diff --git a/pkg/worker/caged/libretro/frontend.go b/pkg/worker/caged/libretro/frontend.go
index 6aae32cda..a88dca94b 100644
--- a/pkg/worker/caged/libretro/frontend.go
+++ b/pkg/worker/caged/libretro/frontend.go
@@ -263,8 +263,8 @@ func (f *Frontend) Start() {
 			}
 		}
 		f.Shutdown()
-		f.mui.Unlock()
 	}()
+	defer f.mui.Unlock()
 
 	if f.HasSave() {
 		// advance 1 frame for Mupen, DOSBox save states