Phil O'Donnell (footballer) facts for kids

Philip O'Donnell (born March 25, 1972 – died December 29, 2007) was a Scottish professional footballer. He played as a midfielder for several teams. These included Motherwell, Celtic, and Sheffield Wednesday. He also played one game for the Scottish national team. Phil won the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award twice. Sadly, he passed away at age 35 after a sudden illness during a game. This happened while he was playing for Motherwell against Dundee United.

His Football Journey

Starting at Motherwell

Phil O'Donnell was born in Bellshill, Scotland, on March 25, 1972. This town was close to Motherwell's home ground, Fir Park. He began his football career with his local team, Motherwell. Phil played his first senior game in the 1990–91 season. He quickly became a regular player for the team.

In 1991, he helped Motherwell win the Scottish Cup. He scored a brave diving header in their 4-3 victory over Dundee United in the final. This win allowed Motherwell to play in a European competition for the first time. Phil became the youngest player from the club to play in Europe.

Phil won the PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year award in 1992 and 1994. He also played one game for the Scotland national football team. This was against Switzerland in 1993. His great playing made bigger clubs want him. In September 1994, he moved to Celtic. Motherwell received £1.75 million for him, which was a club record at the time.

Playing for Celtic

Phil started strong at Celtic, scoring two goals in his first game. This was against Partick Thistle. He went on to win another Scottish Cup with Celtic in 1995. In 1998, he also won a league title with the club.

However, Phil faced many injuries during his time at Celtic. This meant he could not play as often as he wanted. In 1999, he left Celtic after not agreeing on a new contract.

Time at Sheffield Wednesday

After leaving Celtic, Phil joined Sheffield Wednesday later in 1999. He played his first game for them on September 11, 1999. This was against Everton.

Sadly, injuries continued to affect his career. He played only one game in his first season. Sheffield Wednesday was also moved down from the Premier League that year. Over four years, he played just 20 games for the club. He scored one goal in a League Cup game. In 2003, he left Sheffield Wednesday for free when they were moved down to a lower division.

Back to Motherwell

In January 2004, Phil returned to Scotland and rejoined Motherwell. This gave him the chance to play alongside his nephew, David Clarkson. Because of this, his teammates gave him the nickname "Uncle Phil." His other nephews, Stephen O'Donnell and Brian Dempsie, also played football.

In his second time at Motherwell, he played in another cup final. This was the 2005 Scottish League Cup final, where Motherwell lost to Rangers. The next season, he became the club's captain.

His Passing

On December 29, 2007, Phil O'Donnell suddenly collapsed during a game. This happened while Motherwell was playing against Dundee United. He was about to be taken off the field when he fell. Doctors from both teams quickly helped him on the pitch. He was then taken to Wishaw General Hospital by ambulance. Sadly, he was pronounced dead at 5:18 PM. He was 35 years old.

A medical examination was done on January 1, 2008. It showed that Phil died from a heart problem called left ventricular failure. His funeral was held on January 4, in Hamilton. He was buried in Bent Cemetery.

Phil was survived by his wife, Eileen, and their four children. These were daughters Megan and Olivia, and sons Christopher and Luc.

Remembering Phil

The Phil O'Donnell Stand

The stainless-steel permanent memorial to O'Donnell, put up in November 2011.

Many people shared their sadness and paid tribute to Phil. Jack McConnell, who was the Scottish First Minister, called Phil a "great professional."

Fans left flowers, scarves, and other items at the gates of Fir Park, Motherwell's stadium. Motherwell's next two games were postponed out of respect. The Scottish Premier League also postponed a big game between Celtic and Rangers. This was because Celtic, Phil's former club, asked for it. These changes meant that the end of the 2007–08 season had to be extended.

Football players in other games also showed their respect. Players in English Premier League matches wore black armbands. Many games began with a minute of applause or silence to remember Phil. James McFadden, a former Motherwell player, dedicated his goal to Phil in an Everton game. He pointed to his black armband and then to the sky.

Thousands of messages came from all over the world. Motherwell received many tributes from fans and clubs. Sevilla FC, a Spanish club, sent emotional messages. Their own player, Antonio Puerta, had also died suddenly that year.

Motherwell announced that their Main Stand at Fir Park would be renamed the "Phil O'Donnell Stand." This was a lasting way to remember him. His teammates also wore his signature on their jerseys for the rest of the season. In November 2011, a special memorial was put up next to the stand named after him.

On May 25, 2008, a special football match was held at Celtic Park. This game was played to remember Phil. Money raised went to different charities. Players from Celtic's 1998 title-winning team played against Motherwell's 1991 Scottish Cup-winning team. Other players like David Clarkson and James McFadden also played. The stadium was full with 60,000 fans.

Every year on December 29, a sponsored walk takes place to honor Phil. The walk starts at Fir Park and ends at Celtic Park. These are the homes of two of Phil's former clubs. The money raised helps charities like the British Heart Foundation and Mary's Meals.

In December 2010, some Scottish footballers who played with Phil decided to climb a mountain in Ecuador. They did this to raise £100,000 for the British Heart Foundation.

Since Phil's passing, his nephew David Clarkson was the only player to wear Phil's number 10 shirt. This was until David left the club in 2009. The number 10 shirt has not been given to any other player since then.

Career Numbers

Club

International

Source:

Awards and Achievements

Motherwell

• Scottish Cup: 1990–91

Celtic

• Scottish Cup: 1994–95; runner-up: 1998–99
• Scottish Premier Division: 1997–98

Individual

• PFA Scotland Young Player of the Year: 1991–92, 1993–94

See also

In Spanish: Phil O'Donnell para niños

• List of association footballers who died while playing