IPSWICH, ENGLAND — Ashley Young has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 40, bringing an end to a distinguished 23-year career that spanned multiple top clubs and international competitions.
The former Manchester United and England star confirmed his decision while still playing for Ipswich Town, where he remains focused on helping the club secure promotion back to the Premier League.
Young stated that he intends to give his full attention to Ipswich’s final Championship fixture scheduled for Saturday, as the club pushes to achieve promotion on the last day of the season.
He described his career as a dream fulfilled, reflecting on more than two decades in professional football and expressing pride in his achievements across club and international levels.
The veteran winger-turned-full-back noted that he would take time in the coming weeks and months to consider his next steps after officially stepping away from the game.
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna praised Young’s influence, highlighting his professionalism, competitiveness, and leadership qualities within the squad.
McKenna emphasised that Young has made a significant impact both on and off the pitch during his time at the club, particularly in guiding younger players and maintaining high standards.
Young’s career began at Watford before he went on to establish himself at Aston Villa, where his performances earned him a move to Manchester United.
During his nine-year spell at Old Trafford, he won several major honours, including the Premier League, FA Cup, Europa League, and League Cup, contributing to one of the most successful periods of his career.
He later played for Inter Milan, where he added a Serie A title to his achievements during the 2020–21 season.
Young also represented England at international level, earning 39 caps and featuring in major tournaments such as UEFA Euro 2012 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
His ability to adapt across multiple positions, combined with his longevity in top-level football, has been widely recognised as a testament to his discipline and versatility.
The announcement marks the conclusion of a career that has seen him compete at the highest levels of European football while maintaining relevance across different leagues and teams.
As he prepares for his final match, attention will turn to what comes next for Young, with possibilities including coaching, punditry, or other roles within the sport he has served for over two decades.
