Former Portsmouth midfielder Joe Morell has announced his shock early retirement after a series of long term injuries.
The 28-year-old was an ever present for a multitude of EFL clubs througout his career whilst also appearing for his native Wales.
— Joe Morrell (@JoeJMorrell) October 20, 2025
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An Illustrious Career
Joe Morrell began his professional career with Bristol City’s academy, signing as a pro in 2012 after declining an offer from Liverpool.
His debuted for Bristol City came in 2013 and he gained experience through loans at non-league clubs like Sutton United and Margate. In 2017-18, Morrell impressed at Cheltenham Town, playing 38 matches and scoring three goals, which showcased his midfield bite and tenacity.
His standout 2019-20 season at Lincoln City earned him the Player of the Season award, highlighting his growing influence in the lower leagues. Joining Luton Town in 2020, he made a brief impact despite a lack of games. Transferring to Portsmouth in 2021, he played 92 league games and contributed to their 2023-24 League One title win.
A persistent knee injury forced Morrell to retire at 28, ending a solid club career that should have seen him carry on.
Morrell’s next steps may see him continue to play a promininent part in his ownership stake in Merthyr Town FC.
🏴 It was great to see Club Owner, Joe Morrell cheering on the Martyrs away at Havant & Waterlooville on Saturday!
The @Cymru midfielder is pictured here with board member, Julian Axhorn and supporter, Steve Lewis.
🤝 Thanks for your continued support Joe! #OurTownOurClub pic.twitter.com/VdLTkCqytv
— The Martyrs (@MerthyrTownFC) January 19, 2025
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On The International Stage
The Ipswich-born midfielder became eligible for Wales through his mother who was from Merthyr, debuted for the senior team on September 9, 2019, under the then manager Ryan Giggs in a Euro 2020 qualifier against Belarus, capping a youth pathway that included him captaining the U16s and 50-plus games across age groups with other first teamers such as Dan James.
He earned 37 caps by 2024, starting all four matches at Euro 2020 where Wales reached the last 16, including a gritty group-stage draw with Switzerland. Morrell featured as a substitute in two 2022 World Cup games, notably against England and Iran, helping secure Wales’ first major tournament appearance since 1958.
Under Rob Page, he started qualifiers for Euro 2024 and the 2026 World Cup campaign, anchoring the defensive midfield role with his defensive nous and passing range until a knee injury sidelined him in January 2023.
In Reflection
Speaking on his official Instagram account, Morrell said”
“This is not something that I ever thought that I would be writing at the age of 28, but today I’ve officially retired from professional football.”
“After almost two years of rehab, trying to get my body back in to a place to train, play and compete in the professional game, I’ve had to admit the fact that I am no longer capable of this.”
“It’s been an incredibly tough 21 months, full of promise, hope, tears and dark moments, but I’m at peace with the fact that I’ll never again be able to play.”
“I can’t thank my close friends, family and most importantly my amazing wife enough, for the support that they’ve given me during this time.”
“Starting at Bristol City, and finishing at Portsmouth, with stops at Cheltenham Town, Lincoln City and Luton Town. I would like to thank all of the supporters, staff, and teammates of these clubs for all of the love and support you gave me during my time there.”
“Almost 200 appearances in all three EFL divisions, 37 caps for the Welsh National Team, including trips to two major tournaments, UEFA Euro 2020 and The FIFA World Cup 2022.”
Writers View
Morrell was a dependable midfielder whose career, showcased reliability and tactical discipline but was curtailed by injury, leading to his retirement. Emerging from Bristol City’s academy, he developed through loans at Sutton United, Margate, Cheltenham Town, and Lincoln City. After a brief stint at Luton Town, Morrell excelled at Portsmouth, anchoring their 2023–24 League One title win with 27 starts, 88% pass accuracy, and 2.1 tackles per game. His 37 Wales caps included Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup. A January 2024 knee injury sidelined him, and after being releases by Portsmouth in July 2024, he trained with Reading over the previous summer but didnt manage to secure himself a contract, marking the end of a career that could have excelled as he entered his prime years.
