Denbigh Town and former Liverpool, Burnley defender forced to retire at 22
Keelan Williams has announced his retirement from football. (Pic by James Baylis/FAW)
Former Denbigh Town, Liverpool and Burnley defender Keelan Williams has been forced to bring his football career to an end at the age of 22.
The Denbigh Town defender has made the difficult decision to step away from the game after 17 years in football, having revealed he has been battling a cardiac condition that has left his heart weakened.
Williams admitted that he has undergone two open-heart surgeries and two pacemaker implant procedures since the start of 2025.
The former Reds and Clarets academy player joined Denbigh Town in the summer of 2024 and made 42 appearances for the club, scoring six goals during his time at Central Park. He made four appearances this season, with his last appearance coming at the end of August, against Rhyl.
He also had a spell with Bala Town and represented Wales at under-19 level, earning two international caps during his career.
Keelan Williams explains why he has been forced to retire from football
In an emotional statement, Williams explained the heartbreak of having to walk away from a sport that has been a huge part of his life since childhood.
“After 17 years of football, it’s time for me to accept that my journey on the pitch has to come to an end,” he said in a post on Instagram.
“Unfortunately, due to my cardiac condition and everything I’ve been through, I’ve had to make the difficult decision to stop playing football.
“Since the start of 2025, I’ve undergone 2 open-heart surgeries and 2 pacemaker implant surgeries, and unfortunately, my heart has been weakened therefore developed heart failure.
“The symptoms I’m experiencing on the pitch mean I can no longer play at the level I want to, and for the sake of my health, I have to put football aside.”
Williams admitted that leaving the game behind was an incredibly difficult decision, having spent 17 years playing at different levels and building relationships and memories along the way.
“I’ve played football for 17 years at all different levels, and it honestly kills me to walk away from something that’s been such a massive part of my life,” he added.
“I’ve played alongside and against some unbelievable players, met friends for life and most importantly, made memories I’ll always be grateful for.”
Former Liverpool and Burnley academy player puts his health first
Williams’ career has taken him through several clubs and levels of the game, including spells in the academies at Liverpool and Burnley before moving on to Bala Town and Denbigh Town.
His two appearances for Wales Under-19s were another highlight of a footballing journey that began 17 years ago.
However, the defender acknowledged that his health must now take priority after everything he has endured in his attempts to return to playing.
“But there’s more to life than kicking a ball, and I have to put my health first,” he said.
“I’ve fought incredibly hard to get back on that pitch, but sometimes you have to listen to your body and accept what’s best for you.”
Despite the circumstances surrounding his retirement, Williams has not completely closed the door on a possible return to football in the future.
“Maybe one day I’ll return, and I’ll never rule that out,” he said.
“But for now, I have to accept where I’m at and focus on my health and future. Football will always be a part of me no matter what.”
Denbigh Town pay tribute as teammates send messages of support
Denbigh Town have paid tribute to Williams following his decision to retire, thanking the defender for his contribution to the club and making clear that he will always be welcome at Central Park.
A club statement read: “Denbigh Town Football Club would like to place on record our sincere thanks to Keelan for everything he’s given to the club and wish him the very best. The door will forever be open at Central Park.”
Williams’ announcement also prompted messages of support from teammates and former colleagues across Welsh football.
Denbigh teammate Hugh Holland wished him well, writing: “All the best for the future, mate.”
Hussein Mehasseb, who played alongside Williams at Bala Town, paid tribute to his former teammate, saying: “My brother, what a guy.”
The New Saints attacker Rhys Hughes also sent his best wishes, commenting: “All the best, mate.”
