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Ex-Middlesbrough favourite announces retirement and future plans in the game after recent return

Mustapha Carayol ends his playing career aged 38…

By Craig Johns · Gazette Live

Published: Monday, 2 November 2026 at 10:28 AM

Key Things to Know

Former Middlesbrough winger Mustapha Carayol has retired from professional football after a 20-year career.
The 38-year-old plans to move into football agency to mentor younger players navigating their careers.
Carayol made 54 appearances and scored 12 goals during a four-year stay at Middlesbrough.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Middlesbrough winger Mustapha Carayol has officially announced his retirement from professional football following a 20-year career. The 38-year-old made the announcement on social media shortly after returning to the Riverside Stadium to feature in the club's Legacy Game. Moving forward, the former Gambian international plans to transition into football agency to mentor and guide younger players.

Signed from Bristol Rovers in 2012, Carayol made 54 appearances and scored 12 goals for Middlesbrough during a four-year stint impacted by an ACL injury. His career also included spells with Nottingham Forest, Brighton, Leeds United, Huddersfield Town, and Apollon Limassol in Cyprus.

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Ex-Middlesbrough favourite announces retirement and future plans in the game after recent return

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