Two-time Olympic and world champion Viktor Axelsen has announced his retirement from professional badminton at the age of 32 due to persistent back problems. Axelsen's 16-year career came to an end after he was last seen in action at the 2025 BWF China Masters, where he cut short his season due to recurring back issues.
Speaking to Badminton Europe, Axelsen explained that persistent back issues, a failed recovery post-surgery, and recurring pain had prevented him from training or competing at the required level, ultimately forcing him to make the difficult decision to retire.
Axelsen is the most decorated men's singles shuttler in Olympic history, with gold medals at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Olympics, preceded by a bronze in Rio 2016. He is also only the second non-Asian player to win the World Championship twice (2017 and 2022).
The three-time European champion and Thomas Cup winner further revealed how the battle with recurring back issues and the risk of further surgery ultimately led to the decision.
