Jack Grealish facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Jack Grealish

Grealish training with Manchester City in 2024
Personal information
Full name	Jack Peter Grealish
Date of birth	(1995-09-10) 10 September 1995 (age 29)
Place of birth	Birmingham, England
Height	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Position(s)	Winger, attacking midfielder
Team information
Current team	Manchester City
Number	10
Youth career
2001–2002	Highgate United
2002–2013	Aston Villa
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2013–2021	Aston Villa	185	(29)
2013–2014	→ Notts County (loan)	37	(5)
2021–	Manchester City	94	(12)
International career‡
2011–2012	Republic of Ireland U17	7	(3)
2012–2013	Republic of Ireland U18	6	(2)
2013–2014	Republic of Ireland U21	6	(1)
2016–2017	England U21	7	(2)
2020–	England	39	(4)
Medal record Men's football Representing  England UEFA European Championship Runner-up 2020
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 16:49, 21 May 2025 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 18:50, 13 October 2024 (UTC)

Jack Peter Grealish (born 10 September 1995) is an English professional footballer. He plays as a winger or attacking midfielder. Jack plays for the Premier League club Manchester City. He also plays for the England national team.

Grealish joined Aston Villa when he was six years old. He made his first team debut in May 2014. This was after a loan spell at Notts County. He became Aston Villa's captain in 2019. In 2021, Manchester City signed Grealish for £100 million. This made him the most expensive British player at that time. In his first season with City, he won a Premier League title. In his second season, he helped the team win a continental treble. This means they won three major trophies in one season.

Jack Grealish was born in England and has Irish family roots. He could choose to play for either England or the Republic of Ireland. He played for Republic of Ireland youth teams up to the under-21 level. In April 2016, he decided to play for England. He first played for the England under-21s in May 2016. He won the 2016 Toulon Tournament with them. He has played for the senior England team in major tournaments. These include UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Early Life and Background

Jack Peter Grealish was born on 10 September 1995. He was born in Birmingham, England. He grew up in a nearby town called Solihull. He went to Our Lady of Compassion Roman Catholic Primary School. He also attended St Peter's Roman Catholic Secondary School.

Grealish has Irish family. His mother's father was from County Dublin. His father's parents were from Gort, County Galway, and Sneem, County Kerry. Because of his Irish background, Grealish played Gaelic football. He played for John Mitchel's Hurling and Camogie Club from age 10 to 14.

Club Career Highlights

Aston Villa Journey

Starting Out

Jack Grealish was a big fan of Aston Villa. He joined the club when he was six years old. Before that, he started playing at Highgate United. When he was 16, he was a substitute for a Premier League match. This was against Chelsea in March 2012. Grealish was also part of the Aston Villa under-19 team. They won the 2012–13 NextGen Series competition.

Loan to Notts County

On 13 September 2013, Grealish joined Notts County. This was a youth loan until January 2014. Notts County was in League One at the time. The 18-year-old made his first professional appearance the next day. He came on as a substitute in a match against Milton Keynes Dons.

On 7 December, he scored his first goal as a professional. He scored the last goal in a 3–1 win against Gillingham. A week later, he scored again in a 4–0 win over Colchester United. Grealish stayed on loan with Notts County until the end of the season. He finished his loan with five goals and seven assists in 38 games.

Developing as a Player

Grealish playing for Aston Villa in 2014

After his loan, Grealish returned to Aston Villa. He made his first team debut for Villa on 7 May 2014. He came on as a substitute in a 4–0 loss to Manchester City. Grealish started his first game for Villa on 27 August. This was a Football League Cup match against Leyton Orient.

In September 2014, he was offered a new four-year contract. He signed this new deal on 14 October. On 7 March 2015, in an FA Cup match, he was sent off. This happened in a 2–0 win against West Bromwich Albion. On 7 April, Grealish started his first Premier League match for Aston Villa. It was a 3–3 draw against Queens Park Rangers. His performance in this game was highly praised.

