Former Man Utd Star, 35, Left Unemployed After Club World Cup Exit Without Playing a Single Minute
June 26, 2025 – Football News Desk
A once-celebrated Manchester United star has found himself unemployed at 35, following a disappointing stint abroad that ended with a Club World Cup exit — and not a single minute on the pitch.
Jesse Lingard, once a fan favourite at Old Trafford and a key figure in England’s 2018 World Cup run, is now a free agent after parting ways with Al-Ettifaq, the Saudi Pro League club he joined on a short-term deal in early 2025.
Lingard was part of Al-Ettifaq’s squad for the FIFA Club World Cup in the United States, but failed to make even one appearance during the tournament. The Saudi side was knocked out in the group stage after a 2–0 loss to Mexican champions Club América and a 1–1 draw with Auckland City.
Despite being fit and available, Lingard remained on the bench throughout the competition, with sources citing “tactical decisions” and a desire to prioritize younger players.
Following the team’s early exit, Al-Ettifaq opted not to extend Lingard’s contract, which expired at the end of June — leaving the former Premier League midfielder without a club once again.
It marks a new low point in what has been a turbulent few years for the former England international. After leaving Manchester United in 2022, Lingard enjoyed a brief resurgence at Nottingham Forest but struggled to maintain form or fitness. A spell training independently and a failed trial with MLS side Portland Timbers in 2024 further signaled his career’s decline.
Despite the disappointment, Lingard has remained active on social media, posting a cryptic message on Instagram just hours after the news broke:
“Sometimes silence is the loudest answer. The grind continues. #FreeAgent #StillHungry”
Fans have reacted with mixed emotions. Some have urged the midfielder to consider retirement, while others still believe he has something to offer — perhaps in a lower league or as a mentor in a player-coach role.
Football pundit and former United teammate Rio Ferdinand commented on the situation during his podcast:
“It’s sad to see, because Jesse was pure talent with energy and personality. But football moves fast, and if you don’t adapt or find the right fit, you get left behind.”
As of now, there are no confirmed offers for Lingard, though rumors suggest interest from clubs in the English Championship and even the Australian A-League.
Whether he finds a new chapter or quietly fades out of professional football, one thing is clear: the curtain is falling on what was once a bright and joyful career — remembered best for goals at Wembley, World Cup dances, and that unforgettable grin in red
