Chris Smalling facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Chris Smalling

Smalling lining up for Manchester United in 2017
Personal information
Full name	Christopher Lloyd Smalling
Date of birth	(1989-11-22) 22 November 1989 (age 35)
Place of birth	Greenwich, England
Height	6 ft 4 in (1.94 m)
Position(s)	Centre-back
Team information
Current team	Al-Fayha
Number	5
Youth career
	Walderslade Boys
	Lordswood
2002–2004	Millwall
2006–2007	Maidstone United
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2007–2008	Maidstone United	12	(1)
2008–2010	Fulham	13	(0)
2010–2020	Manchester United	206	(12)
2019–2020	→ Roma (loan)	30	(3)
2020–2024	Roma	83	(6)
2024–	Al-Fayha	30	(1)
International career
2008	England Schools U18	5	(1)
2009	England U20	1	(0)
2009–2011	England U21	14	(1)
2011–2017	England	31	(1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 26 May 2025

Christopher Lloyd Smalling (born on November 22, 1989) is an English footballer. He plays as a centre-back for Saudi Pro League club Al-Fayha. Smalling also played for the England national team from 2011 to 2017.

When he was younger, Smalling played for the Millwall academy. He then joined Maidstone United, a non-League club. After playing well for Maidstone United, he signed with Fulham in June 2008. He made his first professional appearance in May 2009. He also helped Fulham reach the UEFA Europa League final the next season.

In January 2010, Smalling agreed to join Manchester United. He officially moved there in July 2010. He played his first game for United in the 2010 FA Community Shield, winning his first medal. He played over 300 games for Manchester United. With them, he won two Premier League titles, an FA Cup, a League Cup, and a UEFA Europa League. He also won two more Community Shields.

In 2019, he joined Italian club Roma. There, he won the UEFA Europa Conference League in his third season. Smalling played for England's youth teams, including the under-18, under-20, and under-21 squads. He made his debut for the senior England team in September 2011. He played in the 2014 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2016.

Chris Smalling's Early Life

Smalling was born in Greenwich, London. His family moved to Kent after his father passed away when Chris was five. He went to Chatham Grammar School for Boys. Smalling was a national champion in Judo as a schoolboy. He also came in second place in an international competition. When he was a kid, he was a big fan of Arsenal.

Smalling's Club Career

Starting at Maidstone United

As a young player, Smalling played for local teams like Walderslade Boys and Lordswood. Sometimes, he couldn't afford bus fare for training. After a short time at Millwall's academy, Smalling joined Maidstone United's youth team at age 16.

He moved up through Maidstone United's youth and reserve teams. Smalling played his first game for the senior team on April 11, 2007. This was in a cup match against Tonbridge Angels. He later played in other cup games and made his league debut in December 2007. He quickly became an important player for Maidstone United. Smalling scored one goal for the club on March 24, 2008. This was in a 4–2 win against East Thurrock United. It was also his last game for Maidstone United.

Playing for Fulham

Smalling warming up for Fulham in 2009

Many clubs were interested in Smalling, including Fulham. He first signed with Middlesbrough in April 2008. However, he felt homesick, so his contract was cancelled. In June 2008, he signed with Premier League club Fulham. Maidstone United received money for the transfer. Smalling became the captain of Fulham's Development Squad.

On May 24, 2009, Smalling played his first Premier League game for Fulham. He came on as a substitute in a match against Everton. His first start for Fulham was on September 17, 2009. This was in a UEFA Europa League game against CSKA Sofia. On December 28, 2009, he started his first league game for Fulham. This was against Chelsea, and he scored an own goal in that match. He was not in the squad for the 2010 UEFA Europa League Final. Fulham lost that final to Atlético Madrid.

Time at Manchester United

Joining the Red Devils (2010–2013)

Smalling playing for Manchester United in 2011

On January 27, 2010, Manchester United announced they had signed Smalling. He stayed at Fulham for the rest of the 2009–10 season. He officially joined United in July 2010.

Smalling played his first game for United on August 8, 2010. He came on as a substitute in the 2010 FA Community Shield. United won 3–1 against Chelsea, and Smalling earned his first medal. His Premier League debut for United was on August 28, 2010. He came on as a substitute in a 3–0 win against West Ham United.

On September 15, 2010, he played his first UEFA Champions League game. This was a 0–0 draw against Rangers. Eight days later, Smalling scored his first goal for Manchester United. This was also his first senior career goal. It happened in a 5–2 win against Scunthorpe United in the League Cup. Smalling made his first full Premier League start for United on January 4, 2011. He played the whole game in a 2–1 win against Stoke City.

On July 8, 2011, Smalling signed a new five-year contract with United. He scored his first goal of the 2011–12 season in the 2011 FA Community Shield. This was against Manchester City, United's rivals. Smalling scored with a volley from a free kick. United won the match 3–2. Smalling also played as a right-back that season due to injuries to other players.

He scored his first Premier League goal on September 18, 2011, against Chelsea. He headed the ball into the net to open the scoring. United won that game 3–1. Smalling missed the end of the season and UEFA Euro 2012 due to a groin injury.

On July 21, 2012, it was announced that Smalling would miss the start of the new season. He had surgery on a broken bone in his foot. He returned to play on November 7, 2012. This was in a 3–1 Champions League win against Braga. He returned to the Premier League three days later.

Key Player (2013–2016)

Smalling playing for Manchester United in 2015

On November 27, 2013, Smalling scored his first Champions League goal. This was in a 5–0 win against Bayer Leverkusen. On December 26, 2013, he scored in a 3–2 win against Hull City.

Smalling received a red card in the first half of the Manchester derby on November 2, 2014. His manager, Louis van Gaal, called his actions "stupid." On November 29, 2014, he scored his first Premier League goal of the season. This was in a 3–0 win over Hull City at Old Trafford. It was his first goal at Old Trafford in three years.

