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Superbike legend and six-time world champion Jonathan Rea announces retirement - 'This sport has given everything to me'
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Published 25/08/2025 at 18:37 GMT+1
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World Superbike veteran and record-breaking champion Jonathan Rea has announced that he will be retiring from full-time competition. The 38-year-old Northern Irishman has not won a race since 2023, and his last podium came last year at Donington Park. He had been linked with a Ducati satellite seat for next season, but he announced on Monday that he would be retiring at the end of the season.
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World Superbike legend Jonathan Rea has announced he will retire at the end of the season.
Rea’s time in the sport, in which he won six world titles, will come to an end at the conclusion of the 2025 campaign.
The Northern Irish rider’s six championships are a record, as are his 119 race wins, but his last two years have seen little success after he swapped Kawasaki for Yamaha.
In that time, he has repeatedly struggled with injuries, and secured just a single podium. His last win came in Czechia in the 2023 season.
While he had been linked with a Ducati satellite team for next season, he has decided to retire as a full-time competitor.
"I’ve been thinking about this day for a long time, and finally I’ve decided to step away from full-time racing and retire," announced Rea on his Instagram account.
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"This sport has been everything to me. From growing up as a child in Northern Ireland, dreaming of racing bikes, to standing on the top step of the World Superbike Championship, winning races and world championships.
"Throughout my career, I've only ever had one goal and that was to win. I never raced to make up the numbers. I raced to be the best. But the time has come to listen to my body, my mind and most importantly, my instinct.
"If I can't race to win, then it’s time to step away. I have the same love for the sport that I had on day one, right now in this present day.
"I’m incredibly proud of what I’ve achieved during my lengthy career. Six world championships, more than 100 race wins, and so many other accolades along the way. These are some records that I never imagined could be possible.
"But it's not the records, the trophies or the race wins. It's the people and the memories that I take with me forever.
"To my family… to my wife, Tarsh, and our kids, Jake and Tyler, thank you for being my anchor and my rock during all the good and tougher times.
"To all my rivals and competitors during my career. Thanks for making me dig deep. I was such a better rider because of you guys. To all my fans, thanks for your unbelievable support and loyalty."
Rea concluded by insisting that while he would no longer compete full-time, he had not entirely stepped away from motorcycling.
He said: "And whilst I'm stepping away from full-time racing, this isn't goodbye. I'll always be part of this sport, just in a different way. So from the bottom of my heart, thank you for everything.
"It's been one hell of a ride. I'll see you in the paddock."
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