Kyle Walker facts for kids
Walker with England in 2018
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| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Kyle Andrew Walker | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of birth | 28 May 1990 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Position(s) | Right-back | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Team information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Current team
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Burnley | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2017–2025 | Manchester City | 212 | (3) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025 | → AC Milan (loan) | 11 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2025– | Burnley | 0 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| International career‡ | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2009 | England U19 | 7 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2010–2011 | England U21 | 7 | (0) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2011– | England | 96 | (1) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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| *Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 21:08, 9 May 2025 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 22:10, 10 June 2025 (UTC) |
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Kyle Andrew Walker (born 28 May 1990) is an English professional footballer. He plays as a right-back for the Premier League club Burnley and the England national team. He is famous for his incredible speed. Many people think he is one of the best right-backs of his generation.
Kyle started playing football at his hometown club, Sheffield United, when he was just seven years old. He made his first-team debut at 18 after a loan spell at Northampton Town. His great performances led him to join Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. He was then loaned back to Sheffield United.
After more loan spells at Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa, Kyle became a key player for Tottenham. He was part of the Tottenham team that finished second in the 2016–17 Premier League and the 2014–15 League Cup.
In 2017, Kyle joined Manchester City. There, he played under coach Pep Guardiola. With Manchester City, he won many titles. These include six Premier League titles, four EFL Cups, two FA Cups, and a UEFA Champions League in 2023. This Champions League win was part of a special "continental treble" (winning three major trophies in one season). He was also named in the PFA Team of the Year four times. He spent the second half of the 2024–25 season on loan at AC Milan. In July 2025, he moved to Burnley permanently.
Kyle also played for England's national teams at different age levels. He played for the under-19 and under-21 teams. He made his debut for the senior national team in September 2011. He has played for England in three UEFA European Championships (2016, 2020, 2024) and two FIFA World Cups (2018, 2022).
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Early Life and Football Start
Kyle Andrew Walker was born on 28 May 1990 in Sheffield, South Yorkshire. His family background includes Jamaican heritage from his father's side. He grew up in the Sharrow area of Sheffield. He went to Porter Croft Infant & Junior School and then High Storrs School.
Kyle joined his childhood club, Sheffield United, when he was seven. A coach named Paul Archer suggested him after seeing him at a local football program. Kyle moved up through the club's youth teams. By 2008, he was a regular player in the reserve team.
Club Career Highlights
Starting at Sheffield United
In November 2008, Kyle joined League One club Northampton Town on a one-month loan. This was to help him get experience playing in first-team matches. He played his first game on 15 November. His loan was extended, and he played nine matches for Northampton before returning to Sheffield United.
Soon after, on 13 January 2009, Kyle made his first-team debut for Sheffield United. He started in an FA Cup match. As many players were injured, Kyle played in the last two league matches of the season. He made his full league debut on 25 April 2009. 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, Kyle became the youngest Sheffield United player to play at Wembley Stadium.
Tottenham Hotspur Journey
Joining Spurs and Loan Spells
On 22 July 2009, Kyle Walker signed with Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur. His Sheffield United teammate Kyle Naughton also joined. They moved for a combined fee of £9 million. As part of the deal, Kyle 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 that season. Tottenham called him back early on 1 February 2010.
Kyle made his debut for Tottenham on 27 March 2010. It was a 2–0 win against Portsmouth. He played one more league game that season.
At the start of the next season, Kyle went on loan again. He joined Queens Park Rangers (QPR) for one month because of injuries to their right-back players. His loan at QPR was later extended until January 2011.
After QPR, Kyle joined another Premier League club, Aston Villa, on loan. This loan lasted until the end of the 2010–11 season. He scored a goal in his very first game for Aston Villa in January 2011. In February, he scored his first Premier League goal with a powerful shot from 30 yards. He returned to Tottenham at the end of the season, having scored two goals in 18 games for Villa.
Becoming a Key Player at Tottenham
After his loan at Aston Villa, Kyle wanted to return there because he wasn't sure about getting enough playing time at Tottenham. However, Tottenham's manager, Harry Redknapp, wanted to keep him. Kyle then signed a new contract with Tottenham until 2016. He was chosen to start in Tottenham's first game of the 2011–12 season. On 2 October, he scored the winning goal in the exciting North London derby against Arsenal. Tottenham won that match 2–1.
