Much loved defender Ben Mee announces his retirement from football aged 36 and reveals his plans for the future.
The news was first mentioned during his appearance on Sky Sports’ Premier League Show, discussing the decision, looked back on his career, and spoke of his proudest moment.
The former centre-back, who has been working as guest pundit for the broadcaster during the 2025/26 Premier League season, began his playing career back in 2010.
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In a video announcement, he said: “Hi everyone, this is me letting you guys know that I’ve officially played my last season, my last match and I will be hanging my boots up for the foreseeable.
“From the age of nine at Manchester City Academy, trying to make it all the way to the age of 36 now, I’ve enjoyed every minute, every second of it.
“From winning the Youth Cup at Under 18s, Kicking off my career and getting the education at Manchester City was so valuable for me.
“Going on to get the experience at Leicester, making my first league appearance there was valuable and then moving on to Burnley. Spending 11 years with promotions, relegations, Europe and captain. What an absolute honour, privilege to have played for that club and to represent it how I did and loved absolutely every minute of it.
“Moving to Brentford and new adventure, that first season one of my favourites, loved every minute. Great people, great club, ambitious, again loved every minute.
“And finally finishing off at historic club like Sheffield United. So many moments, so many memories. I want to thank everybody for the support that I’ve received from each fan base, the messages that I’ve received and continue to receive, I really appreciate it.
“To the players that I’ve played with alongside the dressing rooms, I’ve been so fortunate to have such good dressing rooms alongside me.
“And staff as well who have helped me, both have helped me grow and develop as a player, which I really appreciate as well.
“And I’m also fortunate to I’ve had the support network of my friends and my family which have meant so much, not least my mum and dad and my wife who I couldn’t have done any of it without. Been there throughout every moment, every game, kicking every ball with me.
“And finally I would like to thank the likes of Sergio Aguero, Harry Kane, Erling Harland, Mo Salah, Eden Hazard who were always there to remind me how tough the Premier League was, if ever I got too big for my boots, they were there to bring me back down to earth and give me that reminder.
“Thank you for being there on my journey and I’ve loved every minute of it and I really appreciate it, so thank you.”
Interviewer: You’ve made this decision to hang up your boots. We’ve done a couple of bits in the media before. I remembered your name on that occasion. what what does the future hold for you? Are you thinking the media side? Are you thinking coaching management? What’s the plan at the moment?
Ben: Yeah, I’ve had some some great experiences within the media. So I look forward to to doing more of that, for sure. I really enjoyed it. It’s something I’ll pursue. I said I went on the walk with Thomas Frank. He was saying I have two years out and and then come coaching and do that that side of things. So that’s potentially an option. But certainly media in the near future. I’d love to do more of that. And yeah, I’ve got some other some other interests that I want to pursue as well. And obviously spending time with the family. I’ve got young kids, so time with those, you know, those two will be will be fantastic as well. and really valuable. So yeah, hopefully got a few things in the pipeline and yeah, I’m looking forward to a new challenge like I said and and looking forward to the future.
Interviewer: And a summer where you don’t have to worry about how much you eat at the barbecue. That’ll be nice.
Ben: Yeah, probably. I mean, I think I’ll still worry about that and and try not to go too uh too heavy on it, but no, it’d be nice to I guess not have to think about it too much and really enjoy it.
BEN MEE’S CAREER:
Youth career
–2010 – Manchester City
Senior career
2010–2012 – Manchester City – 1 game (0 goals)
2011 → Leicester City (loan) – 15 games (0 goals)
2011–2022 → Burnley (loan) – 376 games (12 goals)
2022–2025 – Brentford – 67 games (5 goals)
2025–2026 – Sheffield United – 18 games (0 goals)
Total – 475 games (17 goals)
International career
2007–2008 – England U19 – 3 games (1 goals)
2009 – England U20 – 5 games (0 goals)
2010–2011 – England U21 – 2 games (0 goals)
Managerial career
2022 – Burnley (assistant)
Honours
Manchester City
FA Youth Cup: 2007–08
Burnley
Football League Championship: 2015–16
Individual
Brentford Supporters’ Player of the Year: 2022–23
Here’s the fan reaction after Ben Mee announces his retirement from football aged 36 and reveals his plans for the future…
@FG_utb2: That’s what a year of Sheffield United does to a man
@SW_1889: As a Blades fan I’m really surprised by this. He didn’t play much in the second half of the season and no one really knows why, but there’s still a very solid player there. Enjoyed his performances and he’s obviously a leader. I could see him in coaching or punditry 👍🏻
@JackWalters92: A top pro. Really thought he could and should have played more in the second half of the season. A big part of our resurgence when Wilder came back. Wish him well with whatever he does next and could certainly see him in the media or as a coach.
@bodenknights: Another Clarets legend calls it a day. Came a long way from the young lad who joined Burnley on loan 15 years ago, winning two promotions to the PL in over a decade with the club. Top man
@matt_burrows69: Proper modern day Burnley legend! Proper old school defender who put everything on the line for the club! You’ll always be a claret! #twitterclarets
@superbeesss: That 22/23 season will never be forgotten. All the best for the future 🥲 @Ben6Mee
@IdleandWild: Legend! What a leader he was. Can’t wait to see what Ben does next, as he’ll smash it, whatever it is
@TheBurnleyWay: Go well Ben, see you in our dugout in a few years time 🙌
@JVBFC07: Genuinely one of my favourite ever players for us, proper player who’d die for the badge
@Chris_Horner1: Him alongside Tarks was one of our greatest CB partnerships ever. Mee was a brilliant player for us #twitterclarets
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