Como, Italy – August 3, 2025 — Once regarded as one of England’s most promising midfielders, Dele Alli is now reportedly weighing early retirement after being left out of Como 1907’s plans for the upcoming Serie A season.
The 29-year-old, who signed with the Italian club in early 2025 in what was widely viewed as a final attempt to revive his faltering career, has failed to make an impact both on and off the field. After making only a single appearance — which ended in a red card — Alli has been sidelined by manager Cesc Fàbregas, and did not join the squad for pre-season training in Marbella.
A source close to the club confirmed that Alli has been informed he is not in the manager’s plans for the 2025–26 campaign. The decision appears to have left the former Tottenham and England star considering bringing his professional career to an end.
A Career That Promised Much
Born in Milton Keynes, Alli began his professional journey at MK Dons before signing with Tottenham Hotspur in 2015. At his peak, he was a central figure in Mauricio Pochettino’s dynamic Spurs side, helping the club to a Champions League final and two top-three Premier League finishes. He scored over 60 goals for Spurs and earned 37 England caps, including appearances at the 2018 FIFA World Cup where England reached the semi-finals.
His flair, vision, and goalscoring ability saw him win back-to-back PFA Young Player of the Year awards and draw comparisons to legends like Steven Gerrard.
A Sudden Decline
However, Alli’s form began to dip after 2019. Injuries, inconsistency, and reported issues with focus and off-pitch distractions saw him fall out of favour at Spurs. Stints at Everton and on loan at Beşiktaş did little to revive his fortunes. In 2023, he publicly spoke about past trauma, substance abuse, and a stint in rehabilitation — a rare moment of vulnerability that earned him admiration, if not a career reset.
Como Move Fizzles Out
His move to Como in January 2025 was seen as a fresh opportunity under the guidance of Fàbregas. But his only appearance, a late substitution that ended in a red card, typified the frustrations of the past few years. Despite the club’s initial support, his exclusion from the new season’s plans signals a potentially final chapter.
Dele Alli has one year remaining on his contract, but with no apparent playing prospects and interest from other clubs reportedly absent, he is understood to be seriously considering stepping away from football altogether.
A Legacy in Question
While his career may not have followed the trajectory many once predicted, Alli’s rise — from League One teenager to World Cup semi-finalist — remains remarkable. The question now is whether his story ends quietly in Italy or whether there’s still one more act left to write.
For now, Dele Alli remains under contract at Como. But for a player who once lit up the Premier League and captured the imagination of a generation, time may be running out.
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