Carl Jenkinson Retires from Professional Football at 34
Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Carl Jenkinson has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34, marking the end of a career that achieved the dreams of countless Arsenal supporters—from standing on the terraces at Highbury to playing in the Champions League.
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In an emotional social media post, the former Arsenal right-back confirmed his decision following the end of last season with Bromley. He candidly reflected on the highs, lows, and the self-doubt that shaped his time in professional football.
Jenkinson’s career included stints with Charlton Athletic, Arsenal, West Ham United, Birmingham City, Nottingham Forest, and Bromley. He joined Bromley in 2024 and appeared five times during the 2025-26 season before his contract concluded in May.
After being released by Arsenal in 2019, Jenkinson had made 70 appearances and scored one memorable goal while securing two FA Cups during his eight years at the club. He also received an England cap in a match against Sweden in November 2012.
Growing up in an Arsenal-supporting family, Jenkinson frequently attended matches at Highbury with his father and brother. He was present when Arsenal won the Premier League as a six-year-old in 1998, and witnessed the final match of the Invincibles season against Leicester City in 2004.
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His childhood bedroom showcased his passion for the club, decorated in Arsenal colours and featuring a Nwankwo Kanu shirt along with admiration for Tony Adams.
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Jenkinson later described Arsenal’s interest in him as a unique opportunity. “When I knew Arsenal were interested there was only one place I wanted to go,” he remarked.
He signed from Charlton for a reported £1 million, despite having made only 11 senior appearances and spending some time on loan with Welling United and Eastbourne Borough.
Reflecting on his journey, Jenkinson acknowledged how the prospect of joining Arsenal left him in awe, remembering the moment he celebrated outside Arsène Wenger‘s office with his father after the transfer became official.
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Jenkinson made his competitive debut in a Champions League qualifier against Udinese in August 2011, and within months transitioned from fan to player in front of the supporters he had idolized.
He referred to that experience as “the biggest privilege in the world.” In his retirement message, he expressed gratitude towards everyone who played a role in his journey, from his early days at Charlton to his final appearances with Bromley.
“Thank you to everyone who played a part in my journey,” he said. “From the age of 8 football has been my life; it’s given me a lot, and I have also given it a lot back. In fact I’ve given it everything.” He acknowledged that while he has no regrets about his career, there are moments he wishes had gone differently, including a notable own goal from 30 yards out.
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Jenkinson emphasized the importance of hard work and dedication in football. He noted that behind the scenes, professional players strive tirelessly. “Apply yourself every day, listen to your coaches and learn from seasoned players,” he advised younger athletes.
He shared insights about his struggles with confidence, attributing some of his drive to that insecurity, which pushed him to outwork others. He expressed a desire for young players to recognize the value of humility and hard work, encouraging them to find balance in their approach.
Jenkinson concluded by acknowledging the support he received from friends, family, coaches, and fans throughout his journey, expressing his excitement for the next chapter of his life.
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“Cheers,” he signed off, signing his farewell as “Jenko.” Though he may not have been Arsenal’s best right-back, his genuine love for the club allowed him to live a dream shared by many fans.
Carl Jenkinson has announced his retirement at 34, reflecting on his confidence, hard work and the privilege of representing the club he loved.
Photo by Jamie McDonald/Getty Images
Carl Jenkinson has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34, bringing to an end a career that fulfilled the dream of every Arsenal supporter, from standing on the terraces at Highbury to wearing the shirt in the Champions League.
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The former Arsenal right-back confirmed his decision in an emotional social media statement after leaving Bromley at the end of last season, reflecting honestly on the highs, the setbacks and the self-doubt that shaped his career.
Jenkinson’s playing days conclude after spells with Charlton Athletic, Arsenal, West Ham United, Birmingham City, Nottingham Forest and Bromley. He joined Bromley in 2024 and made five appearances during the 2025-26 campaign before his contract expired in May.
Released by Arsenal in 2019 after eight years, 70 appearances and one memorable goal, and two FA Cups, Jenkinson also earned an England cap against Sweden in November 2012.
