Matt Doherty will leave Wolves when his contract expires this summer.

After nearly 400 appearances for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Matt Doherty will officially leave the club this summer. With his current contract expiring, the beloved Irish defender will end his 13-year career with Wolves, writing the final chapter of a legendary story.  

For many Wolves fans, Matt Doherty is already a club legend. He made 389 appearances during his two stints with the club, ranking 16th on the all-time appearance list. For 13 years, he was known for his fighting spirit and loyalty, becoming a vital link between the team and the fans.  

Early in his career, Matt Doherty distinguished himself at full-back with his exceptional speed and attacking prowess. With experience and a change in role, he has gradually transitioned to center-back in recent years. Off the pitch, his humorous and approachable personality has made him a favorite among teammates and staff, making him a beloved member of the Compton training ground.  

Wolves technical director Matt Jackson said: "In today's football environment, there are fewer and fewer players who can be called true 'club men,' and Matt Doherty is undoubtedly one of them. He has made tremendous contributions to the club over the past 13 years, both on and off the pitch. His development from a green young man when he first joined to one of the team's most senior and experienced players is admirable."  

“Matt Doherty is one of the best role models for the team’s young players. He has not only established himself in the highest level of leagues, but has also achieved success on the international stage, and he deserves all the honors and recognition.”  

“Matt Doherty has always been an important figure in the team’s dressing room. He is experienced, reliable, and very aware of the challenges the club faces at different stages. It has been a privilege to work with him. I wish him all the best for the future and believe that he will continue to succeed in the world of football, both as a player and in other capacities.”  

Matt Doherty joined Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2010, impressing then-manager Mick McCarthy with his outstanding performances against Wolves while playing for Bohemia. Under the tutelage of Kenny Jackett, he gradually developed into a key member of the team, playing a crucial role during the club's rebuilding period in League One. With his continuously improving abilities, he became one of the Championship's best full-backs, sweeping the club's three major annual awards in the 2015/16 season.  

With Nuno Espirito Santo taking charge, Matt Doherty's career entered a new phase. He transitioned from a traditional full-back to an attacking right wing-back, playing a crucial role in the tactical system. In the 2017/18 season, he helped Wolves win the Championship title, missing only one game throughout the entire league campaign.  

After being promoted to the Premier League, Matt Doherty's performance did not decline with the increase in league level. In the 2018/19 season, he had the best season of his career, helping Wolves reach the FA Cup semi-finals with 8 goals and 10 assists, and achieving the club's first return to European competition in nearly 40 years. Whether it was the game-winning goals against Crystal Palace and Newcastle United away from home, or his crucial contributions in the Premier League and European competitions, he left fans with many unforgettable memories.  

In the 2019/20 season, Matt Doherty remained an important member of the team. He made 50 appearances for Wolves, consistently contributing to both attack and defense, helping the team finish in the top seven of the Premier League for the second consecutive season and reach the quarter-finals of the Europa League, achieving significant accomplishments for the club in recent years.  

During that period, Matt Doherty not only performed consistently but was also directly involved in 12 goals. He witnessed many classic moments at Molineux Stadium, but the most unforgettable was undoubtedly the match against Manchester City. In that game, he scored the winning goal, helping Wolves complete a stunning comeback and creating one of the club's most iconic matches of the new century.  

After reaching his 300th appearance for Wolves, Matt Doherty left the club in the summer of 2020 to join Tottenham Hotspur, embarking on a new phase of his career. He then briefly played for Atletico Madrid. However, wherever he went, his connection with Wolves never faded. Finally, in the summer of 2023, he chose to return to Molineux, once again donning the familiar gold and black jersey.  

In his first appearance since returning to Molineux, Matt Doherty proved his worth with a performance. He scored twice in the League Cup match against Blackpool, helping the team to a resounding victory and quickly connecting with the fans. Even though he's no longer a regular starter, he remains a key figure in the dressing room, setting an example for younger players with his professionalism and experience.  

Since returning to Wolves, Matt Doherty has remained an important member of the team. During his second stint with the club, he made over 70 Premier League appearances, gradually transitioning from wing-back to centre-back as his career progressed. Based on his seniority, experience, and influence, he was appointed vice-captain before the 2024/25 season and wore the captain's armband on several occasions.  

In addition to his outstanding performances at the club level, Matt Doherty has also demonstrated a consistent level of performance for the national team. Since making his debut for the Irish national team in the 2017/18 season, he has accumulated more than 50 appearances over seven years, consistently contributing to the national team.  

Despite injuries reducing his playing time under Rob Edwards, Matt Doherty still made 15 appearances for the team this season, bringing his total appearances for Wolves to 389, once again leaving an important mark on the club's history.  

For Matt Doherty, he never sought the spotlight, but always contributed everything to the team through his actions. Now, he will leave the club as one of the most iconic figures in modern Wolves history. Wherever he may go in the future, Molineux will always be his home, and its doors will always be open to him.  

Image source: Internet/Wolves official website