Experienced former EFL player Callum Johnson issues an emotional statement via social media, after being forced to retire aged 29.
He has been forced to retire from professional football due to persistent muscle injuries, saying “my body is no longer able to continue”.
He made over 300 senior appearances across 12 years, but has suffered 14 muscle injuries in the last couple of seasons, and despite eventually identifying the cause, it has left his body unable to continue.
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He wrote via Instagram: “After 12 years, 300+ games, 3 promotions and a lifetime of memories, I have now officially retired from professional football.
“This isn’t an announcement I ever imagined making at 29 years old. However those who know me or have followed my journey will know I have suffered from 14 muscle injuries over the last 2 and a half seasons. Although we eventually discovered the cause of the constant muscle injuries, my body is no longer able to continue playing.
“Since the age of 3 it was my dream to become a professional footballer. From the moment I signed for Middlesbrough Academy at 8, I sacrificed my whole life to achieve my dream. I’ve made memories that will stay with me forever, winning the u18 Premier League with Middlesbrough and then playing in the u19 Champions League, going on to achieve 3 promotions in first team football with Accrington Stanley, Mansfield Town and Bradford City. Winning League Two with Accrington in my debut season at 21, playing in front of 60,000 fans at Celtic Park and competing against some of the greatest players in Premier League history are experiences I will always be grateful for.
“To all of the fans of every club I have played for, whether I was playing 40 games a season in my prime or in recent years doing everything possible to get back fit and showing glimpses on the pitch of what I was capable of, thank you for your support. To all the players I have shared the dressing room with, I’ve met some top professionals, learnt so much throughout my career and made friendships that will last a lifetime, best of luck with the rest of your careers. Thank you to the managers and staff who put their trust in me, I always did everything I could to repay your belief in me on the pitch. Most importantly, thank you to my family and partner, who sacrificed just as much as I did to help me achieve my dream. Without you, none of this would have been possible.
“Football has been my whole life, I sacrificed everything and it repaid me. Now I want to use my experience and knowledge to help young footballers improve and develop to chase their own dreams.
“This isn’t the end, it’s just the start of something new… @cjprocoaching”
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“I am proud to announce the start of a new chapter in my life @cjprocoaching ⚽️
“After 12 years as a professional footballer, I am excited to now use my experience and knowledge to support the development of young footballers in my local area.
“My aim is to provide bespoke high-quality, professional coaching that will help young players improve technically and tactically.
“I will look into fine detail, different aspects of players games to help improve both their strengths and weaknesses. All sessions will be game related and position specific.
“I will be offering 1-to-1, 2-to-1 and small group coaching sessions at Soccer Sensations in Stockton starting this Easter.
“For further details and booking information, please visit the website.
“We are proudly in partnership with @DFCoaching. Danny is one of the best coaches in the area with masses of experience helping and developing young players and our beliefs and coaching styles align. I believe there is a time and place for young players to be improving through 1-to-1 and 2-to-1 sessions if they are also getting enough group sessions into their football diet, in my opinion there is no better place than DF.”
Words from Danny – “We are always looking to further strengthen our offering and give the best quality coaching to the players that attend DF. Callum has a tremendous amount of experience and detail to pass on to the young players he will be working with, and creating a partnership with him is in the best interests of both.”
Pro Sessions. Pro Standards 📈
See you on the pitch
Callum Johnson
JOHNSON’S CAREER:
Youth career
2005–2015 Middlesbrough
Senior career
2015–2018 – Middlesbrough
2017–2020 – Accrington Stanley – 119 games (1 goal)
2020–2022 – Portsmouth – 48 games (1 goal)
2021–2022 → Fleetwood Town (loan) – 39 games (4 goals)
2022–2023 – Ross County – 21 games (0 goals)
2023–2024 – Mansfield Town – 35 games (2 goals)
2024–2025 – Bradford City – 14 games (1 goal)
2025–2026 – Gateshead – 10 games (0 goals)
Social media users reacted after the experienced former EFL player issues a statement after being forced to retire aged 29…
Callum Johnson retires from professional football at 29 years old.
One of the best RBs we’ve had at Accy.
Not to forget, a Champion too. 🏆 #asfc pic.twitter.com/sZQCksKT0j
— Past And Present ASFC (@ASFCPlayers) March 23, 2026
@LRbix: Quite sad to see honestly we wish him all the best going forward
@rstj04: Wish him all the best, great squad player in our promotion season last year #bcafc
@BlueArmyAlex: Sad to hear, always thought his departure from Pompey was premature. Wish him all the best
@andy_branston: Shame that, he showed glimpses at Mansfield of how good he could be, but as he’s said, was never too far away from another injury
@puckdropuk: Sorry to hear that Callum. Will remember you playing well for Pompey. Start of a new chapter 💪
@holly_roake: As a Woking fan, that is sad news. Shame you had to retire at a young age, through injury. All the best in your future endeavours
@joshgfc23: Wish him the best, to mar that decision must’ve been awful.
@LivWalden7: Sad news but wish you all the best in your new direction of your journey ahead.
@FrogmoresFrog: Loved you at pompey
@HeedFan: Sad to hear Callum. Wish you all the best for the future mate. Thank you for your efforts in a heed shirt.
@GFCJosh0503: Awful news to hear. Always gave 100% for us. Wish you all the best in retirement
@Gingerheed: All the best in whatever your future holds young man, thank you for your efforts on behalf of GatesheadFC
@StChipa: All the best Callum, you didn’t play a lot for @officialbantams but helped to get promotion last year; all the best in your new life #bcafc
@Heedonistic_: Very sad. All the best, Callum. 💪
@SimonNicholasP2: Good luck lad
@bottslock: Awful for the lad.
@AJBeeca: Wish you all the best Callum. Quality player and such a shame that injuries forced you out.
@michelle_jevons: All the best Callum.
@Clarkeyboy12345: Have a good retirement cal
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