After 16 years of senior football, former Leeds United striker Matt Smith announced his retirement on Monday.
Smith began his career in non-league football, with spells at New Mills, Redditch United, Littleton, Droylsden, and Solihull Moors. His performance caught the eye of League One side Oldham Athletic, where he spent two years.
During his time with the Latics, Smith scored 14 goals in 75 appearances. He then signed a two-year contract with Leeds United ahead of the 2013/14 season, making his debut against Brighton & Hove Albion in the season opener.
Smith scored his first goal for Leeds against Doncaster Rovers in the League Cup and followed up with goals in the league against Burnley, Birmingham City, Huddersfield Town, Watford, Doncaster, and Blackburn Rovers.
After a season at Leeds, making 48 appearances and scoring 14 times, Smith joined Fulham on the final day of the 2014 summer transfer window.
He then represented Bristol City, Queens Park Rangers, and Millwall before concluding his career with Salford City.
On announcing his retirement on X, Smith said: “It is with a heavy heart that I announce my retirement from professional football at the age of 35.
After over 600 games as a player at almost every level of the English pyramid, I look back only with gratitude at a career that has afforded me the most incredible experiences and memories both on and off the field.
“To enter the professional game so late at the age of 22 was really a dream come true and one in truth I never thought imaginable.
Fourteen seasons, 527 games, and nearly 150 goals across the entire EFL, for some truly incredible and historic football clubs, is a feat that leaves me filled with real pride.
To lead my team out of the tunnel for my final game with my son in my arms will forever remain my finest achievement.
“Success is often defined by the people in your corner. The ones that support you every step of the way, in good times and bad.
I can’t thank my family and friends enough for every bit of sacrifice and support you’ve given me throughout.
Without you, unquestionably, none of this would have been possible.
“None more so than my wife Amy, my mum, and my dad. I don’t think there is an inch of this country that you haven’t traveled to in order to support me, week in and week out, over 10,000 miles a season, without fail. I love you all immeasurably.
“To my teammates and the staff I’ve worked with across the entire journey, thank you. It’s been a real privilege to go to battle with you every week and enjoy some truly special times.
In my early days as a non-league player, I often dreamed and wondered what it took to sustain yourself at an elite level. I found out pretty instantly thanks to you—a level of professionalism, sacrifice, and dedication like no other.
Thank you to the ones who showed me the way. I’d like to hope that by the end, I was a good role model to all the younger pros in the dressing room.
“Finally, to you the fans. You are really what makes English football so special.
From the bright lights of Elland Road, to the magic of Craven Cottage and Loftus Road, to the raw emotion at the Den, and the hundreds of other grounds across the country—I loved them all.
We are a country privileged and unique thanks to you and the energy you bring every single week. Thank you.
“I move into my next chapter with a real sense of excitement, knowing I’ve maximized every bit of ability I’ve been given and left it all out there.
It’s probably unprecedented to retire off the back of a 25-goal season, and despite several offers, it was always my intention to leave when the time felt right, with my plans in place, measured, and on my own terms. I do so with my head held high.”
This announcement marks the end of an impressive career, filled with memorable moments and significant achievements, both on and off the field.
Smith’s journey from non-league football to becoming a respected figure in the English Football League is a testament to his dedication, hard work, and passion for the game.