On 18 April, Grealish played a key role in the FA Cup semi-final. Aston Villa beat Liverpool at Wembley Stadium. He helped set up both of Villa's goals. On 30 May, Grealish played in the entire 2015 FA Cup final. Villa lost 4–0 to Arsenal at Wembley.

Grealish scored his first goal for Villa on 13 September 2015. It was a 20-yard shot against Leicester City. However, Villa lost that game 3–2. Villa finished the season in last place. This meant they were relegated from the Premier League. Grealish played 16 matches that season, all of which were defeats. This set a record for the most losses by a player in a single Premier League season.

Overcoming Injuries and Leading the Team

In October, Grealish was suspended for three matches. This was for violent conduct after stepping on an opponent. On 29 July 2017, Grealish suffered a serious injury. During a friendly match, he collided with a player and ruptured his kidney. He had surgery and was out for three months. He returned to play on 4 November. He later shared that the injury had been life-threatening.

In the summer of 2018, Grealish was linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur. However, the move did not happen, and he stayed at Villa. On 24 September, Grealish signed a new five-year contract with Aston Villa.

Grealish became the team captain in March 2019. Under his leadership, Villa won a club record 10 league games in a row. During this winning streak, Grealish was punched by a fan who ran onto the field. This happened during a match against Birmingham City. Later in the game, Grealish scored the winning goal for a 1–0 victory. The fan was sent to prison. This strong form helped Villa reach the play-offs. They beat West Bromwich Albion and Derby County. This earned them promotion back to the Premier League after three years away.

Captaincy and Success

After Aston Villa returned to the Premier League, Grealish was named the new club captain. His first goal of the 2019–20 season came in the 2019–20 EFL Cup against Crewe Alexandra. His first Premier League goal of the season was on 5 October. He scored in a 5–1 win over Norwich City. This result moved Villa out of the bottom three in the league.

In March 2020, the 2019-20 Premier League season was paused due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom. Grealish was fined by the club for breaking rules during this time.

Grealish was fouled 167 times during the season. This was a new record for the most fouls won by a player in a single Premier League season. On 26 July 2020, he scored on the final day of the season. Aston Villa drew 1–1 with West Ham United. This result helped Villa stay in the Premier League. At the end of the season, Grealish was voted Aston Villa's Player of the Season. He was also the club's top scorer with 10 goals in all competitions.

On 15 September, Grealish signed another new five-year contract with Villa. He scored his first league goal of the 2020–21 season on 28 September. It was the first goal in a 3–0 win against Fulham. On 4 October, he scored twice and set up three goals. This was in a huge 7–2 home win over Liverpool. It was Liverpool's biggest defeat in 57 years.

Manchester City Career

Joining Manchester City

Grealish playing for Manchester City in 2021

On 5 August 2021, Manchester City announced they had signed Grealish. He signed a six-year contract. The transfer fee paid to Aston Villa was £100 million. This made him the most expensive English player ever at the time. He was given the number 10 shirt. This number was previously worn by striker Sergio Agüero.

Grealish played his first game for City in a 1–0 loss against Tottenham Hotspur. On 21 August, he scored his first goal for the club. It was in a 5–0 win over Norwich City. Grealish also scored on his UEFA Champions League debut on 15 September. This was in a 6–3 win against RB Leipzig.

Grealish won a Premier League title in his first season with City. He admitted that adapting to the club's style of play was "much more difficult" than he thought. His manager, Pep Guardiola, believed he was doing well. Teammates like Kevin De Bruyne and İlkay Gündoğan defended him from critics. They said he was an easy target because he was an English player in the spotlight.

Breakthrough and Treble Win

On 17 September 2022, Grealish scored his first goal of the 2022–23 season. It came just 55 seconds into a match against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Grealish scored the first goal in City's 2–1 loss to Manchester United on 14 January 2023. On 15 February, he scored in a 3–1 win against Arsenal. This helped City take the lead in the Premier League title race.

