Joe Morrell posts an emotional statement confirming the tough decision to retire from professional football at the age of 28.
The Welsh international has said that physical limitations after nearly two years of rehabilitation, and expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and wife for their support, reflecting on a career that included nearly 200 appearances while also playing in UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
He spoke of resilience, stating that football defined his profession, not his identity, and he looks forward to approaching the next phase of his life with passion and ambition.
He wrote via social media: “This is not something that I ever thought that I would be writing at the age of 28, but today I’ve officially retired from professional football.
“After almost two years of rehab, trying to get my body back in to a place to train, play and compete in the professional game, I’ve had to admit the fact that I am no longer capable of this.
“It’s been an incredibly tough 21 months, full of promise, hope, tears and dark moments, but I’m at peace with the fact that I’ll never again be able to play.
“I can’t thank my close friends, family and most importantly my amazing wife enough, for the support that they’ve given me during this time.
“I firmly believe that I will come out of this period a more resilient, well rounded person with a greater sense of perspective on what’s important in life.
“Football is what I do and not who I am. I am truly one of the lucky ones, and I’m so thankful for the career that I’ve had.
“Being able to live out not just my dream, but the dream of millions of boys and girls around the world was never something that I took for granted, and I hope that it always came across that way.
“Starting at Bristol City, and finishing at Portsmouth, with stops at Cheltenham Town, Lincoln City and Luton Town. I would like to thank all of the supporters, staff, and teammates of these clubs for all of the love and support you gave me during my time there.
“Almost 200 appearances in all three EFL divisions, 37 caps for the Welsh National Team, including trips to two major tournaments, UEFA Euro 2020 and The FIFA World Cup 2022.
“I’m proud to say that I gave it absolutely everything to make the most of my career, and the sacrifices, sweat and tears were all worth it.
“I will be approaching the next stage of my life with the same passion, enthusiasm and ambition and I can’t wait to get started with that process now.”
MORRELL’S CAREER:
Youth
–2013 – Bristol City
Senior
2013–2020 – Bristol City – 6 games (0 goals)
2016 → Sutton United (loan) – 3 games (0 goals)
2017 → Margate (loan) – 2 games (0 goals)
2017–2018 → Cheltenham Town (loan) – 39 games (3 goals)
2019–2020 → Lincoln City (loan) – 32 games (0 goals)
2020–2021 – Luton Town – 11 games (0 goals)
2021–2024 – Portsmouth – 105 games (1 goal)
International
2013–2014 – Wales U17 – 6 games (1 goals)
2014–2015 – Wales U19 – 10 games (0 goals)
2017–2018 – Wales U21 – 8 games (3 goals)
2019– Wales – 37 games (0 goals)
Honours
Portsmouth
EFL League One: 2023–24
Individual
Lincoln City Player of the Year: 2019–20
Absolutely heartbreaking that Joe Morrell has been forced to retire due to injury.
The huge Fratton favourite amassed 105 appearances for #Pompey and played a hugely-important role in the 2023-24 League One title-winning campaign.https://t.co/PzdK4yj763
— Pepe Lacey (@pepe_lacey) October 20, 2025
This was the last thing Joe Morrell did in his career 🥲🥲 #Pompey pic.twitter.com/y8R5byaaIw
— jake (@pfcmccloud) October 20, 2025
Joe Morrell has today announced his retirement from playing professional football.
Diolch am bopeth, Joe! ♥️🏴
— Wales 🏴 (@Cymru) October 20, 2025
Twitter users gave their reaction as Joe Morrell posts an emotional statement confirming the tough decision to retire at the age of 28…
@lincslass86: Such sad news about Joe Morrell. Gutted for him!
@Ryan_Rosee: Shame to see Joe Morrell retiring at 28, one of my favourite midfielders I’ve seen play for Lincoln
@EthanS_96: Give him a 45 minute contract to come on and get one final last minute red card against the scum in January
@pompeanut1898: Gutted for him
@MrDavishPFC: Massive shame but understandable. Good luck with the rest of your career Joey
@pfc_sam: 😢 poor bloke love Joe
@JoeWood_7: This sucks. Really good player for Pompey, and deserved to go out in a better way. Hope he gets some good coaching gigs quickly.
@adarkelimited: Jesus that is very sad news. Poor fella. Was a decent player for us. Really feel for him.
@ReeceDSport: Excellent player. Cruel game
@EdieWeide: Thank you for all the memories joe and for the time you took talking to me and all the fans I’m gutted for you that it’s happened this early i’ll always be grateful I got your shirt , I’ll always remember April 2nd and promotion day last year thank you for everything joe 🥺💙 Whatever you choose to do next I know you’ll be amazing I’ll always be supporting you from afar as I’ve always said I’m so grateful for all the times we had last year I’ll never forget how special April 2nd was and how special promotion day was it’ll always be special to me 💙
@PompeyPatter: Gutting that Joe has had to retire at only 28. A great player for us and he played a pivotal role in our League One winning team. Thank you Joe and all the best with whatever comes next. Once a blue 💙 #Pompey // #PompeyPatter
@WillStacey14: Good luck for the future Joe! Would’ve loved you back at the bank! Good luck for whatever you do next
@Colemans_Dream: At just 28 Joe Morrell has announced his retirement from football. Diolch Joe.
@whcallum: Absolutely the type of player you want coaching the future of a club, Still think he’d have had a good chance of that contract extension if it wasnt for that injury blow #Pompey
@L_Jones49: All the best Joe, loved having you here at Pompey 🔵👏🏻
@JackLJYeats: Best of luck in whatever you peruse next Joe. Proper player.
@surreypomp: So much good luck and thanks 💙
@catrinavfc: big shame, all the best Joe ❤️
@debojono: Good luck with whatever is next for you in the future Joe. 💙
What a player and what a guy he was for us football can be so cruel sometimes 💙 https://t.co/xteD2SAXcr pic.twitter.com/tLMYSBsFKZ
— Isabellehargrave (@Isabellehargra2) October 20, 2025
This is sad news. @JoeJMorrell was an amazing player for #Pompey but also someone who when I dealt with him was super professional and super helpful with his time. Wish him well with whatever is next!! https://t.co/dSqzqzXjdy
— Henry Deacon (@H_Deaconmedia) October 20, 2025
