Two-time Olympic and world champion Viktor Axelsen has officially stepped away from professional badminton at the age of 32, ending a remarkable 16-year career at the elite level. He announced his retirement on April 15, citing chronic and persistent back problems that ultimately forced him to stop competing.
The Danish star stressed that his decision was not driven by a lack of motivation, but by ongoing physical struggles, as persistent pain made it increasingly difficult to train and compete. In an Instagram post, he wrote “Due to my recurrent back issues, I am no longer able to compete and train at the highest level.”
Speaking further to Badminton Europe, Axelsen detailed how his condition deteriorated despite undergoing endoscopic surgery and committing to a long and demanding rehabilitation process. After months of recovery following surgery in April 2025, he suffered a major setback in October that prevented him from returning to peak form.
“After I had surgery in April last year and went through a long rehabilitation process, I unfortunately had a setback in October. Since those tournaments, I have not been able to play or train at the level required,” he said in an interview with Badminton Europe.
Since then, he has been unable to sustain the intensity required in professional badminton, both in training sessions and competitive matches.
Medical consultations ultimately confirmed what his body had been signaling for months, as doctors warned that continuing could require another surgery with the risk of more serious complications.
“They say that with the pain I am experiencing now, it could potentially require another surgery, and if that does not go well, even a more serious procedure might be necessary.” Axelsen shared.
In his farewell message, Axelsen reflected on the emotional weight of stepping away from a sport that had defined his life since childhood, expressing deep gratitude to his doctors, coaches, and support team who worked tirelessly in search of a solution.
“Since the day I first picked up a racket, I knew my dream was to become the best in the world.” He wrote, highlighting a journey fueled by ambition and sacrifice.
Looking back, Axelsen bids farewell to professional sport with one of the most decorated careers in badminton history, highlighted by Olympic gold medals at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, along with two World Championship titles, and a total of 183 weeks as world No. 1 during a career marked by sustained dominance at the elite level.
