I turned on Sky Sports and Man Utd wanted to sign me from Celtic – now I’m a barber after being forced to retire aged 25

In an exclusive interview with Record Sport, ex-Hoops starlet Daniel Church opens his heart on injury curtailing his playing career

By Ryan McDonald · Daily Record

Published: Tuesday, 29 September 2026 at 5:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Former Celtic prospect Daniel Church has been forced to retire from football at age 25 due to injuries.
A London specialist discovered a spinal issue causing chronic leg injuries and advised Church to stop playing.
Church was monitored by Manchester United as a 15-year-old and turned down interest from Brentford to stay at Celtic.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Celtic academy defender Daniel Church has announced his retirement from football at age 25 following chronic injury issues. A medical specialist in London identified a lower spine problem causing persistent leg injuries and advised against a risky £23,000 surgery that would have only prolonged his career by a couple of years.

Church, who was once monitored by Manchester United and Brentford as a teenager, earned a Scottish Premiership medal as an unused substitute under Neil Lennon in 2019. After subsequent spells with East Fife, Dumbarton, Alloa Athletic, and Queen of the South, Church is now working as a barber in Linlithgow while pursuing coaching.

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