Last dance for Damian Quintero
Olympic silver medalist kata athlete Damian Quintero will retire after the 2025 World Karate Championships in Cairo, Egypt.
Spanish karate legend Damián Quintero, one of the most decorated athletes in the history of the sport, has officially announced that he will retire from competition after the upcoming World Karate Championships in Cairo, scheduled for November 27–30, 2025.
The announcement came through a heartfelt video message shared on his official Instagram account (watch here), where Quintero reflected on his long and successful journey in karate, expressing gratitude to his coaches, teammates, and fans.
“It’s been a beautiful ride,” Quintero said in his message. “Karate has given me everything — values, discipline, and unforgettable memories. Now it’s time to close this chapter with one last performance in Cairo.”
A Glorious Career
Born in Buenos Aires in 1984 and raised in Málaga, Quintero has been the face of Spanish karate for over a decade. Specializing in kata, he has built a career defined by precision, consistency, and elegance.
His achievements include:
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🥈 Olympic silver medalist at Tokyo 2020
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🥇 11-time European Champion
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🥈 Multiple World Championship silver medals
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🏅 More than 130 international medals across his career
Quintero’s rivalry with Japan’s Ryo Kiyuna has been one of the sport’s most celebrated duels, elevating the global visibility of kata as a discipline.
The Final Bow
The 2025 World Championships in Cairo will mark the final chapter of Quintero’s illustrious career. The Spanish Karate Federation and fans around the world are already preparing tributes to honor his legacy.
While he has not revealed specific post-retirement plans, Quintero hinted at continuing to promote karate and sports values through education, mentoring, and possibly media projects.
“I’ll always be connected to karate,” he said. “It’s not goodbye — it’s a new beginning.”
About Damián Quintero
Full name: Damián Hugo Quintero Capdevila
Born: July 4, 1984, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Nationality: Spanish
Discipline: Kata
Olympic debut: Tokyo 2020 (Silver medal)
Notable awards: National Sports Merit Medal, multiple European and World Championship medals
Written by Gokhan Taner