Evan Fournier considering retirement in 2028: « I think I’ll finish this contract and hang it up »
Evan Fournier took advantage of his time in France with Olympiacos to open up to L'Équipe. Between a disrupted season, a new role and his future, the French guard clearly mentions a possible retirement in 2028.
Photo Credit : Miko Missana
Evan Fournier (6’6″, 33 years old) was back in France last week with Olympiacos, between a convincing victory in Paris and a frustrating loss in Monaco. The opportunity for the French guard to give a complete update on his situation in an interview with L’Équipe. Between an up-and-down season, an evolving role and changing personal desires, the former NBA player is already starting to plan for the end of his career.
The end of his career in the back of his mind
While nothing is set in stone yet, Evan Fournier acknowledged that he’s seriously considering not extending beyond his current contract, explaining that he thinks he’ll « finish this contract and hang it up ». An idea that’s gradually taking hold, particularly because certain daily constraints weigh on him more. He mentions moments when he’s « fed up » during road trips, with an increasingly strong desire to enjoy his loved ones and a life outside of basketball. Already tempted to stop after the Paris Olympics, he ultimately dove back in quickly, caught by the urge, speaking of a « last thrill in Greece » to describe his decision to continue.
A difficult season but a successful adaptation
Less dominant statistically than last season, Evan Fournier is averaging 10.9 points in EuroLeague and 9.1 points in the Greek championship this year. A drop in production that he directly links to a disrupted start to the season, explaining that he « got injured in the ankle after two games », before being slowed down by a persistent virus with severe symptoms for several weeks. In this context, it took him time to regain his rhythm and his place in a team that was also looking for its balance.
Now, in a revived team, he’s accepted an evolution of his role, particularly coming off the bench, a situation he approaches with perspective as he explains that it allows him to bring what the team needs. True to his philosophy, he reminds that he’s « never been focused on numbers » and that his goal remains above all winning. In short, he accepts this sixth man role without complaint. « We’re playing well, there’s no reason for that to change. But it doesn’t really change much. »
Evan FOURNIER
Position(s): Guard
Height: 198 cm
Age: 33 years (10/29/1992)
Nationality:
Stats 2025-2026 / EuroLeague
PTS
10.9
#65
REB
1.8
#207
AST
2.6
#62
Still committed to the French national team until Los Angeles
Despite these reflections on the end, Evan Fournier isn’t done with the French national team. After skipping summer 2025, he confirmed his intention to return this summer, stating that it was « categorical », while specifying that he would come « if they call me ».
His goal is clear: to stay involved until the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, if the French team qualifies for the next Olympics, because he reminds that it won’t be easy.
« Talking about an Olympic final against the United States? I don’t know who believes that, but we’re light-years away from it. The level of difficulty is enormous. We need to go to the World Cup, have a great performance there, qualify for LA first, and then we’ll see. But thinking that it’s just going to happen like that is a real danger. »
Aware that the national team is in transition, he emphasizes the difficulty of quickly building a competitive team in these contexts, while remaining ambitious. An ambition also fueled by the absence of a major title, as he acknowledges that without this missing piece, he would have already turned the page, confiding that he would have « already stopped, after Paris » if the 2022 European championship had happened.
Gabriel Pantel-Jouve is the founder and editor-in-chief of BeBasket, which he has been running since 2010 (formerly known as Catch & Shoot). Having studied at the École Publique de Journalisme de Tours and two universities in North America, he has developed his expertise in French basketball, from the National League to amateur divisions, over the past 20 years. Alongside this, he is also involved in the development of clubs in the Montpellier area.
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