As Liverpool and Nottingham Forest faced off in their latest Premier League matches, one of Liverpool’s former stars, Divock Origi, was enjoying a different sporting event. The Belgian striker recently posted on Instagram, showcasing his courtside view at an NBA game between the Brooklyn Nets and the Indiana Pacers. This moment highlights Origi’s current status, as he has been without a club since his contract with AC Milan was terminated in December 2025. After entering the January transfer window as a free agent, hopes to revive his career have yet to materialize, leaving him still searching for a new team.
Origi’s journey in recent years is quite a narrative, with his last competitive appearance not coming for Milan but rather for Nottingham Forest, where he made a late substitute appearance against Everton on April 21, 2024. This was a staggering 671 days ago. Interestingly, two years prior to that, on April 19, 2022, Origi had scored a crucial goal in a Merseyside derby, sealing a 2-0 victory against Everton at Anfield. This match helped Liverpool maintain their ambitions for a historic quadruple that season.
Following that iconic moment, Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp praised Origi, stating, “He is a legend on and off the pitch. He is a fantastic footballer, a world-class striker, our best finisher, he always was — and everyone would say the same.” Such accolades from Klopp are not rare; he once remarked that people “would write books about him” after Origi’s last-minute heroics against Wolverhampton Wanderers in December of the 2021-22 season.
Origi’s Legacy at Liverpool
Divock Origi has become synonymous with memorable moments at Liverpool, often referred to as a “cult hero.” His tenure at the club included several unforgettable goals, such as the dramatic 94th-minute winner against Everton in December 2018 and two crucial goals in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona. He similarly scored the second goal in Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Tottenham Hotspur in the Champions League final.
He is fondly remembered by teammates, with Trent Alexander-Arnold stating, “He will go down in history,” although Andrew Robertson humorously tweeted about one day taking his children to see a statue of Origi. His personality has been described as relaxed and lovable, leading former teammate James Milner to mention in his book that Origi is often the last to arrive at team meetings, always managing to bring a smile to those around him.
Beyond his contributions on the pitch, Origi’s impact extended into the community. In 2021, he established the Divock Origi Scholarship at the University of Liverpool to support local students, with the final cohort of recipients set to graduate in September 2029. This initiative has had a profound impact on many students, helping them manage their educational expenses.
Struggles at AC Milan
Origi’s move to AC Milan came in 2022 when he signed a four-year deal, reportedly making him one of the club’s highest earners. Unfortunately, his time in Italy was marred by injury, and he struggled to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup. Despite arriving with high expectations, he scored just two goals in 36 appearances for the club. Milan’s management, including sporting director Paolo Maldini, expressed disappointment over Origi’s performance, noting that while he possessed all the attributes to be a great striker, he struggled to identify the back of the net consistently.
After a loan spell at Nottingham Forest, where he made 22 appearances and scored just once in an FA Cup match, Origi returned to Milan but was informed he was no longer part of the first team plans. Club advisor Zlatan Ibrahimovic confirmed that Origi, along with another player, would be sidelined from the senior squad and would instead be part of the youth setup.
What Lies Ahead for Origi?
Following the mutual termination of his contract with Milan on December 23, 2025, Origi finds himself at a crossroads. Still only 30 years old, the striker has ample time to find a new club and rejuvenate his career. Reports suggest that he is currently training independently, working with a personal trainer to maintain his fitness. Still, the question of where he will play next remains unanswered.
As Origi continues to navigate this uncertain chapter, fans and analysts alike are eager to see where his next move will lead. The Belgian international has proven his worth in high-stakes situations before, and there’s hope that he will find a new home that allows him to showcase his talents once more. With plenty of football left in him, Origi’s journey is far from over.
What do you think about Divock Origi’s journey so far? Share your thoughts and insights in the comments below!
