Charlie Wyke issues an emotional statement on social media, announcing retirement from professional football aged 33.
It could have come earlier, but he has proven doctors wrong, playing on for 4 more years, but now the time has come to step away from the pitch.
In November 2021, Wyke collapsed in training, had CPR from then Wigan manager Leam Richardson and the club confirmed he was in a stable condition in hospital.
He had a defibrillator fitted, a life-saving device which monitors heart rhythm and delivers shocks if needed.
Nine months later, he returned to professional football having had more tests and a minor procedure.
In the last two years, he has faced injury hell, saying back in February 2026: “I broke my leg, dislocated my ankle, tore every ligament, damaged the cartilage – it was like six or seven different injuries in one.”
He posted on Instagram:
He wrote: “According to the doctors, this day should have come a long time ago. I proved them wrong then, but after a lot of thought, I’ve decided it’s the right time to retire from football. “As a kid growing up in Middlesbrough, all I ever wanted to do was play football. I could never have imagined where that dream would take me. “Football has given me memories I’lI carry with me forever. I’ve been lucky enough to play for nine brilliant clubs, win promotions, lift a trophy at Wembley and share dressing rooms with some unbelievable people over the last 15 years. “Like any career, there have been highs and lows. Mine just happened to include a couple of challenges I never thought I’d have to face. “When I suffered a cardiac arrest in 2021, 1 didn’t know if I’d ever play football again. “To be honest, football wasn’t my biggest concern. I just wanted to be there for Chelsea and to see Albie and Ava grow up. The quick thinking of Leam Richardson and Dr Jonathan Tobin saved my life, and I will be forever in debt to them. “The support I received from my family, friends and everyone in football gave me the strength to keep going. “After returning to action at Wigan and going back to Carlisle, another setback came along after life finally felt settled again. In 2024, I suffered injuries that meant 462 days of rehabilitation. Once again, football had to take a back seat “Some days were hard. Really hard. There were times when it felt like I wasn’t getting anywhere, but every step forward was worth it. Not just because I wanted to play again, but because I wanted my children to see that no matter what life throws at you, you keep going. “People will always tell you something can’t be done. They’ll tell you your time is up or that it’s time to throw in the towel. I’m proud that I never listened. I’m even prouder that l’ve been able to finish my career on my own terms. “To every teammate, manager, coach, physio, doctor, member of staff and supporter who’s been part of my journey, thank you. I wouldn’t be writing this today without you. “Most importantly, thank you to Chelsea, Albie and Ava, my Mam and Dad, my brothers Matty and Georgie, and my agents from day one, Lee and Mark. You’ve been my reason to keep going every single day. Every setback, every comeback and every good moment has meant more because of you. Football has given me so much, but my family will always be my greatest achievement. “I leave the game with memories I’ll treasure forever and friendships that will last a lifetime. “It’s been an incredible journey, and I’m excited to see what comes next. “Thank you for everything. “WYKEY” Youth career Senior career Here’s the social media reaction after Charlie Wyke issues emotional statement announcing retirement from football aged 33… danny_graham10: What a career mate be proud … was a pleasure to share the dressing room with u … good luck in whatever comes next if u need me pick up the phone ❤️ laticsofficial: Congratulations on an incredible career, Chaz! Hope to see you back at the Brick in the future! 💙 🤍 danny_graham10: What a career mate be proud … was a pleasure to share the dressing room with u … good luck in whatever comes next if u need me pick up the phone ❤️ chrismaguire_7: Big chaz, congratulations on your career, good luck with whatever you do next, had some laughs with you ❤️ jordanjones45: 🥲 Love you mate be so proud of your career and everything you have came through, the best❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ owenmoxonn: Chaz, one of the best guys and what a career mate! Credit to yourself and your family. Enjoy brother 💙💙 gleadbitter23: Chaz all the very best mate. Be proud of yourself on your career ⚽️ joncolmancufc: Congratulations on a fantastic career and very best wishes for the future, Charlie. How you’ve faced and come through what you have is inspirational. dmcgeouch: All the best mate❤️👏🏻 officialcufc: Congratulations on an incredible career, Chaz 💙 gabe_breeze: All the best chaz lad, get them feet up and enjoy your retirement ❤️ louispaulcunningham: Congratulations on a fantastic career! Achieved what any young lad wants to do. Lived the dream! It was great to work with you at the Thunlun. Absolute top, top man. Good luck with what’s next! UTB! t_naylor31: What a guy one the best I know, I was lucky to share the pitch with you my friend. Enjoy brother !❤️ rob_traynor: Absolute pleasure to have you wear the Blue and White of Wigan 💙🤍 top player and better person… Excited to see what you journey brings next … all the best mate 💪 reganlinney: Special special fella!! Love you to bits ❤️ joewheatley44: What a guy !! Enjoy retirement mate ❤️ x cee_.3: Congratulations bro! Some career! All the best with whatever life may bring! Get a Parmo down ya lad! ❤️ kieranweledji: Congratulations on a ledge career my mate 💙 all the best in your next chapter, what a guy 👏👏👏 tonymcmahon29: Congratulations on a great career mate , was a pleasure to whip balls onto your forehead and watch all your follicles fall out , and well done for recycling my banter at every club you’ve been at. Legend ❤️⚽️🤝 cmcl9102: ❤️ congrats on your career mate and good luck for the future! robboma3: Great career mate! Congratulations,See ya on the playground soon 🙌 lennyben10: All the best on your retirement Chaz. You certainly kept us on our toes ❤️🤍 gshizzy: Thanks for goals, all the best in your retirement 🔴⚪️🔴⚪️ bantamsvlogs: All the best in the future, will always remember your time at Bradford ❤️ good times! gavin_massey: Congrats on your career bro ❤️ samuel_b9797: All the very best in your next chapter of life what ever it may be what a incredible career and player liamedmo11: All the best Charlie lad 👏👏 sammurray.3: Congrats on a great career. Some man… Yuw what❤️ jlauder91: All the best big man 👏 rob.barber212: Not many get 30 goals in a season. Hopefully you can enjoy your retirement ❤️🤍❤️🤍
To pull a shirt on again and walk back out onto a football pitch is something l’ll never, ever take for granted. It wasn’t just my comeback – it was for everyone who stuck with me through my darkest days.WYKE’S CAREER:
1997–2011 – Middlesbrough
2011–2015 – Middlesbrough
2012 → Kettering Town (loan) – 12 games (2 goals)
2012–2013 → Hartlepool United (loan) – 26 games (2 goals)
2014 → AFC Wimbledon (loan) – 17 games (2 goals)
2014 → Hartlepool United (loan) – 14 games (4 goals)
2015–2017 – Carlisle United – 89 games (39 goals)
2017–2018 – Bradford City – 62 games (23 goals)
2018–2021 – Sunderland – 114 games (42 goals)
2021–2024 – Wigan Athletic – 57 games (16 goals)
2024 → Rotherham United (loan) – 12 games (1 goal)
2024–2026 – Carlisle United – 22 games (2 goals)
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