Kyle Walker facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Kyle Walker

Walker with England in 2018
Personal information
Date of birth	(1990-05-28) 28 May 1990 (age 35)
Place of birth	Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England
Height	6 feet 0 inches (1.83 m)
Playing position	Right-back
Club information
Current club	AC Milan (on loan from Manchester City)
Number	32
Youth career
1997–2008	Sheffield United
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
2008–2009	Sheffield United	2	(0)
2008	→ Northampton Town (loan)	9	(0)
2009–2017	Tottenham Hotspur	183	(4)
2009–2010	→ Sheffield United (loan)	26	(0)
2010–2011	→ Queens Park Rangers (loan)	20	(0)
2011	→ Aston Villa (loan)	15	(1)
2017–	Manchester City	212	(3)
2025–	→ AC Milan (loan)	0	(0)
National team‡
2009	England U19	7	(0)
2010–2011	England U21	7	(0)
2011–	England	93	(1)
Honours Men's football Representing  England UEFA European Championship Runner-up 2020 Team Runner-up 2024 Team UEFA Nations League Third 2019
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only and correct as of 19:52, 24 January 2025 (UTC). † Appearances (Goals). ‡ National team caps and goals correct as of 21:35, 17 November 2024 (UTC)

Kyle Andrew Walker (born on May 28, 1990) is an English professional footballer. He plays as a right-back for AC Milan in Italy, on loan from Manchester City. He also plays for the England national team. Walker is famous for his amazing speed, strength, and how well he understands the game. Many people say he is one of the best right-backs in the world.

Walker began his football journey at his childhood club, Sheffield United, when he was just seven years old. He made his first-team debut at 18 after a short loan at Northampton Town. His great playing caught the eye of Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. He joined them but was immediately loaned back to Sheffield United. After more loan spells at Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa, Walker became a key player for Tottenham.

In 2017, Walker joined Manchester City. There, he has won many major trophies. These include six Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, two FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League in 2023. Winning these three big trophies in one season is called a continental treble. He has also been named in the PFA Team of the Year four times. In January 2025, he moved to AC Milan on loan.

Walker played for England's under-19 and under-21 teams. He made his debut for the senior England team in 2011. He has played for England in three UEFA European Championships (2016, 2020, 2024) and two FIFA World Cups (2018, 2022).

Early Life and Football Start

Walker was born in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. His family has roots in Jamaica. He grew up in the Sharrow area of Sheffield. He went to Porter Croft Infant & Junior School and then High Storrs School.

Club Career Journey

Sheffield United Days

Walker joined his favorite childhood club, Sheffield United, when he was seven. A coach named Paul Archer, from Football Unites, Racism Divides, recommended him. By 2008, Walker was a regular player in the reserve team.

In November 2008, he went on a one-month loan to League One club Northampton Town. This helped him get first-team experience. He played his first game for Northampton on November 15. His loan was extended, and he played nine matches before returning to Sheffield United.

Soon after, on January 13, 2009, Walker played his first game for Sheffield United's main team. This was an FA Cup match against Leyton Orient. Towards the end of the season, many players were injured. This meant Walker got to start in the last two league matches. He made his full league debut on April 25, 2009, against Swansea City. He played so well that he kept his spot for the Championship play-offs. He played in the final against Burnley in May 2009. By playing in this final, Walker became the youngest Sheffield United player to ever play at Wembley Stadium.

Tottenham Hotspur Years

Joining Spurs and Loan Spells

Walker with Tottenham Hotspur in 2010

On July 22, 2009, Walker signed with Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. He joined with another Sheffield United player, Kyle Naughton. They moved for a total of £9 million. As part of the deal, Walker was loaned back to Sheffield United for the 2009–10 season. He played almost every game as a right back for the first half of the season.

Tottenham unexpectedly called him back on February 1, 2010. This happened because another player, Alan Hutton, was loaned out. Walker made his debut for Tottenham on March 27, in a 2–0 win over Portsmouth. He played one more league game that season.

At the start of the next season, Walker went on loan again. He signed a six-month deal with Queens Park Rangers (QPR). This was because QPR had injuries in the right-back position. His loan was later extended until January 3, 2011.

After leaving QPR, Walker joined Tottenham's Premier League rivals, Aston Villa, on loan. He stayed there until the end of the 2010–11 season. He scored a goal in his very first game for Aston Villa. This was against his old club, Sheffield United, in the FA Cup in January 2011. In February, Walker scored his first Premier League goal. It was a powerful shot from 30 yards against Fulham. He returned to Tottenham at the end of the season, having scored two goals in 18 games for Villa.

Becoming a Star Player

Walker playing for Tottenham Hotspur in 2013

After his time at Aston Villa, Walker thought about going back there. He felt his chances to play for Tottenham's first team were limited. However, Tottenham's manager, Harry Redknapp, said he did not want to sell Walker. Walker then agreed to a new contract with Tottenham until 2016.

Walker was in the starting team for Tottenham's first game of the 2011–12 season. This was an away match against Manchester United on August 22, 2011. On October 2, he scored the winning goal in the North London derby against Arsenal. It was a shot from 25 yards out, and Tottenham won 2–1.

