"Never one to lay down without a fight": James McClean vows to battle chronic hip injury
Derry City winger opens up on debilitating pain and potential retirement ahead of specialist meeting
Derry City FC winger and Republic of Ireland centurion James McClean last night issued a personal statement addressing a severe, long-standing hip injury that has placed his professional playing career in immediate jeopardy.
Following his return to the Brandywell in January 2026, McClean disclosed that while he has managed hip pain for several years, the impact of playing on astro pitches has significantly accelerated the damage.
McClean revealed that specialists have advised him his body “has no business being on a football pitch” due to the extent of the damage. The 37-year-old is scheduled for a pivotal surgical consultation today to determine if an operation can preserve his career.
Posting on social media, James McClean issued the following statement: "To be honest, this is a difficult post for me to write for a number of reasons - mainly due to the uncertainty of the outcome - but I feel it's best to put it in black and white. More importantly, to show that this is coming from me and me only, and that there's no speculation or rumours.
"For the past few years, I have been playing through difficulties with my hip and though I have managed and played through the pain, the impact of training and playing on astro has sped up the damage much faster than I ever anticipated.
"The past 6 weeks have been hell - pain is something I have been able to get on with and play with throughout my career, but it is the restriction and not being able to move which is what I am struggling with physically obviously, but also mentally. Never mind trying to compete on the football pitch but just every day life, playing with my wains, putting on socks, walking, etc.
"I was told by a specialist 10 days ago that my body currently 'has no business being on a football pitch' due to the severity of the damage to my hip. I respect his honesty and his expert opinion, but I have never been one to lay down without a fight.
"Tomorrow's appointment is a last chance for me to hopefully get a surgery - if it's even a possibility - one which will allow me to do what I have dreamt of doing, and that's being able to contribute while in an acceptable physical state to do so. That is playing for a club I love in Derry City.
"I felt it was important for me to share this because it could be a while - if ever even - until I have the opportunity to do so again."
McClean is one of Irish football’s most decorated modern figures, having earned 103 caps and scoring 11 goals for the Republic of Ireland before his international retirement in 2023. His professional journey began at Institute and his hometown Derry City, where he helped the club win the First Division title in 2010 before moving to the English Premier League with Sunderland in 2011.
The 37-year-old winger spent 15 years in English football, featuring in over 150 Premier League matches and more than 200 Championship games for clubs including West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City, and Wigan Athletic. Most recently, he captained Wrexham AFC to back-to-back promotions before returning home to the Brandywell in early 2026 to finish his career with the Candystripes.