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Jefferson Louis has finally decided to hang up his boots at the age of 46 after a career in which he played for 51 different clubs, including Wrexham and Newport
Jefferson Louis, who once lined up against Arsenal, has finally retired(Image: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Football’s ultimate journeyman, Jefferson Louis, is hanging up his boots after an extraordinary career that saw him change clubs 51 times. Announcing his retirement at the age of 46, he bows out following a stint with non-league outfit Thame United.
Louis’ 29-year football career features a lengthy roll call of clubs so numerous that even he once confessed to forgetting some. He began his career in 1996, making his debut for Risborough Rangers, aged just 17.
He mostly played in the lower echelons of the football pyramid where he played for the likes of Wrexham, Oxford United, and Lincoln City, as well as stints at Newport County, Bristol Rovers, and Mansfield Town.
Some of the most memorable moments of his career included taking on Arsenal with Oxford United in an FA Cup third round match in 2003 and representing Dominica internationally. Following his fourth tenure at Thame United, Louis has decided it’s finally time to conclude his playing days.
In a heartfelt post on X, Louis said: “A young boy that had a dream, and I lived it, but it’s now time to call it a day! To go to the age of 46 is something I’m hugely proud of. Massive thanks to my former managers, team-mates and fans that have supported me throughout. Now to give back to the next generation.”
Thame United honoured him with a statement sharing his impressive stats. Over nearly three decades, Louis played a staggering 903 games, scoring 293 times.
Jefferson Louis, who made his name with Oxford United, has retired from football(Image: Pete Norton/Getty Images)
The club said: “Jefferson spent four years at Thame and finishes his career leaving with three Oxfordshire Senior Cups. A massive congratulations on an amazing career Jeff, from everyone at Thame United and we wish you all the best for the future.”
In a 2014 interview with The Telegraph, Louis discussed the challenges of his journeyman career. He said “It’s like I’m cursed. When I signed for Wrexham, [manager] Dean Saunders said, ‘I wish I had you when you was young. You’d be a Premiership player now.’
“For them to say this makes me think, wow. Something went wrong for me, innit? People say he must be a rebel, Jefferson must have been rude. And it’s tarnished me. Some managers think I must be a bad apple.”
Louis’ past includes some controversial episodes. He spent a short spell in jail for dangerous driving when he was 22. And during his time with Wrexham, he raised eyebrows with an X-rated interview given to Setanta Sports during a match against Altrincham. When asked why he’d been substituted, he said: “I was f***ed.”
Jefferson Louis, pictured playing for Wealdstone, has led a nomadic existence in football(Image: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
He recounted a particularly grim spell under the management of Scottish football boss Steve Evans at Crawley Town. “It was the worst thing I ever did,” Louis said. “His man-management is terrible. We’re playing AFC Wimbledon on the Tuesday. After the game he asked my opinion.
“I said we went a bit too negative. He went mental at me. He started effing and blinding, spitting everywhere. But he asked my opinion.”
Louis has since discovered joy in teaching children who have been expelled from mainstream education. Despite facing some difficult times, he maintains that he harbours no regrets about his professional journey.
“I’m just happy with what I achieved,” he said. “I played international football. I met my idol Thierry Henry. I’ve been back page in a newspaper. That’s what I try and drill into the kids at school. Don’t have no regrets.”
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