Former Liverpool Defender Stephen Darby Forced to Announce Retirement Due to Illness

• He is a former English professional footballer
• He retired after being diagnosed with a Motor Neurone Disease
• He is married to Manchester City captain Steph Houghton

Stephen Darby is a former English professional footballer who played as a right-back and was forced to retire due to a diagnosis of motor neurone disease when he was 29 years old, at the peak of his athletic achievements.

Born in Liverpool, his passion for the sport blossomed quite early and he sharpened his skills at Maricourt High School before progressing to the Liverpool youth system. His talent was evident and was part of 29 yearsfavouritethe victorious Liverpool FA Youth Cup team in 2006.

He made his professional debut for Liverpool in 2008 and during his time with the club, he gained valuable experience though he also had loan stints with Swindon Town, Notts County and Rochdale.

Darby’s life-changing moment was signing with Bradford City where he became a key player and was instrumental in the team’s journey to the 2013 Football League Cup final. In the next seasons, he was a fan favorite and even captained for two seasons.

In 2017, he signed a two-year contract with Bolton Wanderers, a significant progress in his career, Unfortunately, the dream was cut short when he received a life-altering diagnosis of motor neurone disease at the age of 29-years.

This condition led to his early retirement from football and has become a vocal advocate of the condition’s awareness and research. He co-founded the Darby Rimmer MND foundation alongside his ex-Boltin teammate Liam Rimmer.

The foundation provides support to people affected by the condition and also raises funds for research to find a cure.

Stephen Darby playing career

His career began at the Liverpool youth academy and after a good progression, he made his professional debut for Liverpool as a squad player though he gained valuable experience.

He was sent on loan stints to gain regular playing time with Swindon Town, Notts County and Rochdale. The stints exposed him to different play styles and levels of competition, allowing him to refine his skills as a right-back.

Stephen Darby. Photo/Sky Sports

His  pivotal point was on signing with Bradford City where he found a permanent role, establishing himself as a key player, and even played a role in the team’s run to the 2013 Football League Cup Final.

Over the next few seasons, the club cemented his place as a fan favorite and his consistent performances led to several appearances, and he even captained the team for two seasons. In 201, he signed a two-year contract with Bolton Wanderers where he played for one season, then his career was cut short by a motor neurone disease that forced him to retire at the age of 29 years.

Stephen Darby Personal Life

The former player was born in Liverpool, England in 1988 and attended the Maricourt Catholic High School  and then enrolled at the Liverpool youth academy. This called for education and football training at the same time.

He got married to his wife Steph Houghton in 2018 and a few months later, he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease. Steph is currently the captain of the Manchester City women’s team and she has been very supportive to her husband.

This condition led to his early retirement from football and has become a vocal advocate of the condition’s awareness and research. He co-founded the Darby Rimmer MND foundation alongside his ex-Boltin teammate Liam Rimmer.

Stephen Darby. Photo/Daily Mail

The foundation provides support to people affected by the condition and also raises funds for research to find a cure.

Darby’s diagnosis of motor neurone and foundation

When he was at the peak of his career and a few months into marriage, his life took a turn due to a condition known as motor neurone, that affects the nerves.

This condition led to his early retirement from football and has become a vocal advocate of the condition’s awareness and research. He co-founded the Darby Rimmer MND foundation alongside his ex-Boltin teammate Liam Rimmer.

The foundation provides support to people affected by the condition and also raises funds for research to find a cure. His unwavering support is evident in his active participation in fundraising initiatives, including a remarkable 178-mile walk that generated a significant sum for MND research.