Grealish was praised for his performance against Liverpool on 1 April. Manchester City won 4–1. He scored a goal and set up another. In the Champions League semi-finals, Grealish created many chances. He was described as "impossible to play against" by football experts. In the second leg against Real Madrid, Grealish was outstanding. City won 4–0 at home.

On 20 May 2023, Grealish won his second Premier League title. Manchester City lifted the trophy the next day. On 3 June, Grealish started in the 2023 FA Cup final against Manchester United. City won the FA Cup. Grealish said this was "the stuff you dream of when you're a little kid." One week later, he played in the entire 2023 UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan. Manchester City won 1–0. This sealed their first ever continental treble. Grealish said this achievement was "what you work your whole life for." He also called his manager Guardiola a "genius."

Grealish was praised for his big contribution to Manchester City's success. He said he felt "like one of the main players" and was "the fittest" he had ever been.

Recent Seasons

Grealish playing for Manchester City in 2023

On 16 August 2023, Grealish started in Manchester City's 2023 UEFA Super Cup victory over Sevilla. He scored his penalty in the shoot-out. On 27 August, Grealish was out due to a leg injury. He then spent some games on the bench. On 25 October, he started for City against Young Boys. Pep Guardiola said he had no doubts about Jack. On 29 October, Grealish returned to the starting team for the Manchester derby. He was highly praised for his performance.

On 11 January 2025, Grealish scored his first club goal in over a year. It was a penalty in an 8–0 win against Salford City in the FA Cup. Later that month, on 22 January, he scored his first UEFA Champions League goal since the 2021–22 season. This was in a 4–2 loss to Paris Saint-Germain.

On 2 April 2025, he scored his only Premier League goal of the 2024–25 season. It was the first goal in a 2–0 win over Leicester City. However, he was not included in the club's squad for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

International Career

Playing for Ireland

When Grealish was playing for Irish youth teams, England wanted him to play for them. He was even named in their under-17 team in 2011, but he said no. In August 2013, Grealish made his under-21 debut for the Republic of Ireland. He played as a substitute against the Faroe Islands. In 2013, Grealish said he wanted to keep playing for Ireland.

In August 2014, Grealish was again called up to the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad. He played for Ireland in a 2–0 loss against Germany. It was later known that Grealish had turned down a call-up to the senior Irish team. In October 2014, Grealish did not join the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad for a game. This was so he could play in a friendly match for Aston Villa. The England under-21 manager, Gareth Southgate, said they were watching Grealish.

In March 2015, Grealish won the Under-21 player of the year award from the Football Association of Ireland. He said he had taken a break from youth international games to focus on Aston Villa. In May 2015, the Irish manager confirmed Grealish had turned down another call-up. This was for a friendly against England and a qualifier against Scotland.

Playing for England

On 28 September 2015, Grealish confirmed he would play for England at international level. He made his debut for England under-21s on 19 May 2016. This was in a 1–0 win over Portugal. In his first start four days later, he scored two goals. This was in a 7–1 win over Guinea. England went on to win the 2016 Toulon Tournament. Grealish played seven games for the under-21s, scoring two goals.

On 31 August 2020, Grealish was called up to the senior England squad for the first time. This was for matches against Iceland and Denmark. On 8 September, he made his senior debut as a substitute in a 0–0 draw against Denmark. On 1 June 2021, Grealish was named in the squad for UEFA Euro 2020. On 29 June, in the match against Germany, Grealish came on as a substitute. He helped create both goals in a 2–0 win.

On 9 October 2021, Grealish scored his first international goal. This was in England's 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Andorra. During England's first match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on 21 November 2022, Grealish scored his second international goal. This was England's sixth goal in a 6–2 win against Iran. When he scored, Grealish celebrated by waving his arms. He later said this celebration was for a young Manchester City fan with cerebral palsy named Finlay.

Grealish was initially named in England's provisional squad for UEFA Euro 2024. However, he was not included in the final 26-man squad.

