Derrick Williams issues an emotional statement via social media, confirming the decision to retire from football aged 33.
The centre-half, who made 24 appearances for Reading in the 2025/26 season, has called time on his career that has spanned 15 years.
He started out as a youth player for Tramore AFC and then went on to Aston Villa before then going on to play for the likes of Bristol City, Blackburn, LA Galaxy, DC United, Atlanta United and then Reading.
Williams also worked his way up the ranks for Republic of Ireland from under 19s to the senior team.
He said via social media: “After 16 special years it now feels the right time for me to Retire from Football. I have been lucky enough to live out my dream. Hundreds of games, travelled all around the world, Ups and a lot of downs and I am just grateful for it all.
“Mom, thank you for everything you have done for me. I would not have had the chance to fulfil my dream without you. Hours upon hours, week in week out, driving up and down the country. Everything you sacrificed didn’t go unnoticed. Thank you
“My Wife Naomi, 10 different moves, 2 different countries and never any hesitation, always up for the challenge and always there by my side, supporting me through it all. I couldn’t have picked a better partner. Thank you
“My Agent Graham Barrett, been with me from the start and no one I trust more in football. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me.
“To the Managers, Coaches and Physio’s I have had throughout my career, A lot of hard work goes in behind the scenes and i appreciate it all, Thank you
“Special thanks to Paul (witchie) Power, Anthony Rockett from Tramore AFC.
“Tony McAndrew and Kevin McDonald from Aston Villa, who got me ready for men’s football and instilled a work ethic and discipline that I carry in all parts of life not just football.
“My Old Teammates along the way, I have been lucky enough to have met some great people and made some memories I will never forget.
“I know the thing I will miss the most and that is all the sessions out on the training ground with you all. The warm ups chatting shit, the rondos, the fitness runs, the small sided games, But most of all the competitiveness. Challenging each other and pushing each other everyday.
“I don’t know what the next chapter will hold as of yet but i am excited for what’s to come!And all I know is I will approach it like I approached my football career. All in and roll with the punches. Thanks,
“Derrick”
Reading FC said in a statement on their website:
Reading Football Club can confirm Irish centre-half Derrick Williams has made the decision to retire from professional football
Joining the Royals from Atlanta United last summer, Derrick went on to become a fan favourite, making 24 appearances last season at the heart of the back four.
The thirty-three-year-old enjoyed a fifteen-year career in the game, initially breaking through at Aston Villa in 2011 before going on to join Bristol City, where he would win both League One and the EFL Trophy in the 2014/15 season. After 131 appearances in Somerset, Derrick moved north to join Blackburn Rovers, making 152 appearances in 5 years, also winning the fans’ Player Of The Season award in 2016/17. In 2021, Williams travelled across the Atlantic Ocean and joined MLS side LA Galaxy before moving to play for two more MLS sides in DC United and Atlanta United.
On the international stage, Derrick would make 3 appearances for the Republic of Ireland between 2018-19, scoring one goal in a friendly against New Zealand.
Everyone at Reading Football Club would like to wish Derrick all the best in his retirement and thank him for his efforts in the Blue and White across the last 12 months.
He said in a message to supporters: “After much consideration across the off-season, I have decided to call time on my playing career.
“I want to thank everybody at Reading Football Club for everything they have done for me over the last 12 months, especially the fans. Thank you for all of the love and support you have shown me this season. It has been an honour for me to close out my career at such a fantastic football club, and I have loved every single minute of my time here.
“I also want to thank Joe, Rob, Leam and his coaching staff for everything they have done for me. I am grateful to all of them for their help and guidance over the last year, and it has been a pleasure working with them.
“Whilst we didn’t quite achieve what we wanted last season, I do not doubt that the club are in safe hands and that the building blocks are in place for the club to push on and succeed over the next few seasons. The work going on behind the scenes is exciting, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
“I feel as though now is the right time to move on and look ahead to what’s next for myself and my family. One thing is for sure, I will never forget my twelve months in Berkshire representing this amazing club.
“Up The Ding!
“Derrick”
Thank you Derrick! 💙
Derrick Williams has called time on his career and confirms his retirement from professional football.
Everyone at Reading would like to thank Derrick for his efforts in the blue and white, and he will sorely be missed.
— Reading FC (@ReadingFC) June 22, 2026
Here’s how fans reacted after Derrick Williams issues a statement confirming the decision to retire from football aged 33…
@LoyalRoyalDaz: Gutted. Injury issues aside he was very good for us and a leader. Wish him well
@harrysandman_: Oh that is awful for us. He was class. Congrats on a great career Derrick
@Stephen_Noakes: Unexpected but probably one of the highest earners, injury prone and we have a solid centre back pairing in Paudie and Ward
@aaronrose99_: Big big loss.
@webber1871: Was quality tbf, big shame. However him and Ritchie do free up a lot of wages which could be spent much better elsewhere… #readingfc
@harrysandman_: This absolutely sucks. A proper defender who was one of the standouts from last season. Possibly caught an injury and thought it’s his time? Will be a big miss for us. Only positive I can think is that it’ll free up some wages. #readingfc
@Alex_Shep_Urzz: Kind of player I wish we had earlier in his career. Really solid and reliable just injuries starting to take effect. In Benn Ward he’s already been replaced but we need CB depth now
@cordery180786: Best player we had at the back. We was better with him than without him. Only problem was he got injured and was in and out
@UTFD106106: Genuinely devastated
@Oscar_rfc1871: Good luck to him, will be missed 💙👏
@jonnieharris99: What a way to bow out, probably our best defender last season & will be missed 🧱💙
@_col__83: Big shame. Definitely had another season in him
@RFCmartire: That’s a real shame. Probably on balance for me our best CB last season. His anticipation and ability to cover the other CB’s will be extremely difficult to replace. Can only wish him the best of success in what ever he does move forward.