Sad News: FC Danimo București Defender Josua Homawo Officially Announces Retirement Due to……….
Bucharest, Romania – April 14, 2025 — In a somber moment for Romanian football, FC Danimo București’s veteran defender Josua Homawo has officially announced his retirement from professional football, citing a recurring and career-threatening knee injury that has plagued him over the past two seasons.
The 33-year-old center-back, known for his leadership, fierce tackling, and commanding presence in the backline, made the emotional announcement Monday morning through the club’s official social media channels and a press conference held at Stadionul Dinamo.
“It’s the hardest decision of my life,” Homawo said, holding back tears as he addressed the media. “Football has been everything to me. But after months of trying to come back, countless hours of rehab, and medical advice from the best specialists, I’ve come to accept that my body can no longer endure the demands of professional football.”
A Career Defined by Grit and Loyalty
Homawo joined FC Danimo București in 2017 and quickly became a fan favorite, praised for his no-nonsense defending, professionalism, and tireless dedication to the club. Over eight seasons, he made 221 appearances for Danimo and scored 10 goals — a solid record for a defender. He was instrumental in leading the club to two Cupa României finals and played a vital role in helping the team earn promotion back to Liga I in 2021 after a brief stint in the second tier.
His consistent performances and loyalty earned him the captain’s armband in 2022, a role he held with pride until his final match in late 2024 before suffering the injury that would ultimately end his career.
“Josua is more than a player to this club,” said Danimo manager Sorin Popescu. “He’s a leader, a warrior, and a brother to everyone in the locker room. His presence will be impossible to replace. We are deeply saddened to see him leave the pitch, but we respect his decision and thank him for everything he’s done.”
The Injury That Ended It All
Homawo’s knee troubles began in early 2023 when he suffered a partial ligament tear during a training session. Though he returned after a few months, the injury lingered and was aggravated multiple times, limiting his appearances and forcing him to play through pain.
In October 2024, during a league match against CFR Cluj, Homawo went down clutching his knee after a non-contact fall. Medical scans confirmed a severe ACL re-tear, accompanied by cartilage damage — an injury that would have required another year of recovery and possibly a complete knee reconstruction.
“After that injury, the doctors were honest with me,” Homawo explained. “They said even if I managed to come back, I’d never play at the same level. I didn’t want to be a shadow of myself on the field. I wanted to leave the game with my head held high.”
Reactions from Around the Football World
Messages of support and tributes have poured in from teammates, rivals, fans, and former coaches. Danimo’s official fan group, “Red Wolves of Bucharest,” released a statement thanking Homawo for his service and announced they would organize a farewell banner display during the next home match.
Former Danimo midfielder Alexandru Nedelcu, now playing in Italy, tweeted: “Josua was the toughest defender I ever trained with and the best leader I ever played under. Football is losing a great one today.”
Even international clubs that once faced Homawo in European qualifiers extended their respects, with Croatian side Hajduk Split posting, “Respect to a true professional. Best wishes in retirement, Josua Homawo.”
What’s Next for Josua?
Though he’s stepping away from professional football, Homawo has made it clear he’s not leaving the sport behind entirely.
“I’ve always loved the tactical side of football, and I want to give back by coaching,” he said. “I’ve already started my coaching licenses, and I hope one day I can return to this club — maybe not as a player, but in another role that helps shape the next generation.”
FC Danimo’s management confirmed they are in discussions with Homawo about potentially joining the club’s academy coaching staff or even taking on a youth development position.
“He has the football brain, the character, and the heart to be an excellent coach,” said technical director Adrian Toma. “We’d be proud to keep him within the Danimo family.”
A Bittersweet Goodbye
Homawo’s retirement marks the end of an era for FC Danimo București. A symbol of strength and determination on the pitch, he now transitions into a new chapter, one that fans hope will continue to impact the game in a positive way.
His legacy at Danimo is secure — not only in statistics and silverware, but in the hearts of the fans who chanted his name for nearly a decade.
“I may no longer wear the jersey,” Homawo concluded. “But I will always be a Danimo man, forever.
