Jonathan Rea Announces Retirement After Legendary World Superbike Career
Jonathan Rea, the six-time World Superbike champion, has revealed that instinct played a crucial role not only in his extraordinary racing career but also in his decision to retire at the end of this season. The 38-year-old Northern Irishman, whose 17-year career was decorated with six world titles between 2015 and 2020, 119 race wins, 264 podiums, and 44 pole positions, admits that the last two years have tested him both physically and mentally.
Rea’s struggles began in February when he suffered a broken foot during testing at Phillip Island, forcing him to miss the first three rounds of the 2025 championship. He made a return in Italy for round four but faced another setback in the following round at Most, Czech Republic. “On the gravel, I did a little shoulder check to see if I was clear, but the bike was coming at me,” Rea told My Newspaper Sport NI’s Stephen Watson. “On all fours, I was crawling out of the way as fast as possible. That was a moment that damaged any future prospects of me wanting to continue. It’s mentally tough to recover from moments like that, and it just seems now is the right time. Tough to know exactly the reason why, but instinct.”
The announcement of his retirement on Monday sparked an outpouring of tributes and congratulations from fans, rivals, and motorsport enthusiasts worldwide. Rea said he felt humbled by the messages and cherished reflecting on his career with his family. “My dad came through the door, gave me a big hug, and told me he was so happy and glad I made the decision. We both shed a tear, and Tarsh (my wife Tatiana) was in tears,” he said.
Rea’s roots in motorcycling run deep. His father was an accomplished racer, and the family shared a passion for the sport. “I feel fulfilled in my career. I started racing around motocross tracks with a dream of becoming a world champion. Very early on, I had opportunities to ride for good teams and be associated with great people. I made the best of those opportunities, racing for world championships and fighting for race wins. Looking back, imagining this success when I was six, seven, or eight years old is unbelievable. I’m satisfied.”
While closing this chapter will be emotional, Rea remains focused on finishing the 2025 season on a high note, aiming for one final podium at the championship’s concluding round in Spain this October. “It’s been a tough year, starting it on the operating table, but let’s aim for the stars and see what happens. I can walk away knowing I gave 100% every lap and every race. I’ll continue giving my all until the final round.”
Balancing a world-class career with family life has been a defining part of Rea’s journey. “We had an incredible year in 2014 with Honda and moved to Kawasaki in 2015, winning world championships while dragging two kids around the world—it was incredibly special.”
Jonathan Rea’s career has left an indelible mark on Superbike racing, and his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats is firmly cemented. Though he may step away from competitive racing, his impact on motorsport will continue to inspire future generations.
