The Lower Tiers understands that Jonny Howson is set to announce his retirement from professional football, bringing an end to a distinguished 20-year career.
The 37-year-old Middlesbrough captain bows out ahead of a new era at Boro having made over 700 senior appearances across spells with Leeds United, Norwich City, and Boro, earning widespread admiration for his consistency, professionalism, and quiet leadership.
Howson is set to call time on his career having made 22 appearances for the Championship club last campaign, helping them to a 10th place finish.
The club confirmed in a statement today that he will depart following the expiration of his current contract.
A statement read; “Jonny Howson has played his final game for MFC.
MFC would like to thank Jonny for his wonderful service, commitment and dedication, and wish him all the very best for the future.”
The Career of Jonny Howson
Having made his debut in 2006 for Leeds in a man of the match performance, he became the clubs youngest ever captain at just the age of 19 under manager Simon Grayson, helping his boyhood club secure promotion back to the Championship.
The midfielder had a brief stint on the international stage, earning a single cap for England U21s in a 2011 friendly against Italy under manager Stuart Pearce.
He joined then Premier League side Norwich in 2012, making 104 appearances in the top-flight across a six-year spell with The Canaries.
Howson established himself as a key player for the Norfolk side with manager Paul Lambert once famously comparing him to icon Andres Iniesta.
“It was one of the best midfield performances I’ve ever seen,” said Lambert following Howson’s performance in a 2-2 draw with Everton in 2014.
“I couldn’t pass it like him. At times he passed it like Iniesta. He’s an all-rounder and I’m delighted with his contribution.”
Howson’s Boro Journey
In 2017, Howson joined recently relegated Boro following a 19th place finish in the Premier League, spending the next eight seasons in the second division with the club.
He quickly became a regular in the Teeside outfit, receiving multiple player of the season honours including the Players’ Player of the Season in the 2023-24 campaign.
At the close of the 2025 season, he had amassed 340 appearances for Middlesbrough across all competitions, finding the net nine times.
Though he’s hung up his boots, the West Yorkshire native may yet remain in the game, having previously expressed an interest in pursuing a managerial career.
“As we sit here now, and things can change, I would like to give managing a go,” he said to TalkSport.
“But it all depends on opportunities. It’s how you get there. I would like to learn about the coaching and managing before going straight in, but football is a funny business.”
