The Northern Irishman, who currently rides for Yamaha, will bring the curtain down on his career after the championship’s final round in Jerez, Spain, in October. Rea, 38, claimed six consecutive world titles between 2015 and 2020, becoming the most successful rider in the history of the series.

Across 459 championship races, he secured 264 podiums, 119 victories and 105 fastest laps. “I’ve been thinking about this day for a long time,” Rea said. “Racing has been my life - from a boy in Northern Ireland dreaming of bikes to standing on the top step of the podium. My only goal throughout my career was to win, but the time has come to listen to my body, my mind, and most importantly my instincts. If I can’t race to win, it’s time to step away.”

Rea’s farewell season still has four rounds to go, including races in France, Aragon, Estoril and Jerez. His highlights stretch back to his World Superbike debut with Honda in 2008, before his move to Kawasaki in 2015 launched a record-breaking era. Over nine seasons with the team, he amassed more than 100 wins. In recognition of his achievements, he was awarded an MBE in 2017 and finished runner-up in that year’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year.

After switching to Yamaha in 2024, Rea endured a difficult campaign, including a crash in pre-season testing. Despite struggles, Yamaha’s Andrea Dosoli praised him as “an incredibly talented rider whose records may never be matched.”

Rea’s legacy extends beyond his statistics. Inspired by Joey Dunlop, he surpassed his hero’s five world titles to become Northern Ireland’s most decorated motorcyclist. Fierce on track yet humble off it, Rea retires not only as a champion but as one of the country’s greatest sporting ambassadors.