On February 11, 2015, Smalling made history. He was the first player in Premier League history to score two goals in the first half as a substitute. This happened in a 3–1 win against Burnley. This achievement earned him a spot in the Guinness World Records. On April 12, 2015, he scored his fourth league goal of the season. This was in a 4–2 win over Manchester City.

Nine days later, Smalling signed a new contract with Manchester United. He was praised by his manager for his defending. Smalling captained United for the first time on May 17, 2015. This was in a 1–1 draw against Arsenal. On May 2, 2016, Smalling won the Manchester United Players' Player of the Year award. Later that month, on May 21, he was sent off in the 2016 FA Cup Final. Manchester United still won the final 2–1 against Crystal Palace.

Later Years at United (2016–2019)

Smalling lining up for Manchester United in 2017

He scored his first goal of the 2016–17 season on September 24. This was a header in a 4–1 win over Leicester City. Smalling's first goal of the 2017–18 season came on November 18, 2017. This was in a 4–1 win over Newcastle United. He scored again on March 5, 2018, in a 3–2 comeback win over Crystal Palace. A month later, he scored the winning goal in the Manchester Derby. United won 3–2 against Manchester City. Smalling scored his final goal of the season in a 2–0 win against AFC Bournemouth.

Smalling's only goal of the 2018–19 season was also his last for United. This was in a 2–1 win over Watford on September 15, 2018. It was called "one of the best goals of his career." On December 15, Smalling signed a new contract with Manchester United. He was out with a foot injury for a while. After returning, some people criticized his physical playing style.

Moving to Roma

On August 30, 2019, Smalling joined Serie A club Roma on a loan for the 2019–20 season. Roma paid €3 million for the loan. On November 24, 2019, he became the first English player since David Beckham to score at least two goals in a Serie A season.

On October 5, 2020, Smalling signed with Roma permanently. He signed a three-year contract for €15 million. On May 25, 2022, Smalling was named man of the match in the 2022 UEFA Europa Conference League Final. Roma won 1–0 against Feyenoord in Albania. They became the first team to win this competition.

On June 16, 2023, Smalling signed a new contract with Roma until 2025.

Playing for Al-Fayha

On September 2, 2024, Smalling joined Saudi club Al-Fayha. He signed a two-year contract. On September 14, he played his first game for them. It was a 5–0 loss against Al Raed. In that game, he scored an own goal and received a red card.

Smalling's International Career

Youth Teams

Smalling playing for England U21 in 2009

At 17, Smalling was chosen to play for his county, Kent. He was then picked for trials for the England Schoolboy international squad. He was successful and played for England Schools against Australia in January 2008. England won 2–0. Smalling then played in the Centenary Shield, scoring one goal against Wales Schools.

Smalling played his first game for the England under-20 team on March 31, 2009. This was in a 2–0 win against Italy. Four months later, on August 11, he played for the under-21 squad. He came on as a substitute in a 0–0 draw against the Netherlands.

On November 14, he started his first game for the under-21s. This was a qualifier against Portugal at Wembley Stadium. England won 1–0. He scored his first goal for the under-21s on October 8, 2010. This was against Romania in a qualifier. His goal in the 83rd minute helped England win 2–1.

Senior England Team

On November 13, 2010, Smalling was called up to the England senior squad. This was for a friendly game against France. He did not play in that match. He made his senior debut on September 2, 2011. This was in a Euro 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria. England won 3–0, and Smalling played as a right-back.

On May 12, 2014, Smalling was named in England's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. England was already out of the tournament. Smalling played his first World Cup game as a starter in the final group match. He helped the team keep a clean sheet in a 0–0 draw with Costa Rica.

On May 31, 2016, Smalling was named in England's squad for UEFA Euro 2016. On June 2, 2016, he scored his first goal for England. This was in a 1–0 win over Portugal.

England manager Gareth Southgate did not pick Smalling for the team in November 2017. Southgate felt other players were better at starting plays. Smalling said he was surprised and felt he was "as good a defender as anyone." He was not included in the squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Smalling's Personal Life

In June 2017, Smalling married model Sam Cooke in Italy. They have a son named Leo, who was born in May 2019.

Smalling became vegan because of his wife. He believes it has made him healthier and helped him recover faster. He had already stopped eating red meat before becoming vegan. Smalling has promoted the vegan diet and kindness to animals. He has done this through advertisements for PETA.

In February 2019, he became a supporter of Football Beyond Borders. This is a charity that helps with education. On April 16, 2021, Smalling and his family were robbed by armed men at their home in Rome. The thieves took expensive watches and jewelry.

Career Statistics

Club Appearances

International Appearances

As of match played 10 June 2017. England score listed first, score column indicates score after each Smalling goal.

List of international goals scored by Chris Smalling

No.	Date	Venue	Cap	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition	Ref.
1	2 June 2016	Wembley Stadium, London, England	25	Portugal	1–0	1–0	Friendly

Smalling's Football Honours

Manchester United

• Premier League: 2010–11, 2012–13
• FA Cup: 2015–16; runner-up: 2017–18
• EFL Cup: 2016–17
• FA Community Shield: 2010, 2011, 2013
• UEFA Europa League: 2016–17
• UEFA Champions League runner up: 2010–11

Roma

• UEFA Europa Conference League: 2021–22
• UEFA Europa League runner-up: 2022–23

Individual Awards

• UEFA European Under-21 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2011
• Manchester United Players' Player of the Year: 2015–16
• UEFA Europa Conference League Team of the Season: 2021–22
• UEFA Europa League Team of the Season: 2022–23

See also

In Spanish: Chris Smalling para niños