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    Farewell to Legends: Premier League Stars Who Retired in the 2024/25 Season

    Emma TeeBy No Comments5 Mins Read

    Each summer brings its fair share of transfer buzz, but the 2025 off-season has also marked a turning point as several Premier League stalwarts bid farewell to their playing days.

    These seasoned professionals, having carved out illustrious careers over the years, are now stepping into new roles, many of them returning to the dugout or boardroom in various coaching or developmental capacities.

    Farewell to Legends: Premier League Stars Who Retired in the 2024/25 Season
    Farewell to Legends: Premier League Stars Who Retired in the 2024/25 Season

    Here’s a look at some of the most notable figures who have decided to call time on their football journeys this year:

    • Jonny Evans: A Decorated Career Comes Full Circle

    Jonny Evans officially ended his professional career on May 30, 2025, at the age of 37, capping a remarkable 19-year spell in the game with over 600 appearances to his name. His final campaign at Manchester United may have seen limited game time, just seven league appearances, but he began the season on a high, fresh off lifting the FA Cup in May 2024.

    Evans etched one more memorable moment into his legacy with a goal in the EFL Cup quarter-final clash against Tottenham in December 2024, his first since rejoining United.

    The Northern Irishman’s journey took him from the Manchester United academy to loan spells at Sunderland, followed by key stints at West Brom and Leicester City, where he captained the Foxes to a historic FA Cup triumph in 2021.

    With 241 appearances for United, his trophy cabinet includes three Premier League titles, a Champions League crown, the Club World Cup, an FA Cup, and two League Cups.

    Internationally, Evans earned 107 caps for Northern Ireland, scoring six goals and captaining the national side 15 times.

    Post-retirement, United appointed him as Head of Loans and Pathways, a role in which he’ll help nurture emerging talents as he works toward completing his UEFA A Coaching Licence.

    • Adam Lallana: From Midfield Maestro to Coaching Bench

    In June 2025, Adam Lallana brought an end to a 17-year professional career, bowing out at 37 and stepping directly into a coaching role with Southampton. Having already taken on player-assistant duties during the club’s relegation fight earlier in the year, Lallana was confirmed as first-team coach under new manager Will Still.

    Lallana’s career came full circle with his return to St. Mary’s, where he made 283 appearances across two spells. Between those stints, he became a key figure at Liverpool after a £25 million move in 2014, racking up over 178 Premier League matches and winning the Champions League (2019), Premier League (2020), UEFA Super Cup, and Club World Cup.

    Before his tearful return to Southampton, his tenure in Brighton gave his resume even more distinction. Lallana made 34 appearances for England on the international scene, scoring three goals while competing in the UEFA Euro 2016 and the FIFA World Cup in 2014.

    He participated in 571 games in all competitions, scoring 86 goals and dishing out 73 assists.

    • James Tomkins: A Reliable Pillar Bows Out

    March 2025 saw the curtain fall on James Tomkins’ career at age 35, following eight seasons with Crystal Palace and a long-term association with West Ham United. A graduate of the Hammers’ academy, Tomkins rose through the ranks from age eight, making 243 senior appearances before his 2016 switch to Palace for an estimated £10 million.

    At Selhurst Park, Tomkins made 125 appearances, scoring 10 goals and becoming a fan favourite for his consistency and leadership. A standout moment came during the 2018/19 season, one of Palace’s strongest Premier League campaigns. His career culminated with an FA Cup win in 2025, a fitting final flourish.

    Although he never earned a senior England cap, Tomkins represented his country at various youth levels and was part of Team GB at the 2012 London Olympics.

    • Wayne Hennessey: Wales’ Record-Breaking Goalkeeper Steps Away

    Veteran shot-stopper Wayne Hennessey announced his retirement in July 2025 at the age of 38, ending a storied career that saw him become Wales’ most-capped goalkeeper with 109 appearances, eclipsing the legendary Neville Southall.

    At club level, Hennessey was a dependable presence for Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crystal Palace, each of whom he served with distinction. His standout performances during Palace’s journey to the 2016 FA Cup final remain etched in memory. Though registered with Nottingham Forest during the 2024/25 season, he made no appearances.

    Hennessey’s international legacy is equally impressive. He was a key figure in Wales’ fairytale run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals and was instrumental in their 2022 World Cup qualification—most notably delivering nine decisive saves in the play-off win over Ukraine.

    His final cap came in November 2023 in a friendly against Gibraltar. Following his retirement, he accepted a coaching role at Nottingham Forest, continuing his journey in football from the sidelines.

    Final Thoughts

    The exit of these footballing veterans marks the end of an era for the Premier League. Their contributions on and off the pitch have left indelible marks, and as they transition into mentoring and management roles, the next generation of talent stands to benefit from their experience and leadership.

    Their retirements are not just the closing chapters of individual careers—they are reminders of the enduring legacy and evolution of football as one generation hands over the baton to the next.

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