Sharp retires after incredible 22-year career

What the report says

Sheffield United forward Billy Sharp has announced his retirement from professional football aged 40, ending a 22-year career that included spells with several English clubs and a brief move to LA Galaxy. BBC Sport reported that Sharp was a free agent after leaving Doncaster Rovers at the end of last season, when he finished his final appearance with a hat-trick against Peterborough United.

Sharp is best known as a home-city Sheffield United figure, having first played for the club in 2004 and later becoming captain. Across three separate spells with the Blades, he scored 129 goals and helped them win promotion from League One in 2017 and from the Championship in 2019 and 2023. The striker also played for Southampton, Nottingham Forest, Leeds United, Hull City, Scunthorpe United, Reading and Rushden & Diamonds, and BBC Sport said he finished his career with 299 goals in total.

In comments to Sky Sports, Sharp said he wanted to retire on his own terms and said he felt he had made the most of his career. He also noted the challenge of seeing other players leave the game through injury. BBC Sport added that he had been part of Southampton’s 2012 promotion-winning side.

Beyond retirement, Sharp has joined six-a-side side N5 in the Baller League and has also completed coaching badges, suggesting an interest in management. In broader context, his career is notable for its longevity and for remaining productive into his 40s, a rarity in the modern game.