Sekou Macalou, 31, has responded to recent rumors about his retirement from rugby, stating that he will continue playing for Stade Français until the end of the current season. The flanker initially told his teammates that he would retire, but later corrected the information on Instagram. He explained that he will undergo surgery, which will keep him away from the field for a short time. Macalou emphasized that any future updates about his career will come directly from him. This season, Macalou has not yet played any minutes in the Top 14, the top-tier rugby league in France. In the 2025-2026 season, he played 18 matches, accumulating 773 minutes of playing time and scoring a try. Earlier, his physical condition had raised concerns, with teammate Thomas Lombard noting hip discomfort that had affected some training sessions. A mysterious message from Macalou in September 2025 had already sparked speculation about the possibility of it being his final season. Macalou is a versatile player, able to play as a flanker or on the wing. He has earned 20 caps with the French national team and participated in the 2023 Rugby World Cup. In the 2024-2025 season, he scored nine tries in just 17 Top 14 matches. However, his physical condition has since deteriorated, impacting his performance on the field. No specific return date has been given for Macalou, and the details of his surgery have not been disclosed. The only clear timeline is his surgery, followed by recovery, and the completion of his final year of contract with Stade Français in Paris. Whether this will be his last season in rugby remains uncertain, as Macalou plans to be the one to announce his future decisions.