Ashley Young, a veteran footballer who has played at the highest levels of the game, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 40, concluding a remarkable career that spanned over two decades. Young’s journey began at Watford before he made significant contributions to clubs such as Aston Villa, Manchester United, Inter Milan, Everton, and most recently, Ipswich Town.
Young’s professional career lasted 23 years, during which he made his England debut in November 2007. He earned 39 caps and scored 7 goals for the national team, showcasing his talent on various international stages. Reflecting on his time in football, he expressed pride in his achievements and the journey he undertook to reach this point.
Key moments of Ashley Young’s career:
- Started at Watford before moving to higher-profile clubs.
- Joined Ipswich Town on a one-year deal in July 2025 after being released by Everton.
- Made significant contributions to teams in both the Premier League and Championship.
Ashley Young stated, “It’s been some journey that I only dreamt of as a boy,” emphasizing the fulfillment he found in his lengthy career. Kieran McKenna, his coach at Ipswich Town, remarked on Young’s impact: “Ashley’s career in the game speaks for itself and it has been an honour to have worked with him.” Furthermore, the official England football team account congratulated him via Instagram with the message: “Congratulations on a fantastic career, @youngy_18!”
As he transitions into retirement, Young plans to spend more time with his family—his wife Nicky Pike and their two children, Tyler and Ellearna. Interestingly, Tyler Young has already begun carving out his own path in football; he signed for Peterborough United in 2024 before joining Ipswich Town.