Joe Cole facts for kids
Cole in 2023
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 8 November 1981 | ||
| Place of birth | Paddington, London, England | ||
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) | ||
| Playing position | Attacking midfielder, winger | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1990–1998 | West Ham United | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 1998–2003 | West Ham United | 126 | (10) |
| 2003–2010 | Chelsea | 183 | (27) |
| 2010–2013 | Liverpool | 26 | (3) |
| 2011–2012 | → Lille (loan) | 32 | (4) |
| 2013–2014 | West Ham United | 31 | (5) |
| 2014–2016 | Aston Villa | 12 | (1) |
| 2015–2016 | → Coventry City (loan) | 7 | (1) |
| 2016 | Coventry City | 15 | (1) |
| 2016–2018 | Tampa Bay Rowdies | 82 | (20) |
| Total | 514 | (72) | |
| National team | |||
| 1997–1998 | England U16 | 4 | (0) |
| 1999 | England U18 | 5 | (0) |
| 2000–2003 | England U21 | 8 | (2) |
| 2001–2010 | England | 56 | (10) |
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Joseph John Cole (born 8 November 1981), known as Joe Cole, is an English football coach and former professional footballer. He played as an attacking midfielder or winger. Many people think he was one of the most talented English players of his time. He was also known for his amazing technical skills with the ball.
Cole started his football journey at West Ham United. He joined their main team in January 1999. He played over 120 Premier League games for them over five seasons. In 2003, after West Ham was moved down to a lower league, Cole moved to Chelsea. He spent seven seasons at Chelsea, playing more than 280 games. He helped them win seven trophies, including three Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and one League Cup.
In July 2010, Cole left Chelsea to join Liverpool. A year later, he was loaned to Lille in France. After playing in France, he returned to Liverpool. In January 2013, he went back to West Ham. Later, he played for Aston Villa and Coventry City. Coventry City was his last club in England.
Joe Cole also played for the England national team. He played for England's youth teams before joining the senior team. Between 2001 and 2010, he played 56 times for England and scored 10 goals. He was part of England's squads for the 2002, 2006, and 2010 World Cups. He also played in Euro 2004. After retiring from playing in 2018, Cole became a coach at Chelsea. He now works as a football expert for TNT Sports.
Contents
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Joe Cole was born Joseph Rooks in Paddington, London. He lived there until he was six years old. Then, his family moved to Somers Town.
Starting at West Ham United
Joe Cole grew up in the West Ham United youth academy. People thought he was a very special young player, a true "child prodigy." There were even reports that Manchester United offered a lot of money for him when he was just 16. Cole was compared to famous English player Paul Gascoigne.
He signed his first professional contract in November 1998. His first game for the main team was on 2 January 1999. He was only 17 years old. Eight days later, he played his first Premier League game against Manchester United. In 1999, Cole helped West Ham win the FA Youth Cup. They beat Coventry City 9–0 over two games in the final.
In his first season (1998–99), Cole played eight Premier League games. The next season (1999–2000), he played 22 Premier League games. He also helped West Ham win the 1999 UEFA Intertoto Cup. Cole scored his first goal for West Ham in a League Cup game in November 1999. His first Premier League goal came in February 2000. In January 2003, West Ham's manager, Glenn Roeder, made Cole the team captain. He was only 21. Cole's last game for West Ham was on 11 May 2003. West Ham was moved down from the Premier League after that game. Cole won the "Hammer of the Year award" for 2003, which is given to the best player at West Ham.
Playing for Chelsea
On 6 August 2003, Joe Cole joined Chelsea. Chelsea paid £6.6 million for him. He had turned down a new contract with West Ham. Cole was the sixth player Chelsea signed after Roman Abramovich bought the club. His old West Ham teammate Glen Johnson also joined Chelsea. The manager, Claudio Ranieri, thought Cole would be a great replacement for Gianfranco Zola.
First Season at Chelsea (2003–04)
A week after joining, Cole played his first game for Chelsea. It was a UEFA Champions League game against MŠK Žilina. He came on as a substitute and helped Chelsea win 2–0. On 17 August, he played his first Premier League game for Chelsea. He scored his first goal for the club on 29 October in the League Cup against Notts County. Chelsea won that game 4–2. His only Premier League goal that season was against Newcastle United.
Winning the Premier League (2004–05)
Cole became a regular player for Chelsea in the 2004–05 season. This happened because other wingers like Damien Duff and Arjen Robben were injured. He started in the League Cup Final on 27 February. Chelsea won 3–2 against Liverpool after extra time. Cole scored many goals towards the end of the season. On 9 March, he scored a powerful goal from 20 yards against Norwich City. He scored ten goals for Chelsea in 2004–05. He ended the season with a Premier League winner's medal.
Another League Title (2005–06)
In the 2005–06 season, Cole kept his place in the Chelsea team. He played ahead of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Damien Duff. Cole also signed a new contract with Chelsea for four more seasons. He scored a goal in Chelsea's 3–0 win over Manchester United. This win helped Chelsea win the Premier League title again. After this great season, he was chosen for the PFA Team of the Year.
