Sam Vokes Announces Retirement at Season's End
Former Wales international striker Sam Vokes has confirmed he will retire from professional football at the conclusion of the 2025-26 season. The 36-year-old forward will play his final match during Gillingham's League Two fixture against Shrewsbury Town on Saturday, 2 May, concluding a career that has spanned 20 years.
"It's been 20 years since my debut and after 750 appearances, including 64 caps for Wales, this Saturday's match at Gillingham will be my last," Vokes wrote on social media. "I feel now is the right time to retire from a career I have absolutely loved."
Vokes made his senior Wales debut against Iceland in May 2008 and has since become a notable figure in Welsh football.
Club Career Journey
Vokes began his professional career with Bournemouth before transferring to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2008. In his debut season at Molineux, he scored eight goals across all competitions, contributing to Wolves' promotion to the Premier League.
Throughout his career, Vokes experienced several loan spells with clubs including Leeds United, Bristol City, Sheffield United, Norwich City, Burnley, and Brighton & Hove Albion. In 2012, he secured a permanent move to Burnley.
During his time at Turf Moor, Vokes was instrumental in two promotion-winning campaigns under manager Sean Dyche, helping Burnley ascend to the Premier League in both 2014 and 2016. He spent seven years with the Clarets before moving to Stoke City, where he played two seasons in the Championship.
In 2021, Vokes joined Wycombe Wanderers and subsequently signed with Gillingham in the summer of 2025. This season, he has scored three goals in 35 appearances for the League Two side.
A lifelong Southampton supporter, Vokes reflected on his career path, stating:
"I remember watching my team, the Saints, down at The Dell, dreaming of one day making just one appearance in professional football. Never did I dream I would be fortunate enough to have played across all four divisions and represent some amazing clubs."
International Career and Achievements
Vokes was a key player in Wales' remarkable run to the semi-finals of the UEFA Euro 2016 tournament. He notably scored a late header in the quarter-final match against Belgium, securing a 3-1 victory for Chris Coleman's side.
Over a 12-year international career, Vokes earned 64 caps and scored 11 goals for Wales.
"To have represented Wales 64 times over 12 years and to have experienced everything that comes with international football was a dream. Sharing the Welsh dressing room with all the amazing players, managers, coaches and staff members was a privilege. To have had the chance to go on the unbelievable journey with Wales, from some of the tough times we faced to reaching the heights of 2016 and also having the chance to play football all over the world representing Cymru is something I'll never forget."
