Ipswich, UNITED KINGDOM — Veteran star Ashley Young has officially announced that he will retire from professional football at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season. The 40-year-old, currently playing for Ipswich Town, confirmed the news, bringing the curtain down on a storied career that has spanned over two decades and multiple top-flight European leagues.
Young’s journey began at Vicarage Road with Watford in 2003 and took him to Aston Villa, Manchester United, Inter Milan, and Everton. In a heartfelt statement released through the club’s website, Young reflected on a dream realized, stating that he is “incredibly proud and fortunate” to have achieved everything he has since his debut 23 years ago.
Okay News reports that Young’s trophy cabinet includes a Premier League title, an FA Cup, and a UEFA Europa League trophy with Manchester United, as well as a Serie A title with Inter Milan.
Despite the announcement, Young emphasized that his immediate focus remains entirely on Ipswich Town’s push for automatic promotion. The Tractor Boys currently sit second in the EFL Championship, just one point ahead of Millwall and two ahead of Middlesbrough. A victory at home against Queens Park Rangers on Saturday, May 2, would secure their return to the Premier League, potentially providing Young with the fairytale ending of a final career promotion.
Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna, who also worked with Young during their time together at Old Trafford, praised the veteran’s “professionalism, competitiveness, and quality.” Young retires with over 760 club appearances and 39 England caps, having successfully transitioned from a prolific winger into a dependable full-back in his later years.