Injuries and Finals (2006–08)
In January 2007, Cole had surgery on his foot because of an injury. He returned to play for Chelsea in a Champions League game against Valencia. He also started for Chelsea in their win over Manchester United in the 2007 FA Cup Final.
In the 2007–08 season, Cole scored a goal against his old club, West Ham. He chose not to celebrate out of respect. He scored another important goal in the League Cup semi-finals against Everton. This goal sent Chelsea to another final. Cole played in the 2008 UEFA Champions League Final. Chelsea lost this final to Manchester United after a penalty shootout. Joe Cole had a great season, scoring ten goals and making eight assists. Because of his strong performances, he won the Chelsea Player of the Year award in 2008.
Later Years at Chelsea (2008–10)
On 17 August 2008, Cole scored the first Premier League goal under Chelsea's new manager, Luiz Felipe Scolari. This was in a 4–0 win against Portsmouth. However, Cole then had knee surgery after an injury. He missed the rest of that season.
Cole did not play in Chelsea's pre-season games in 2009–10. He was still recovering from his knee injury. He returned to the starting team on 23 September 2009 in a League Cup match. He was also given the captain's armband for that game. On 8 November 2009, Cole played his 250th game for Chelsea. This happened on his 28th birthday. On 3 April 2010, Cole scored the first goal in a big game against Manchester United. Chelsea won 2–1 and moved to the top of the league. This goal was called a "clever flick." He came on as a substitute when Chelsea won the 2010 FA Cup Final. His contract with Chelsea ended on 30 June 2010. He left Chelsea having won three Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and one League Cup.
Moving to Liverpool
In July 2010, Joe Cole joined Liverpool for free. He signed a four-year contract. He was the first player signed by manager Roy Hodgson. Cole was given the number 10 shirt. The club captain, Steven Gerrard, even said Cole was as skilled as Lionel Messi. However, Cole later said that joining Liverpool was a mistake. He felt he didn't connect with the club or the fans.
First Season at Liverpool (2010–11)
Cole played his first game for Liverpool on 5 August 2010. It was a UEFA Europa League game against Rabotnički. He helped set up the first goal in a 2–0 win. His first league game was against Arsenal on 15 August 2010. He was sent off after only 45 minutes for a challenge. In his next game, he missed a penalty. Cole scored his first goal for Liverpool in a friendly match. He then scored his first official goal for the club against Steaua București in a Europa League game. Liverpool won 4–1. He scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool on 1 January 2011. This was in a 2–1 win against Bolton Wanderers. He scored his last goal under manager Kenny Dalglish in a 5–0 win against Birmingham City.
Loan to Lille in France
On 31 August 2011, Cole joined French champions Lille on loan for a season. In his first game against Saint-Étienne, he made an assist. He dribbled past four players to set up a goal in Lille's 3–1 win. He got another assist in his second game. On 24 September, he scored his first goal for Lille. On 23 October, Cole came on as a substitute and scored his second goal for Lille. He scored again in a cup match on 26 October. Cole finished the first half of the French league season by scoring in a 4–4 draw.
On 7 January 2012, Cole scored his first hat-trick for Lille. This was in a 6–0 cup victory. He scored his fourth league goal of the season on 15 April. Cole played his last game for Lille in a 4–1 win. He made an assist in that game. His time at Lille was very successful. He scored four goals in 27 league games and made three assists. Lille's manager wanted to keep him. However, on 5 June 2012, it was confirmed that Cole would return to Liverpool. The new Liverpool manager, Brendan Rodgers, wanted him back.
Back at Liverpool
After his loan at Lille, Cole returned to Liverpool. Manager Brendan Rodgers wanted him in the team. He played three pre-season games. On 2 August 2012, Cole started his first Liverpool game in over a year. This was a Europa League game. He had to leave the game after only 23 minutes due to a hamstring injury. On 18 August 2012, he returned as a substitute.
On 22 November 2012, Cole started a Europa League game against BSC Young Boys. He set up a goal and then scored Liverpool's second goal in a 2–2 draw. On 9 December 2012, he scored the equalizing goal as Liverpool beat his former club West Ham 3–2.
Return to West Ham United
In January 2013, Joe Cole rejoined West Ham. He signed an 18-month contract. He made his second "debut" for the club on 5 January. This was an FA Cup game against Manchester United. The game ended 2–2. Cole provided assists for both of West Ham's goals. He scored his first league goal back at West Ham on 19 January 2013. This was in a 1–1 draw against Queens Park Rangers.
Cole scored his second goal since returning to West Ham on 25 February 2013. This was in a 2–3 loss to Tottenham. On 17 August 2013, Cole scored West Ham's first Premier League goal of the 2013–14 season. This was in a 2–0 home win against Cardiff City.
