Former Tottenham starlet retires aged 23 – over two years on from horror injury

Former Tottenham starlet Jamie Bowden has been forced to retire from football at just 23, the player has confirmed.

The ex-midfielder suffered a serious ankle injury two and a half years ago in 2022 which he's been unable to recover from.

As a result, his promising young career has come to an abrupt end.

Taking to social media, Bowden said: "Sadly, my football playing career has come to an end.

“On August 13th 2022 I suffered an ankle injury that would ultimately ruin my interesting playing career I had ahead of me.

“Firstly, I give thanks for being able to call myself a professional football player and to score a professional goal whilst on loan at Oldham.

“I started kicking balls at such a young age and loved every moment of it. It’s just unfortunate that I was never able to fulfil my potential on the pitch.

“Since then I’ve learnt lots of new things.

“I’ve learnt that mental health is real and how powerful it can be.

“My love for the game is deep, that football is in my DNA and my want to help is profound.

“God is with us throughout.

“I want to thank the people that have stuck by me during this hard period, and the people who helped me during my playing days.

“I look forward to see where the beautiful game takes me next.”

Tottenham's academy then took to social media and wrote: "You’ll always be one of our own, @jamiebowden17."

Having joined Tottenham at the age of six, Bowden spent 15 years with Spurs before leaving the club in the summer of 2023.

In his time at the club the midfielder was named in the matchday squad on numerous occasions in the Europa League and Premier League without making a senior appearance.

He did, however, make 25 appearances for Oldham Athletic during a loan spell in 2021/22.

In that time he scored one goal and racked up five assists.

Since leaving Spurs, Bowden tried to revive his playing career with trials at AFC Wimbledon and Deportivo La Coruna, however he was unable to earn a new contract.