On April 22, 2012, Walker was named the PFA Young Player of the Year. This is a big award for young players. He beat other talented players like Sergio Agüero and Gareth Bale. He was also chosen for the PFA Team of the Year. On May 3, 2012, Walker signed another new contract, keeping him at Tottenham until 2017.

Walker played almost every game in the first half of the 2012–13 season. This included playing all 90 minutes in a 3–2 win over Manchester United. This was Tottenham's first win at Old Trafford in 23 years! On October 28, 2013, Walker signed another new contract, staying with the club until June 2019. Walker was part of the Tottenham team that lost 2–0 to Chelsea in the 2015 League Cup final at Wembley Stadium. On April 20, 2017, Walker was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the second time.

Manchester City Success

Winning First Big Trophies

On July 14, 2017, Walker signed a five-year contract with Manchester City. This was a big move, costing around £45 million. It made him one of the most expensive football transfers at the time. He played his first game for City on August 12 against Brighton & Hove Albion. Many people said he was the best player in that match. However, in his first home game for City, he was sent off with two yellow cards against Everton.

On February 25, Walker started in the 2018 EFL Cup final against Arsenal. Manchester City won 3–0, getting their first trophy of the 2017–18 season. This was also Walker's first trophy with Manchester City and his first as a Premier League player.

Walker also started in the 2019 FA Cup final against Watford on May 18. City won, completing the first domestic treble in English men's football history. This means they won the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup in one season. Walker signed a new contract with City in June 2019. On November 6, in a UEFA Champions League match against Atalanta, Walker even volunteered to play as a goalkeeper for the last 10 minutes! This happened after their substitute goalkeeper was sent off. He didn't let in any goals and even saved a free-kick.

More Premier League Titles

Walker playing for Manchester City in 2021

On October 31, 2020, Walker scored a long-range goal against his old club, Sheffield United. This was his 100th Premier League game for Manchester City. Walker did not celebrate the goal. He later explained that he didn't because he is a "Sheffield United fan." On February 10, 2021, Walker scored another goal against Swansea City in the 2020–21 FA Cup. Manchester City later lost to Chelsea in the semi-finals.

On May 11, 2021, Walker won the 2020–21 Premier League title. This happened when their rivals, Manchester United, lost at home. On May 29, 2021, Walker started in the 2021 Champions League final. Manchester City lost this match 1–0 to Chelsea.

On October 19, 2021, Walker scored his first ever Champions League goal. It was in a 5–1 away win over Club Brugge. Manchester City won the 2021–22 Premier League again on May 22, 2022. This was after his teammate İlkay Gündoğan scored two goals to help them win 3–2 against Aston Villa.

Treble Winners and Key Moments

Walker had a groin injury in October 2022, which made him miss six Premier League games. On January 8, 2023, he helped set up Phil Foden for Manchester City’s second goal in a 4–0 win against Chelsea in the 2022–23 FA Cup. In April 2023, Manchester City's coach, Pep Guardiola, changed the team's tactics. This meant Walker started fewer games. Guardiola explained that Walker didn't have all the skills needed for a new role. However, he also said he still believed in him.

During the 2022–23 Champions League season, Walker played incredibly well against Real Madrid in the semi-finals. Experts praised him for stopping the dangerous player Vinícius Júnior. The friendly hug they shared after the first game was seen as a great example of good sportsmanship.

On May 20, 2023, Walker won the 2022–23 Premier League again. On June 3, Walker won the FA Cup, beating Manchester United in the final. He played for 95 minutes in that game. On June 7, Walker said that Manchester City wanted to win the treble to match Manchester United's treble from 1999. He also said that the current Manchester City and Liverpool teams should be seen as two of the best in Premier League history.

On June 10, Walker was a substitute in the Champions League final against Inter Milan. Some thought it was due to a back problem, but Guardiola later said he needed "another type of player" for his plan. Walker came on as a substitute in the 82nd minute. Manchester City won 1–0, completing their amazing continental treble. He was also chosen for the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League team of the tournament.

Captaincy and AC Milan Loan

Walker playing for Manchester City in 2023

After the previous captain left, it was thought that Walker would become vice-captain. On August 6, with the main captain on the bench, Walker captained the team in the 2023 FA Community Shield. They lost on penalties. On August 16, Walker captained his club in the 2023 UEFA Super Cup and scored the winning penalty. City beat Sevilla 5–4 on penalties after a 1–1 draw. Walker later said he didn't really like taking penalties.

On September 3, Walker shared that he was close to joining Bayern Munich in the summer. On September 14, Walker signed a new two-year contract, keeping him at City until June 2026. After the main captain returned from injury, it was confirmed that Walker would remain the permanent captain. He captained his team in the 2024 FA Cup final where they lost to Manchester United.

During the 2024–25 season, Pep Guardiola announced that Walker wanted to leave the club. On January 24, 2025, Walker joined Serie A club AC Milan on loan until the end of the 2024–25 season. AC Milan also has an option to buy him permanently.

