Conor Coady has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 33. The former Liverpool, Everton, Wolves and Leicester City defender made the decision after several months without a club.
Coady began his football career in Liverpool's academy and made two first-team appearances under Brendan Rodgers. He then played for Sheffield United and Huddersfield Town before joining Wolves.
Coady spent the most significant period of his career at Wolves. He made 317 appearances for the club, became captain and helped them return to the Premier League.
The defender later played for Everton and Leicester City, and also had loan spells at Wrexham and Charlton Athletic. He had been without a club since August following the termination of his contract and has now officially announced his retirement.
Coady made 10 appearances for England between 2020 and 2022. He was part of the squad at Euro 2020 and was later called up for the 2022 World Cup, although he did not play at the tournament.
Since the end of his playing career, Coady has already begun developing as a coach. In September 2026, he joined Lee Carsley's England Under-21 coaching staff. The former defender had previously also worked with England's Under-19s.
In his statement, Coady thanked every club he had played for and the supporters who had backed him throughout his career. He also said he now wanted to spend more time with his family.
“But it's time for my incredible wife Amy and my four sons to see a little more of Dad,” he wrote.
“Thank you to all the fans of every club I played for. I gave everything in every shirt. It was an honour for me to play this incredible game. Thank you for everything. Yours, Coads.”
His retirement could also mark the start of a new chapter in football. According to a source, Coady has already been linked with a possible appointment as assistant head coach at League One side Barnsley.
