Adam Johnson received a six-year prison sentence for grooming and sexual activity with a 15-year-old girl. (Image: Daily Mirror).

Adam Johnson, a shamed footballer, is still without a club six years after being released from prison. Johnson, now 37, had played for Middlesbrough, Manchester City, and Sunderland before his career ended in disgrace.

The Black Cats terminated his contract after he admitted to having sexual contact with a 15-year-old child and grooming. Johnson received a six-year prison sentence in 2016. He was also convicted of another offence involving sexual activity with a child but found not guilty of a second charge of the same crime. Johnson spent three years in prison before being released on parole, having served half of his original sentence, on March 22, 2019.

After Johnson’s sentence in 2016, then-PFA chief Gordon Taylor was blunt about the former Manchester City and Middlesbrough winger’s chances of resuming his professional career.

Taylor told BBC Five Live that the prospect is unlikely, if not impossible. “This is not unexpected. The judge had stated that it was a serious matter and that he would be away for quite some time. Six years is not unusual. Our thoughts are very much with the victim in this situation.”

Johnson’s sister, Faye, spoke to a friend about his desire to resume his career, as reported in the Mirror. She stated, “He was going to write an open letter to all of the clubs explaining how he can benefit them if they give him another chance. I honestly thought he was joking when he told me, but he was dead serious.

The Daily Mail reported that League One and League Two clubs near Johnson’s home in County Durham had declined to sign him. The former player then sold his Castle Eden home for £1.7 million in 2022.

Johnson made 12 appearances for England before falling from grace.
When Johnson was released in 2019, he apologised: “I am deeply sorry for the impact my actions had on those directly and indirectly involved.” It should never have happened, and I deeply regret my actions. I now want to focus on the future and show through my actions that I am committed to repaying them for their help.”

Johnson, who played for England 12 times between 2010 and 2012, was reported to be considering a move abroad in 2021 by The Sun. He also revealed that he had reconciled with his ex-partner, Stacey Flounders, with the couple welcoming their second child into the world.

At the time, there were suggestions that an international move could rekindle his career, but the nature of his conviction made such a move nearly impossible because he still had to notify the police of any plans to travel abroad. Many countries require individuals seeking employment to disclose any previous convictions.

The Mirror reported in 2019 that potential transfers to China, the Middle East, the US, and Australia were ruled out. Johnson, now in his late 30s, appears unlikely to return to the professional game.

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