Matthew Tabone, long-serving captain of Tarxien Rainbows FC, has officially retired from professional football at the age of 33. The Maltese centre-back, who joined Tarxien in 2014, closes the chapter on an 11-season career that saw him become a key figure in the club’s defensive line and leadership structure.
Tabone made over 190 appearances for the Rainbows across all competitions, according to Transfermarkt. He also represented Malta at the Under-21 level, earning four caps. Known for his solid defending and on-field discipline, Tabone scored seven goals in his club career and was a consistent presence in both the Premier League and lower divisions during his time at Tarxien.
While the club paid tribute to his leadership qualities and long-standing service, Tabone’s retirement also marks the beginning of a new chapter in his football career. Tarxien Rainbows have confirmed that he will immediately join the senior technical staff as an assistant coach and take charge of the club’s Under-13 academy side.
The announcement follows the trend of former players transitioning into coaching roles within the same club setup, reinforcing continuity and experience at youth and senior levels. Tabone’s integration into the technical structure signals Tarxien’s intent to build on his legacy while strengthening their development pipeline.
