Adam Lallana, the former England international, has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 37, bringing an end to a career that spanned nearly two decades. Lallana revealed his decision in a heartfelt message shared on Instagram, expressing immense gratitude and pride for his journey in the sport.
Lallana's career began at Southampton, where he progressed through the youth ranks before making his first-team debut in 2006. He became a key figure for the Saints, playing a crucial role in their rise from League One to the Premier League. He captained the side, leading them to establish themselves in the top flight and earning a place in the PFA Team of the Year for his outstanding performances in the 2013/14 season. In his two spells with Southampton, he made 283 appearances and scored 60 goals. Lallana reflected on his time with Southampton, calling it "the place where it all started, and fittingly where it ends," and acknowledging that he owes everything to the club.
His career reached new heights when he joined Liverpool in 2014 for a reported £25 million. At Anfield, he became an integral part of Jurgen Klopp's squad, known for his technical ability, work rate, and versatility. Lallana spent six successful seasons with Liverpool, winning the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League title in 2020. He made 178 appearances and scored 22 goals for the Reds.
Lallana also enjoyed a productive spell at Brighton & Hove Albion, where he played 104 times between 2020 and 2024. He described his time at Brighton as "some of the happiest years of my life," praising the club's connection to its community and its modern approach.
Internationally, Lallana represented England 34 times, scoring three goals. He made his debut in 2013 and featured in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2016 squads. He scored a memorable late winner against Slovakia in 2016, which he has described as a career highlight. Lallana also fondly recalled his England career, stating that "every single cap meant the world to me. Representing my country was the greatest honour."
Throughout his career, Lallana has been praised for his professionalism, dedication, and positive influence on and off the pitch. He is known for his commitment to improving his game and his ability to inspire those around him. Former Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp once said of Lallana, "He is always one of the guys who push the level in training on to the next level because he is always so intense in all the things he is doing."
Lallana's influence extended beyond his playing abilities, as he also served as an interim assistant manager at Southampton. Following his retirement, he is expected to remain at Southampton in a coaching role, working with the new boss, Will Still.
In his retirement message, Lallana expressed gratitude to his family, teammates, coaches, and supporters for their support throughout his career. He stated that he has "no regrets" and embraces "all the highs and all the lows as they've shaped me into who I am." With his playing days now behind him, Adam Lallana looks forward to the next chapter, where he will undoubtedly continue to contribute to the sport he loves.