On 22 April 2012, Kyle was named the PFA Young Player of the Year. This is a big award for young players in England. He also made it into the PFA Team of the Year. On 3 May 2012, he signed another new contract, keeping him at Tottenham until 2017.
Kyle played almost every game in the first half of the 2012–13 season. This included a 3–2 win over Manchester United, which was Tottenham's first win at Old Trafford in 23 years.
On 28 October 2013, Kyle signed another contract, staying at Tottenham until June 2019. He was part of the Tottenham team that lost 2–0 to Chelsea in the 2015 League Cup final. On 20 April 2017, he was again named in the PFA Team of the Year.
Manchester City Success
Winning Trophies with City
On 14 July 2017, Kyle Walker joined Manchester City. This was a big move, costing around £45 million. He signed a five-year contract. He played his first game for City on 12 August. Many people said he was the best player in that match. In his first home game for City, he was sent off for two yellow cards. On 25 February, Kyle started in the 2018 EFL Cup final against Arsenal. Manchester City won 3–0, winning their first trophy under Pep Guardiola. This was also Kyle's first major trophy in the Premier League.
Kyle started in the 2019 FA Cup final on 18 May. City won, completing the first "domestic treble" in English men's football (winning the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup in one season). Kyle signed a new contract with City in June 2019. On 6 November, in a UEFA Champions League match, Kyle even played as a goalkeeper for the last 10 minutes after their substitute goalkeeper was sent off! He didn't let in any goals.
More Premier League Titles
On 31 October 2020, Kyle scored a long-range goal against Sheffield United. This was his 100th league game for City. He didn't celebrate because he is a "Sheffield United fan." On 10 February 2021, Kyle scored another goal in the 2020–21 FA Cup. City later won the 2020–21 Premier League on 11 May. On 29 May, Kyle started in the 2021 UEFA Champions League final, which City lost to Chelsea.
On 19 October 2021, Kyle scored his first Champions League goal. City won the 2021–22 Premier League on 22 May 2022.
Treble Winners and Key Performances
Kyle had a groin injury in October 2022, which meant he missed six Premier League games. On 8 January 2023, he helped set up a goal for Phil Foden in a 4–0 win against Chelsea in the 2022–23 FA Cup. In April 2023, Pep Guardiola changed City's tactics. This meant Kyle started fewer games. Guardiola explained that Kyle didn't have all the skills needed for a new role, but he still trusted him.
During the 2022–23 UEFA Champions League season, Kyle played incredibly well against Real Madrid in the semi-finals. Experts praised him for stopping the dangerous player Vinícius Júnior.
On 20 May 2023, Kyle won the 2022–23 Premier League again. On 3 June, he won the 2022–23 FA Cup, beating Manchester United in the final. On 7 June, Kyle said that City wanted to win the treble to match Manchester United's achievement from 1999. He also said that City and Liverpool were two of the best teams in Premier League history. On 10 June, Kyle was a substitute in the 2023 UEFA Champions League final against Inter Milan. He came on as a substitute in the 82nd minute. City won 1–0, completing their amazing "continental treble." He was chosen for the Champions League Team of the Season.
Captaincy and New Club
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After the previous captain left, Kyle became the vice-captain. On 6 August 2023, he captained the team in the 2023 FA Community Shield. On 16 August, he captained City in the 2023 UEFA Super Cup and scored the winning penalty in a shootout. Kyle later said he didn't like taking penalties! On 3 September, Kyle shared that he was close to joining Bayern Munich that summer. On 14 September, he signed a new two-year contract with City until June 2026. He later became the permanent captain. He captained his team in the 2024 FA Cup final where they lost to Manchester United.
During the 2024–25 season, it was announced that Kyle wanted to leave Manchester City.
Loan to AC Milan
On 24 January 2025, Kyle joined Italian club AC Milan on loan until the end of the 2024–25 season. There was an option for him to join permanently. On 2 February, he played his first game for Milan in a derby match, which ended in a 1–1 draw.
