Former Premier League midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin has announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34, bringing an end to a storied career that spanned over 15 years.
Schneiderlin made a significant impact in English football, making 200 top-flight appearances for Southampton, Manchester United, and Everton between 2012 and 2020. He also represented Southampton in League One and the Championship.
The French midfielder joined Southampton from Strasbourg for a modest fee of £1.2 million in 2008, before moving to Old Trafford in a £25 million switch seven years later. During his time at United, Schneiderlin won the FA Cup, Community Shield, and UEFA Europa League, despite being at the club for less than 18 months.
Former Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin has retired at the age of 34
Schneiderlin’s time in England came to an end at Everton, where he made 73 Premier League outings over four seasons. After leaving England, he played for Nice, Western Sydney Wanderers, and Greek side Kifisia.
The 34-year-old, who was capped 15 times by France at senior international level, announced his retirement via Instagram by posting a heartfelt video of his career highlights. In the video, Schneiderlin expressed his gratitude to his former teams, coaches, family, and friends, saying: ‘Each person writes their own journey in life, and each stage of their life is a chapter. For me, the chapter as a football player is coming to an end.’
Schneiderlin went on to thank his former teams, including Southampton, Manchester United, Everton, Nice, Western Sydney Wanderers, and Kifisia, as well as his coaches, agents, and family members. He also thanked the fans, saying: ‘Thank you to everyone who followed, encouraged, applauded, idolised, booed, and even disliked me. You were a great source of motivation.’
Schneiderlin (middle row fifth from the left) pictured during a Man United team photo in 2016
Schneiderlin’s heartfelt message was met with an outpouring of support from his former teammates and friends. Former United and France forward Anthony Martial wrote: ‘Thanks for everything bro.’ Fellow Southampton legend Jose Fonte said: ‘Thank you my brother. Beautiful career, I am a big fan of you mate. Great player and a great man, see you soon.’
Another ex-Saints defender Dejan Lovren added: ‘Was a pleasure brother. Well done on everything in your career. Fantastic. Enjoy now the time with the family.’ Meanwhile, Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye commented: ‘Congratulations for your career and the man you are my guy.’
Schneiderlin has been married with wife Camille Sold since 2017 and they have three children