Ashley Young will end his playing career after the final match of the 2025-26 campaign, according to Sky Sports. The 40-year-old full-back confirmed his decision to retire after 23 seasons as a professional. He currently plays for Ipswich Town, having joined the club on a free transfer following his departure from Everton last year.
Young earned 39 caps for England during a career that began at Watford in 2003. He won the Premier League, FA Cup, and Europa League during a nine-year period at Manchester United. He also secured a Serie A title with Inter Milan in 2021, per The Guardian.
Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna praised the defender for his influence on the squad during their current campaign. Young made more than 700 senior appearances across six different clubs. The veteran stated it was the right time to step away after a career spanning more than two decades, per Reuters. He remains one of the oldest active players in the top flight.
