By Joshua Otieno | May 1, 2026
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — Veteran English footballer Ashley Young has officially announced he will retire from professional football at the end of the 2025/26 season, bringing to a close a remarkable 23-year career at the highest level.
The 40-year-old, currently playing for Ipswich Town, confirmed that his final appearance is expected to come in the Championship season finale against Queens Park Rangers on May 2, 2026.
Young’s journey through the game has been defined by longevity, adaptability, and success across multiple top clubs, including Manchester United, Aston Villa, Watford, Inter Milan, and Everton.
Initially rising to prominence as a dynamic winger, he later reinvented himself as a reliable full-back and leader, particularly during his nine-year spell at Manchester United.
Trophy-Laden Career
Young amassed an impressive collection of honours, including the Premier League title (2012/13), Serie A (2020/21), and the UEFA Europa League (2016/17), alongside domestic trophies such as the FA Cup and EFL Cup.
Longevity and Milestones
Across his club career, Young made 765 appearances and scored 88 goals, while also earning 39 caps for England national football team, representing his country at major tournaments including the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Among his notable records, Young became the oldest player to score a direct free-kick in Premier League history at 39 years and 148 days and also holds the distinction of being Everton’s oldest-ever goalscorer.
Transition Beyond the Pitch
Following retirement, Young is widely expected to transition into punditry, having already built a presence on Sky Sports, where he has featured as a tactical analyst.
Tributes have poured in from across the football world, including former teammate David De Gea, who described his journey simply as “What a career,” and pundit Jamie Carragher, who praised his consistency and professionalism.
Young leaves the game as one of the Premier League’s most enduring figures—respected not only for his achievements, but for his ability to evolve and remain competitive across more than two decades at the top level.