International Career for England

Youth Teams

Walker played his first game for the England national under-19 team on February 10, 2009. He came on as a substitute in a 3–0 loss to Spain. His first start was on March 25 in a friendly match against the Czech Republic. Walker was part of the England squad at the 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. He played in every match as England lost 2–0 to Ukraine in the final. This was his last of seven games for the under-19s.

Walker's first game for the England national under-21 team was on March 3, 2010. He started in a 2–1 loss to Greece. At the end of the 2010–11 season, he was chosen for the England squad for the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Denmark. Walker played in all three of England's matches. Even though they were knocked out early, he was named in the Team of the Tournament. He finished his under-21 career with seven appearances.

Senior England Team

Starting Strong and World Cup Debut

Walker playing for England at the 2018 FIFA World Cup

After playing regularly in the Premier League, Walker was called up to the senior national team in early 2011. He didn't play in any matches then due to an injury. He made his debut on November 12, 2011, in a 1–0 win over Spain. He came on as a substitute in the 85th minute. He made his first start on November 15, in a 1–0 win against Sweden, and was named the best player in that game. He missed UEFA Euro 2012 because of a toe injury.

He was chosen for the England squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. England's manager, Gareth Southgate, used Walker as a centre back in a three-player defense.

In June 2019, Walker scored an own goal against the Netherlands national team. England lost in the semi-finals of the 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals. On September 5, 2020, he was sent off in a 1–0 win over Iceland. He became the first English player to get a red card in an international game since 2014.

Euro and World Cup Highlights

On June 1, 2021, Walker was named in the England squad for the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament. His great performances helped him earn a spot in the Team of the Tournament. England reached their first major tournament final since 1966.

He was also chosen for the England squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Before facing Kylian Mbappé in the quarter-finals, Walker said he would "not roll out a red carpet" for him. Even though England lost 2–1 to France, Walker was praised for winning his individual battle against Mbappé.

On September 9, 2023, Walker scored his first goal for England. It was during a 1–1 draw against Ukraine in a UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying match. On November 20, 2023, in another 1–1 draw, this time with North Macedonia, Walker captained England for the first time. He became the 126th player to do so.

He was named in England's 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2024. On June 14, 2024, Walker was named England's vice-captain for the tournament. He started at right back in the team's first match, playing all 90 minutes in a 1–0 win over Serbia. In the second group match against Denmark, he helped set up Harry Kane's first goal. In the round of 16 match against Slovakia, Walker's long throw-in led to Jude Bellingham's equalizing goal in the 95th minute. He finished that match wearing the captain's armband.

How Kyle Walker Plays

Kyle Walker is well-known for his amazing speed and strength. Top players like Neymar and Eden Hazard have said he is one of the toughest opponents they have ever faced. He is very important to Manchester City's recent success. Both current and former teammates have praised him as one of the best full-backs in the world.

He is also a strong and physical defender. He is good at one-on-one situations and is skilled at making tackles and stopping opponent attacks. Walker's defensive ability is even better because he reads the game well. He can guess what the other team will do next.

Besides his defending skills, Walker is also a good attacking full-back. He can make runs down the side of the field and send crosses into the box. His speed and stamina allow him to help both in attack and defense. He often covers large areas of the field during games.

Career Statistics

Club Appearances

International Appearances

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

List of international goals scored by Kyle Walker

No.	Date	Venue	Cap	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition	Ref.
1	9 September 2023	Wrocław Stadium, Wrocław, Poland	77	Ukraine	1–1	1–1	UEFA Euro 2024 qualifying

Honours and Awards

Queens Park Rangers

• Football League Championship: 2010–11 (won the league)

Tottenham Hotspur

• Football League Cup runner-up: 2014–15 (finished second)

Manchester City

• Premier League: 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24 (won 6 times)
• FA Cup: 2018–19, 2022–23 (won 2 times); runner-up: 2023–24 (finished second)
• EFL Cup: 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21 (won 4 times)
• FA Community Shield: 2018, 2019 (won 2 times)
• UEFA Champions League: 2022–23 (won 1 time); runner-up: 2020–21 (finished second)
• UEFA Super Cup: 2023 (won 1 time)
• FIFA Club World Cup: 2023 (won 1 time)

England U19

• UEFA European Under-19 Championship runner-up: 2009 (finished second)

England

• UEFA European Championship runner-up: 2020, 2024 (finished second 2 times)
• UEFA Nations League third place: 2018–19 (finished third)

Individual Awards

• UEFA European Under-21 Championship Team of the Tournament: 2011
• PFA Young Player of the Year: 2011–12
• PFA Team of the Year: 2011–12 Premier League, 2016–17 Premier League, 2017–18 Premier League, 2023–24 Premier League
• Sports Illustrated Premier League Team of the Decade: 2010–2019
• UEFA European Championship Team of the Tournament: 2020, 2024
• UEFA Champions League Team of the Season: 2022–23
• FIFA Club World Cup Silver Ball: 2023
• FIFA FIFPro World XI: 2023

See also

In Spanish: Kyle Walker para niños