How Jack Grealish Plays

Player Analysis

Grealish is a very skilled player. He plays as a winger, usually on the left side. This allows him to cut inside and use his stronger right foot. He can also play as an attacking midfielder. He is known for his ability to run and dribble past defenders. Bryan Jones, a former Aston Villa academy director, compared his style to John Robertson. He noted Grealish's "ability to just ghost past people."

During his time at Manchester City, he sometimes played as a false 9. This is a central attacking role. Sports journalist Michael Cox called Grealish an "old-school player." This was because of his unique playing style. Managers have also praised his professionalism.

Grealish is not super fast, but he is very agile. He has quick footwork and good balance with the ball. This is because he has a low center of gravity. Because of his quick movements, Grealish often gets fouled by opposing players. His former manager, Shaun Derry, pointed this out. He asked for more protection for Grealish from referees.

Grealish wears small shin pads when he plays. This helps him control the ball better. He also rolls his football socks down because of superstition. This has sometimes led to referees telling him to pull them up. Besides his ball skills, Grealish also works hard defensively. He is also good at creating chances for his teammates.

What People Say About Him

Grealish is often compared to famous English players like Paul Gascoigne and David Beckham. This is because of his talent and popularity. Many football figures have said he is similar to Gascoigne. However, others believe these comparisons should not be made. They think it might stop Grealish from developing his own unique style. Grealish himself has said he would "love to be like Gazza [Paul Gascoigne]." He added that Gascoigne "played with such joy."

On 12 February 2021, his former Aston Villa teammate Emiliano Martínez called Grealish "the most talented player [he had] ever seen." Martínez was surprised Grealish had not played more for England. He said, "he never gives the ball away." Martínez also compared Grealish to his Argentina teammate, Lionel Messi.

Personal Life

Jack Grealish has known his girlfriend, Sasha Rebecca Attwood, since secondary school. They met when they were 16. His great-great-grandfather, Billy Garraty, was also a footballer. He played for Aston Villa and won the 1905 FA Cup final. Grealish has a sister named Hollie. She has cerebral palsy. He calls her his "best friend."

Grealish is known to be close with many of his Manchester City teammates. He has a very good relationship with Norwegian player Erling Haaland. Grealish said he gets on "really well with him." He added that they have "the same type of banter." Grealish has named Elvis Presley and Queen as two of his favorite music artists.

In December 2023, thieves broke into his home. They reportedly stole jewelry and watches.

Career Statistics

Club

International

England score listed first, score column indicates score after each Grealish goal

List of international goals scored by Jack Grealish

No.	Date	Venue	Cap	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition	Ref.
1	9 October 2021	Estadi Nacional, Andorra la Vella, Andorra	16	Andorra	5–0	5–0	2022 FIFA World Cup qualification
2	21 November 2022	Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar	25	Iran	6–1	6–2	2022 FIFA World Cup
3	7 September 2024	Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland	37	Republic of Ireland	2–0	2–0	2024–25 UEFA Nations League B
4	13 October 2024	Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, Finland	39	Finland	1–0	3–1	2024–25 UEFA Nations League B

Honours and Awards

Aston Villa

• EFL Championship play-offs: 2019 (Promotion to Premier League)
• FA Cup runner-up: 2014–15
• EFL Cup runner-up: 2019–20

Manchester City

• Premier League: 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24
• FA Cup: 2022–23; runner-up: 2023–24, 2024–25
• UEFA Champions League: 2022–23
• UEFA Super Cup: 2023
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2023

England U21

• Toulon Tournament: 2016

England

• UEFA European Championship runner-up: 2020

Individual Awards

• FAI Under-17 Irish International Player of the Year: 2012
• FAI Under-21 Irish International Player of the Year: 2015
• Aston Villa Young Player of the Season: 2014–15
• PFA Team of the Year: 2018–19 Championship
• Aston Villa Player of the Season: 2019–20

See also

In Spanish: Jack Grealish para niños