Sam Vokes, the former Wales international, has confirmed his retirement from professional football, concluding a remarkable 20-year career. The 36-year-old striker will play his final match during Gillingham's League Two fixture against Shrewsbury Town on Saturday, 2 May.
In a heartfelt message shared on social media, Vokes reflected on his journey: "It's been 20 years since my debut and after 750 appearances, including 64 caps for Wales, this Saturday's match at Gillingham will be my last. I feel now is the right time to retire from a career I have absolutely loved." Read more about Hughton Champions Prostate Cancer Awareness After Recovery.
Vokes began his professional journey at Bournemouth before making a significant move to Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2008. He made an immediate impact at Wolves, netting eight goals in his debut season, which played a crucial role in the club's promotion to the Premier League. His career has included loan spells at several clubs, including Leeds United, Bristol City, Sheffield United, Norwich City, Burnley, and Brighton & Hove Albion, before securing a permanent transfer to Burnley in 2012. At Turf Moor, Vokes was instrumental in two promotion campaigns, helping Sean Dyche’s side ascend to the Premier League in 2014 and 2016. Read more about McLean Claims Norwich City Player of the Season Award.
Following a successful seven-year tenure with Burnley, Vokes spent two seasons at Stoke City in the Championship before joining Wycombe Wanderers in 2021. He signed with Gillingham in the summer of 2025 and has since contributed three goals in 35 appearances this season.
Reflecting on his football journey, Vokes recalled, "I remember watching my team, the Saints, down at The Dell, dreaming of one day making just one appearance in professional football. Never did I dream I would be fortunate enough to have played across all four divisions and represent some amazing clubs."
Vokes also made significant contributions to the Welsh national team, most notably scoring a late header that secured a memorable 3-1 victory over Belgium in the quarter-finals of Euro 2016. He expressed his pride in representing Wales, stating, "To have represented Wales 64 times over 12 years and to have experienced everything that comes with international football was a dream. Sharing the Welsh dressing room with all the amazing players, managers, coaches, and staff members was a privilege."
As Vokes prepares to step away from the pitch, he leaves behind a legacy characterised by resilience and unforgettable moments, both at the club level and on the international stage. His departure will resonate not only within the dressing rooms he inhabited but also in the hearts of the fans who have passionately followed his extraordinary career.