Joining Burnley
On 5 July 2025, Kyle Walker joined the newly promoted Premier League team Burnley. He signed a two-year deal.
International Career
Youth Teams
Kyle played for the England under-19 team. His first game was on 10 February 2009. He was part of the England squad for the 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Championship. He played in every match as England reached the final, where they lost to Ukraine. He played seven games for the under-19s.
Kyle's first game for the England under-21 team was on 3 March 2010. At the end of the 2010–11 season, he was chosen for the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Denmark. He played in all three of England's matches. Even though England didn't get past the group stage, Kyle was named in the Team of the Tournament. He played seven games for the under-21s.
Senior England Team
Early Years and World Cup Debut
After playing regularly in the Premier League, Kyle was called up to the senior national team in 2011. He made his debut on 12 November 2011 in a 1–0 win against Spain. He came on as a substitute. He made his first start on 15 November against Sweden and was named man-of-the-match. He missed UEFA Euro 2012 due to a toe injury.
He was part of the England squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. England's manager, Gareth Southgate, used Kyle as a centre-back. England reached the semi-finals for the first time since 1990.
In June 2019, Kyle scored an own goal against the Netherlands as England lost in the semi-finals of the 2019 UEFA Nations League Finals. On 5 September 2020, he was sent off in a match against Iceland.
Euros, World Cups, and First Goal
On 1 June 2021, Kyle was named in the England squad for UEFA Euro 2020. His performances helped England reach their first major tournament final since 1966. He was named in the Team of the Tournament.
He was also in the England squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Before facing Kylian Mbappé in the quarter-finals, Kyle said he wouldn't make it easy for him. Even though England lost to France, Kyle was praised for how well he played against Mbappé.
On 9 September 2023, Kyle scored his first goal for England. It was in a 1–1 draw against Ukraine during a qualifying match for Euro 2024. On 20 November 2023, he captained England for the first time in a match against North Macedonia.
He was named in England's squad for UEFA Euro 2024. On 14 June 2024, Kyle was named England's vice-captain for the tournament. He started at right-back in England's first game, a 1–0 win over Serbia. In the second group match against Denmark, he helped set up Harry Kane's opening goal. In the round of 16 match against Slovakia, Kyle's long throw-in led to Jude Bellingham's equalizing goal. He wore the captain's armband at the end of that match.
Style of Play
Kyle Walker is known for his incredible speed and strength. Other famous players like Neymar and Eden Hazard have said he is one of the toughest opponents they have ever played against. Many people believe he has been very important to Manchester City's success. Both current and former teammates praise him as one of the best full-backs in the world.
He is a strong defender who is good at one-on-one situations. He is also skilled at making tackles and stopping opponent attacks. Kyle's defensive abilities are even better because he understands the game well and can guess what the other team will do.
Besides his defending, Kyle is also a good attacking full-back. He can run forward to support attacks and deliver crosses into the penalty box. His speed and energy allow him to help both in attack and defence. He often covers large areas of the field during games.
Personal Life
Kyle Walker married his childhood sweetheart, Annie Kilner, in 2022. They have four children: Roman, Riaan, Reign, and Rezon. They live in Cheshire.
In April 2020, Manchester City started a process against Kyle after reports that he had broken national lockdown rules during the COVID-19 pandemic. He later admitted to visiting his family. He tweeted that he felt he and his family were being bothered by reports, which was affecting their mental health.
Honours
Queens Park Rangers
- Football League Championship: 2010–11
Tottenham Hotspur
- Football League Cup runner-up: 2014–15
Manchester City
- Premier League: 2017–18, 2018–19, 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24
- FA Cup: 2018–19, 2022–23; runner-up: 2023–24
- EFL Cup: 2017–18, 2018–19, 2019–20, 2020–21
- FA Community Shield: 2018, 2019
- UEFA Champions League: 2022–23; runner-up: 2020–21
- UEFA Super Cup: 2023
- FIFA Club World Cup: 2023
England U19
- UEFA European Under-19 Championship runner-up: 2009
England
- UEFA European Championship runner-up: 2020, 2024
- UEFA Nations League third place: 2018–19
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
