The Spanish badminton star Carolina Marín, considered one of the greatest players in the history of this sport, has announced her definitive retirement from professional competition at 32 years old, thus renouncing participation in the European Badminton Championship 2026, which was going to be held in her hometown, Huelva.
The Andalusian, who has been dealing with knee injuries, especially after the one suffered at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, has decided to end her sports career to prioritize her long-term physical well-being. Her dream was to say goodbye competing at home, but she has finally chosen not to risk her health and close a career that marked historical milestones for Spain in badminton.
My path ends here. Thanks to everyone, because you have also been part of it. In this new adventure I will carry with me the values that have accompanied me until now and I will try to give back to society everything it has given me during this time. It has been a wonderful journey ♥️ pic.twitter.com/3aKNDo0Mc4
— Carolina Marín (@CarolinaMarin) March 26, 2026
Marín has thanked the support of her family, her team and her followers throughout a career full of successes, among them the Olympic gold in Rio 2016, several world and European titles, consolidating herself as an emblematic figure of Spanish sport. Although she will no longer compete, she is expected to be present in Huelva during the championship to support the team and share with the fans the closing of this unforgettable stage.