Ex-Sunderland, Derby, Leeds player Morten Lunde Spencer has been sadly forced to retire age 21 due to his heart condition diagnosis.
Morten Spencer, a promising Norwegian midfielder, had a notable youth football career before being forced to retire at age 21 due to a cardiac condition.
His journey began in Sunderland’s academy, where he developed his early skills. In 2019, he moved to Leeds United, joining their youth setup at Thorp Arch. Over five years with Leeds, Spencer became a standout player, featuring in 34 matches for the Under-18s and 24 for the Under-21s, while also gaining experience in the EFL Trophy.
Known for his passing ability as a defensive midfielder, he earned a professional contract in April 2021 and represented both England (twice at Under-15 level) and Norway at various youth international stages.
Released by Leeds in June 2024, Spencer signed with Derby County’s Under-21 squad in July 2024, aiming to continue his progression.
At Derby, he made six appearances in Premier League 2, with his last game in October 2024, before health issues emerged.
On the 27th of March, 2025, just days after turning 21, Spencer announced his retirement, citing a cardiac problem that ended his playing career prematurely.
Despite never breaking into a senior first team, his youth career across Sunderland, Leeds, and Derby showcased his potential before his heartbreaking exit from the sport.
Morten Spencer, 21, has retired from football after a routine health check found a heart issue.
He’d just signed for Derby and had already played for England & Norway at youth level.
A tough moment, but shows why early screening matters.
Wishing you strength, Morten
pic.twitter.com/WRkCIaHoHk
— Thomas Hal Robson-Kanu (@RobsonKanu) March 29, 2025
He wrote in a post via his personal Instagram account: “Heartbroken to be saying this.
“I will be retiring from professional football due to a cardiac problem I can’t carry on with.
“All I’ve ever known is to kick a ball and I have learnt everything from the game. I’m thankful and proud of what I have achieved.
“I will never forget the memories I have and have created along an amazing journey. Football is in my DNA and I will continue to support everyone who helped me along the way.
“I want to thank everyone who has stuck with me during this tough period and everyone who has helped me during my career.
“Thankyou 
”
Social media users reacted with the ex-Sunderland, Derby, Leeds player forced to retire age 21 due to a heart condition diagnosis…
@WhatTheFalkPod: Really unfortunate news. Former #SAFC, too. Wishing you lots of luck in the future @mortenspencer1
@TaraLeanne1: Disappointing for him; what a great player he’s been through the academy!
@Margare84045571: All the very best for the future Morten 
@JuceeRob: Sad this, hope he’s ok longer term outside the game.
@JamesGP24: I remember it being quite a big deal when we initially signed him, as he was very highly rated. Must be so hard when football is all you’ve known and all you’ve planned for, to then suddenly have it all taken away. Hopefully he lands on his feet
@MartinBradley_: Good luck young man watched a lot of you over recent years, a very good footballer 
@bedlows: All the best lad..
@LindaNe72485893: Best of luck for the future Morten
@kennybrown1964: Sad news pal hope he enjoys rest of his life and has a long one
@allleedsaway: Had huge potential too. #lufc
@Percy2Percy: Poor kid, all the best lad
@LUFC_Ando: Terrible news and so tough, however glad he found out this way rather than another. Just hope that he is helped and looked after now as he forges a new career and life
@LUFCxRobbo96: Such a shame, hope there’s a role for him in football for his future
@FollowMeAndLUFC: That’s so sad good luck going forward
@NickHow07209652: Sad news, all the best of luck for the future @mortenspencer1
@LUFCLUCY: Great academy player at our place, very sad news, wishing you all the best for the future @mortenspencer1 
#lufc
leon3scott: Head high champ, onto the next chapter
jakerooney_8: Thanking of you pal, all the best in what’s next mate
archie.gray06: All the best mate
jeremiah.cmullen: All the best my brother
sonnyperkins_: All the best in the next chapter bro 
leohjelde: All the best mate good luck in the future
jordanjones45: So sorry to be reading this bro. Be proud of what you have achieved mate and good luck with everything going forward
seanmcgurk10: All the best mate 
wardy_7_27: Best of luck with whatever’s next pal
lucathomas_9: All the best mate
jack1hompson: Gutted brother. All the best
leespencer_exclusive_hair: I’m 100%sure this is only the beginning in your life , I personally know you so well that if you put the dedication in to your new project whatever that will be you will be a success, love you so much son x
charlie_allen10: All the best mate
jtc10: Gutted for you brother, all the best my mate
dfccoaching: Sorry to hear this Mort 
give me a message any time. Keep your head up
jamietaylor.fit: Soo much more to you than football mate, a top class young lad with the world as his feet. Ever want a chat, cuppa or a gym session drop me a message pal. Keep your chin up, big things coming your way you handsome bastard
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