In September 2013, Cole was out for six weeks with a hamstring injury. On 30 November 2013, he scored his second goal of the season. This was in a 3–0 home win over Fulham. At the end of the 2013–14 season, Cole's contract ended. He left West Ham again. In his second time at the club, he played 37 games and scored five goals.
Later Club Career
Aston Villa
In June 2014, Cole signed a two-year contract with Aston Villa. He joined them for free after leaving West Ham. His first game for Aston Villa was on 27 August. They lost 0–1 to League One club Leyton Orient in the League Cup.
Cole's first Premier League game for Villa was on 18 October. He came on as a substitute in a 0–3 loss to Everton. On 29 November, Cole started his first game for Villa against Burnley. He scored the first goal in a 1–1 draw. He was a substitute in the 2015 FA Cup Final on 30 May 2015. Villa lost 0–4 to Arsenal.
Coventry City
On 16 October 2015, Cole joined Coventry City on a short loan. He played his first game four days later. His first goal for Coventry came on 3 November. It was a 20-yard free-kick in a 4–3 win. In November, his loan was extended.
On 7 January 2016, Cole signed a permanent deal with Coventry City. He stayed until the end of the season. In total, Cole played 22 league games for Coventry. He scored two goals, both from long-range free kicks.
Tampa Bay Rowdies and Retirement
On 4 May 2016, Cole signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the North American Soccer League (NASL). He signed a contract until the end of the 2017 season. He played his first game ten days later. Two weeks later, he scored his first goal for the Rowdies. He was voted the league's Player of the Week. In October, Cole was nominated for the NASL Golden Ball award. In June 2018, Cole became an assistant coach for the Rowdies. He continued to play as well.
Joe Cole retired from professional football on 13 November 2018. After retiring, he started a coaching role at Chelsea.
International Career with England
As a young player, Joe Cole played for England's under-17 team. He scored the winning goal in a tournament final against Norway. Cole made his first senior international appearance for England in May 2001 against Mexico. He was part of England's squad for the 2002 World Cup. He played one game as a substitute in that tournament. Cole was also in the squad for UEFA Euro 2004, but he did not play.
Cole's performances before the 2006 World Cup in Germany made him more famous. In May 2006, he was chosen for England's World Cup squad. He played on the left side of midfield in England's first game. On 20 June 2006, England drew 2–2 with Sweden. Cole scored a great volley goal in the 34th minute. He also made an assist for Steven Gerrard's goal. His performance earned him the Man of the match award.
Cole played for England again in November 2006. He provided an assist for Wayne Rooney in a friendly game. After another injury, he returned to play against Brazil in June 2007.
Cole scored his seventh goal for England in June 2007. This was in a Euro 2008 qualifying game against Estonia.
On 7 February 2008, Cole was chosen for a friendly game against Switzerland. England won 2–1. Cole helped set up one of the goals. He was named Man of the match for his performance.
In August 2008, Cole scored a late goal to make it 2–2 against the Czech Republic. He came on as a substitute in that game. He then scored both of England's goals in a 2–0 win against Andorra. This was the first game for 2010 World Cup qualifying. In England's next World Cup qualifier, against Croatia, he got a head injury.
Cole was chosen for England's 2010 World Cup squad. He played and scored in an unofficial warm-up game. However, he only played twice as a substitute in the tournament. England lost to Germany in the second round. This was his last game for England.
How Joe Cole Played
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Joe Cole was a very smart and skilled midfielder. He could play in many attacking positions. He could be an attacking midfielder, a winger, or a supporting striker. He was fast, strong, and creative. Cole was especially known for his amazing dribbling skills. He could score goals and create chances for others because of his vision, passing, and shooting ability.
Even the famous footballer Pelé praised Cole's dribbling. Pelé said, "He has the skills of a Brazilian." Despite his great talent, some experts believe he didn't reach his full potential. This was partly because of the many injuries he had during his career.
Personal Life
Joe Cole married fitness instructor Carly Zucker in June 2009. They had been dating since 2002. The couple has a daughter named Ruby Tatiana Cole, born in March 2010. They also have a son named Harrison "Harry" Cole, born in October 2012.
Cole wears contact lenses. He has used them since his early days playing for Chelsea.
Honours and Awards
Joe Cole won many trophies and awards during his career:
West Ham United
- UEFA Intertoto Cup: 1999
Chelsea
- Premier League: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2009–10
- FA Cup: 2006–07, 2009–10
- Football League Cup: 2004–05
- FA Community Shield: 2005
Individual Awards
- West Ham United Hammer of the Year: 2002–03
- Premier League Player of the Month: March 2005
- PFA Team of the Year: 2005–06 Premier League
- Chelsea Player of the Year: 2008
- NASL Best XI: 2016
Images for kids
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Cole warming up before a match in December 2007
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Cole, playing for Chelsea, taking on Sunderland player George McCartney
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Cole warming up for Liverpool
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Cole with Lille in 2011
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Cole playing for Lille in 2011.
See also
In Spanish: Joe Cole para niños