Raised in an Arsenal-supporting family, Jenkinson regularly attended Highbury with his father and brother. He watched Arsenal win the Premier League as a six-year-old in 1998 and was in the crowd for the final match of the Invincibles season against Leicester City in 2004.
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His childhood bedroom was decorated in Arsenal colours, while a Nwankwo Kanu shirt and admiration for Tony Adams reflected the heroes who inspired him.
Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
That made Arsenal’s interest in 2011 unlike any other opportunity.
“When I knew Arsenal were interested there was only one place I wanted to go,” he said at the time
Signed from Charlton for a reported £1 million, the then 19-year-old had made only 11 senior appearances and spent time on loan with Welling United and Eastbourne Borough.
He later admitted Arsenal’s interest “blew me away”, recalling how he froze when told the club’s scouts had watched him and celebrating outside Arsène Wenger‘s office with his father after the transfer was completed.
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His competitive debut came against Udinese in a Champions League qualifier in August 2011 and, within months, the supporter who had once watched from the stands was playing in front of them.
He later described that experience as “the biggest privilege in the world”.
In his retirement message, Jenkinson reflected on the commitment that underpinned his career.
“Thank you to everyone who played a part in my journey, from my Charlton days as a kid through to my last time playing football at Bromley. From the age of 8 football has been my life, it’s given me a lot, and I have also given it a lot back. In fact I’ve given it everything.
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“It’s for that reason that I can look back over my career with no regrets. Do I wish certain things went better? Without a doubt. A lot of things. I once scored an own goal from 30 yards out. I certainly wouldn’t mind deleting that from history. But were these tough moments ever because of a lack of effort? No. Like I said, I gave football everything. Everyday.
“And I guess I’m writing this because I can see that’s getting lost a bit these days. I don’t know if it’s social media painting a certain picture of what a footballer looks like, but I want to be clear, behind the scenes these top players train like their life depends on it. Alexis Sánchez, wow. Every training session he trained like it was his last. The ones that don’t, they fall by the way side eventually. Even when they’re really, really good. I’ve seen it happen to too many young pros and scholars, trying to make a name in the game.
“Apply yourself everyday, listen to your coaches and learn from the players who have already been where you want to get to. Because if you don’t make it, and it’s because you got carried away with yourself, it’ll be a heavy burden to carry later in life.
Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images
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“I suffered a lot with confidence throughout my career, which I found strange because my Dad always backs himself to the hilt. I saw loads of people, to try and unlock something within me and find that inner belief. “Take the chains off” Arsène Wenger would say to me. “I’m trying boss”, I would say to myself. But I’m certain it was that same insecurity that gave me the drive I have, that would make me run harder and train harder than everyone else. Ultimately that’s what gave me a career at the top level, because physically I was a machine and I took a lot of pride in that. Was the way I am a blessing or a curse for me? A bit of both I think. But you can only play the cards you’re dealt and try and make the best of them.
“I’m writing all this because I hope some young players might read it. You guys have so much confidence these days! I wish I could nick some of it and take it back in time, but confidence without application and having that fire in your belly to improve everyday won’t get you far. I see less young players doing extras, working on their craft, doing extra running after training. Trust me, you won’t have a career if you neglect this aspect.
“Try and find the sweetspot. That’s why I love guys like Bukayo Saka. He’s got that swagger, but you only need to listen to him in a post match interview to see he’s never lost his humility. Find the sweetspot.
“Hopefully the above has some value to someone out there. I didn’t want to write the generic retirement ‘thanks for everything’ post as it seemed like a missed opportunity. Although of course I am very grateful to my friends, family, coaches, managers and of course the fans who have been with me on my journey. I’m looking forward to seeing what life has in store for me next.
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“Cheers,
“Jenko”
Jenkinson was never Arsenal’s greatest right-back, but that was never the reason supporters embraced him.
He remained a fan who happened to wear the shirt, understood exactly what it meant to represent the club and, in doing so, lived the dream so many Arsenal supporters imagine as children.
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