After 22 years in the game having made his debut in 1999 aged 17, Beckton’s finest striker Jermain Defoe has announced his retirement from the game via his Instagram account, stating that he believes ”now is the right time to bow out”.
The former Sunderland striker went on to thank everyone who has helped him along in his “incredible journey”.
“Thank you to all the fans from each club I’ve played for,” stated the 39-year-old.
“The love I have received and endured throughout my career will never be forgotten, and I will always have a special bond with you all.
“Thank you also to my amazing team mates, coaches, and staff for playing such an integral part in my career.
“I want to say thank you to my mum. You gave me a ball at two years old, and you made me believe my dream could happen.
“All that I am is because of you, and I owe everything to you and God.
“I have had an incredible journey and met some amazing people.”
More than just a footballer
Awarded an OBE in 2017 for his services to football, Jermain has been more than just a footballer, setting up his Jermain Defoe Charity Foundation which helps vulnerable and underprivileged children in the Caribbean and the UK.
In 2017 he led the England team out for a World Cup Qualifier against Lithuania with Bradley Lowery, a terminally ill Sunderland fan who suffered from Neuroblastoma after they had built up a powerful friendship. Defoe is a patron of a charity foundation founded by Bradley’s parents.
Defoe was born in Beckton and grew up in Canning Town. He was a talented footballer from an early age and played for Senrab of Forest Gate, who have produced talents such as former Charlton boss Lee Bowyer, former England, Chelsea captain John Terry, record FA Cup winner Asley Cole and former Tottenham captain Ledley King.
With 162 Premier League goals in 496 games, Defoe is currently ranked ninth in the Premier League All-time top goalscorer charts.
Initially enrolled with Charlton to attend the FA National School of Excellence at Lilleshall Hall, Defoe would sign professional terms with West Ham and was a member of their under 19’s Premier Academy League title-winning team. He would spend the next four seasons at West Ham, scoring 41 goals in 105 appearances before joining Tottenham Hotspur for £7 million.
Defoe’s dominance
Defoe is an internationally renowned footballer having enjoyed spells at West Ham, Tottenham, Bournemouth, Sunderland, Portsmouth, Toronto FC, Glasgow Rangers as well as receiving 57 caps for England. Across his entire career, he managed to score 305 club goals in 765 games whilst scoring 20 for his national team and participating in England’s 2010 FIFA World Cup campaign.
Defoe won the Football League Cup with Tottenham in 2008 and the Scottish Premier League in 2020-21. He was also named Tottenham’s ‘Player of the Year’ in 2004 and Sunderland’s ‘Player of the Year’ in 2015-16.
Following his announcement, a number of players took to Twitter to acknowledge Defoe’s retirement and achievements.
“Top striker, top bloke and someone who gave me some great advice in my early career as well as his number 18 shirt! Happy retirement,” wrote England captain Harry Kane.
“Congratulations mate on a great career and good luck going forward,” said Premier League all-time top goalscorer Alan Shearer.
“Congratulations @IAmJermainDefoe on a great career & what a goal scorer you were! Good luck in the future. I used to love our battles!” tweeted former Liverpool centre half Jamie Carragher.
Whilst Defoe’s next chapter in his illustrious career is uncertain, it looks as if he may veer towards a role in the media as a pundit having appeared on Sky Sports as well as many other broadcasters.
