Former Sierra Leone captain Steven Caulker has spoken about the challenges of finding work after retiring from professional football, saying he has struggled to secure interviews despite believing he has the qualifications for the jobs.
The 34-year-old former England international shared his experience in a LinkedIn post, describing unemployment as stressful and acknowledging the emotional impact of repeated rejection.
Caulker said he was trying to remain calm rather than panic. He also highlighted the importance of maintaining a routine, saying he felt better after going for a run.
He added that he sometimes turned down opportunities that did not align with his professional goals.
Caulker retired from playing in December 2025 and has since pursued a career in coaching. His previous roles include working at Spain’s FC Málaga City and Icelandic club Stjarnan.
He later joined Turkish club Konyaspor as an assistant coach in February 2026 before reportedly leaving the position in September.
Beyond football, Caulker founded Behind the White Lines, an initiative focused on supporting players as they navigate life and careers beyond the game. He has also listed a wellness consultancy among his professional activities.
Born in London, Caulker made one senior appearance for England, scoring against Sweden in November 2012. He subsequently represented Sierra Leone, captaining the Leone Stars and playing at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon in 2022.
His experience highlights the uncertainty that can accompany the transition from professional sport to a new career. Although he has spoken about unemployment and the difficulty of securing interviews, there is no verified evidence that he has said he is unable to meet his living expenses.
