What Next for Veteran Hoilett?
Junior Hoilett is without a club, having departed EFL League Two team Swindon Town at the end of the 2025-26 English soccer season.
The Canadian veteran turned 36 in June but could still prolong his playing days before moving into coaching.
Hoilett Departs Swindon
Hoilett left Scottish Premiership side Hibernian to sign a short-term deal with Swindon in February. The deal ran until the end of the season, with Hoilett being let go by boss Ian Holloway in May.
He made 14 league appearances for the fourth-tier club, scoring one League Two goal. Despite the veteran’s efforts, Swindon failed to reach the end-of-season play-offs, finishing in ninth spot.
Hoilett initially joined the Robins for first-team action ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Unfortunately, he was not part of Jesse Marsch’s plans, watching from home as the Canadian national team reached the Round of 16 for the first time.
While the 36-year-old has not yet announced any plans to retire, finding an EFL club may prove challenging. However, a return to Canada might be a fitting way to conclude his career.
Looking Back on the Canadian’s Excellent Career in Britain
Hoilett moved to England at the start of his professional career and was a big hit at Blackburn Rovers. He was one of Canada’s most exciting prospects, making his senior debut for the national team in 2015.
He had more success at Queens Park Rangers before moving to Wales to play for Cardiff City. In the Welsh capital, Hoilett helped Cardiff reach the Premier League and made a total of 184 appearances for the Bluebirds.
After leaving Cardiff to move to Reading, Hoilett found himself in MLS, playing for Vancouver Whitecaps. He then moved back to the UK to sign for Aberdeen and had a stint with Hibernian.
Hoilett’s career has taken him across Britain to America, with a short spell in Germany in between. He has made a big impression on UK soccer over the past two decades and has become one of Canada’s most popular overseas players.
