The former Scotland international was part of the historic squad that earned promotion to the Premier League in 2019/20
Isaac Johnson Leeds United reporter
10:09, 08 Apr 2026
Former Leeds United star Barry Douglas has announced his retirement(Image: George Wood/Getty Images)
Leeds United promotion hero Barry Douglas has announced his retirement from football at the age of 36.
Douglas played 44 times for Leeds between 2018 and 2020, featuring in 15 Championship games during the 2019/20 promotion season under Marcelo Bielsa. The left-back has been without a club since leaving St Johnstone last summer and has now decided to call on his playing career.
Douglas had left Leeds in 2021. After being loaned to Blackburn for the 2020/21 season he joined former club and Polish stalwarts Lech Poznan at the end of his Whites contract. After being let go by Poznan in July 2024, he was signed by St Johnstone on a short-term deal from October 2024 until last summer.
Douglas – a one-cap Scotland international – bows out with 449 senior appearances, 28 goals and 68 assists. He won two Championship titles, also lifting the trophy with Wolves in 2018, two Polish league crowns with Lech Poznan in 2015 and 2022, and two domestic cups – one in Poland and another for Konyaspor in Turkey.
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Taking to social media to share the news of his retirement, Douglas said: “Where do I even begin? The day every footballer knows is coming. It’s time to say goodbye to the playing side of the beautiful game.
“In my wildest dreams, I never thought I’d make it as a professional footballer, never mind win multiple titles in different countries.
“Now that I’m hanging up the boots, I can look back with immense pride, knowing I gave it every I had. A massive thank you to all the clubs who trusted me to wear their badge.
“It’s been an honour and a privilege to fight for the shirt, and I never once took that responsibility for granted.
“Every kid growing up dreams of playing for their country, so to have made that a reality is something I’ll always be proud of. Along the way I’ve met so many amazing people.
“Teammates, physios, chefs, groundsmen, kit men, cleaners. The list is endless. To everyone whose path I crossed, thank you. I truly appreciate you all, and I always tried to be the best version of myself, both on and off the pitch.”
Among the Leeds 2020 promotion squad to send messages Douglas’ way were Kalvin Phillips and Mateusz Klich.
Phillips wrote: “It’s been a pleasure my friend. Some amazing memories! What a guy time to spend some quality time with your beautiful family mate! Love you basher!”
Klich added: “Barry D! It was a pleasure brother! Enjoyed every second with you! Respect for speaking fluent Polish too.”
Patrick Bamford posted: “Congrats on a brilliant career mate, wishing you all the best in what comes next,” while Luke Ayling said: “Some career basher. Pleasure to share a dressing room with you and make memories that will last a lifetime. Love ya fella.”
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