Midfielder, Adam Lallana has retired from football at the age of 37.
Lallana’s retirement ends a 19-year senior career in which he won 2009-10 Football League Trophy followed by consecutive promotions from League One then Championship across 2010-11 & 11-12 seasons, before he impressed in their first two seasons in the Premier League.
During his first spell with Southampton, he spent 2007-08 season on loan at Bournemouth where he made just four appearances.
Liverpool consequently signed the midfielder who went on to help the Reds win 2018-19 UEFA Champions League, which was followed by UEFA Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and Premier League titles within 2019-20 season, as he managed a 22 goals in 178 appearances for the Merseyside club.
The 37-year-old finished his career back at Southampton where he made 18 appearances last season as the Saints suffered relegation from the Premier League for the second time in three seasons, having previously spent 2020 – 24 at Brighton where he helped them achieve Europa League qualification.
In an Instagram post this morning (25 June), Lallana announced that he had decided to retire after having scored 86 goals in 568 club appearances across his career, but acknowledged the opportunities that he had been given at all four clubs that he had played for.
“As I call time on my playing career, I do so with an overwhelming sense of gratitude and pride. I could not be more appreciative of the opportunities I’ve been given and the support I’ve received along the way.
“You owe so much to so many on a journey like this — it’s impossible to name everyone, but to all those please know how grateful I am. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
Lallana also spoke fondly of Southampton, Liverpool and Brighton plus England – having graduated from Under-18s to the senior squad, where he scored three goals in 34 senior international caps.
“It’s crazy to think this all began in the last millennium, when I signed for the academy in 1999. Since making my professional debut in 2006, I realise I’ve been blessed to live the dream that millions of people share.
“Southampton… the place where it all started, and fittingly where it ends. It’s the club I ultimately owe everything to.
“Liverpool… the chance to represent one of the greatest clubs in the world and win some of the biggest prizes in the game.
“Brighton… home to some of the happiest years of my life, at a club deeply connected to its community and run in such a smart, modern way.
“And England… every single cap meant the world to me. Representing my country was the greatest honour.”
Reflective of his playing career as a whole, Lallana admitted that he has “no regrets” about his journey as he paid tribute to everyone who had been part of his career.
“I’m proud of the playing career I’ve had and have no regrets about any of it. I embrace all the highs and all the lows as they’ve shaped me into who I am.
“To everyone who made the journey so special, the staff at each club and organisation, the managers and coaches, my teammates, and of course the supporters — thank you.
“But most of all, to my own team… my family. My wife Emily, our amazing sons, my mum, dad and sister, thank you for putting up with me and being in my corner through it all.”
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Southampton subsequently confirmed that Lallana had joined Will Still’s coaching staff for the 2025-26 season as First-Team Coach, alongside Carl Martin whilst Paul Trollope will serve as Assistant Manager.
Ruben Martinez will join the club as Goalkeeping Coach, having previously worked with Brighton and Watford amongst his previous clubs.
Last season’s two-time interim manager, Simon Rusk has left the club with the Saints thankful for his leadership in a tough campaign.
“We would like to place on record our appreciation for the way in which Simon stepped up to lead the First Team at the end of last season, in what were incredibly challenging circumstances.”
Goalkeeping Coach, Dean Thornton and First Team Tactics and Insights Analyst, Ben Parker have also left the club with immediate effect.
Goalkeeping Coach Dean Thornton and First Team Tactics & Insights Analyst Ben Parker have also left their roles.
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