined IFK Norrköping. Kamara played a key role during their Allsvenskan-winning season in 2015, returning to the squad after a short loan in Malaysia with Johor Darul Ta’zim.
In 2016, Kamara’s career faced a serious setback when doctors in Sweden diagnosed him with a heart condition and declared him unfit to continue playing. Determined not to give up, he sought further medical advice in the United States, where specialists cleared him to continue his career. He later signed for D.C. United in Major League Soccer and continued to play at a high level, eventually moving to Danish clubs including Vendsyssel FF, Randers FC, and FC Midtjylland.
Internationally, Kamara made his debut for Sierra Leone in September 2012 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier at age 18. He was also part of the squad that competed in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Now stepping into a new chapter, FC Midtjylland has confirmed on its official website that Kamara will join the club’s scouting department. His new role will focus on identifying promising talent across Africa.
Kamara’s move from the pitch to a scouting role signals a new beginning, allowing him to stay involved in football and contribute to the development of the game from a different angle.
Congratulations bro for your achievements 🎉