Ashley Young ends 23-year career at Ipswich, retires at 40
Synopsis
At 40, Ashley Young closes the book on a 23-year odyssey that took him from Watford's youth ranks to Manchester United's midfield and Inter Milan's Serie A stage, before reinventing himself as a full-back in his twilight years. His final chapter unfolds at Ipswich, where he chases one last prize — Premier League promotion — before stepping away from the game.
Key Takeaways
Ashley Young announced his retirement from professional football at age 40 , ending a 23-year career.
He will retire at the end of the season while playing for Ipswich Town , where he joined in July 2025 .
Young earned 39 caps for England , scoring seven goals after debuting in November 2007 .
His career included spells at Watford , Aston Villa , Manchester United , Inter Milan , and Everton .
This season at Ipswich, he made 13 appearances , mostly as a substitute, with his last outing in January .
Ashley Young, the former England international, announced on 30 April that he will retire from professional football at season's end, concluding a 23-year career that took him through some of Europe's biggest clubs. The 40-year-old will hang up his boots at Ipswich Town, where he joined on a one-year deal in July 2025 following his departure from Everton.
A career spanning two decades
Young's journey began at Watford, where he made his senior debut in 2003. He went on to represent Aston Villa, Manchester United, Inter Milan, and Everton before joining Ipswich. Initially deployed as a winger in his attacking prime, Young reinvented himself as a full-back in his later years, extending his career longevity.
England caps and legacy
On the international stage, Young earned 39 caps for England, scoring seven goals after making his debut in November 2007. His international career spanned more than a decade, during which he featured in major tournaments and became a reliable performer for the national side.
Injury-hit final season at Ipswich
Young's final campaign has been hampered by injuries. He made 13 appearances for Ipswich this season, predominantly as a substitute, with his last outing coming in January during a victory over Bristol City. Despite limited playing time, he remains focused on helping the club secure promotion to the Premier League.
Young's reflection and focus
In a statement released by Ipswich Town, Young said, "I am incredibly proud and fortunate to have achieved everything I have during my career. It's not too often you sit and think about this while you are still in the game, but I have lived my dream during the last 23 years." He added, "My full focus is on Saturday and helping this club achieve our goal, which is promotion back to the Premier League."
Manager's tribute
Kieran McKenna, Ipswich Town's manager, praised Young's impact: "Ashley's career in the game speaks for itself, and it has been an honour to have worked with him, firstly at Manchester United and then here at Ipswich this season. The professionalism, competitiveness, and quality he displays every day have had a massive impact on the group this season."
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Ashley Young retiring?
Ashley Young will retire at the end of the 2024-25 season while playing for Ipswich Town. He made the announcement on 30 April 2025 and plans to step away from professional football after the season concludes.
How many caps did Ashley Young earn for England?
Ashley Young earned 39 caps for England, scoring seven goals. He made his international debut in November 2007 and represented his country across multiple tournaments and campaigns over more than a decade.
Which clubs did Ashley Young play for during his career?
Young's career spanned Watford, Aston Villa, Manchester United, Inter Milan, and Everton before joining Ipswich Town. He began his senior career at Watford in 2003 and played at some of Europe's most prominent clubs.
How many games has Ashley Young played for Ipswich this season?
Young made 13 appearances for Ipswich during the 2024-25 season, mostly coming off the bench. His last match was in January during a win over Bristol City, after which injuries limited his involvement.
