Robbie Fowler facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Robbie Fowler

Fowler in 2011
Personal information
Date of birth	(1975-04-09) 9 April 1975 (age 50)
Place of birth	Toxteth, Liverpool, England
Height	5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m)
Playing position	Striker
Youth career
1984–1993	Liverpool
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps†	(Gls)†
1993–2001	Liverpool	236	(120)
2001–2003	Leeds United	30	(14)
2003–2006	Manchester City	80	(21)
2006–2007	Liverpool	30	(8)
2007–2008	Cardiff City	13	(4)
2008	Blackburn Rovers	3	(0)
2009–2010	North Queensland Fury	26	(9)
2010–2011	Perth Glory	28	(9)
2011–2012	Muangthong United	13	(8)
Total		459	(193)
National team
1993–1995	England U21	8	(3)
1994	England B	1	(1)
1996–2002	England	26	(7)
Teams managed
2011–2012	Muangthong United
2019–2020	Brisbane Roar
2020–2021	East Bengal
2023	Al-Qadsiah
Senior club appearances and goals counted for the domestic league only. † Appearances (Goals).

Robert Bernard Fowler (born 9 April 1975) is an English football coach and former player. He was a talented striker and is known as one of the top goalscorers in Premier League history. Fans at Anfield, Liverpool's stadium, even gave him the nickname "God" because of his amazing goal-scoring ability.

Robbie Fowler is most famous for his time playing for Liverpool from 1993 to 2001. He scored 183 goals for the club in total. Later, he played for other teams like Leeds United and Manchester City. He even returned to Liverpool in 2006. Towards the end of his playing career, he played in Australia and Thailand, where he also became a player-manager.

Fowler also played for the England national team 26 times, scoring 7 goals. He was part of England's squads for major tournaments like Euro 1996, Euro 2000, and the 2002 FIFA World Cup.

Robbie Fowler's Early Life

Robbie Fowler was born in Toxteth, Liverpool, England. He grew up in the city and was known as Robert Ryder for a while, using his mother's last name. When he was six years old, he lived in Toxteth during the 1981 riots.

As a young boy, Robbie supported Everton F.C., Liverpool's rival team. He often went to their games. He played football for his school team, Thorvald, and once scored an incredible 16 goals in one match!

Robbie Fowler's Club Career

Starting Out at Liverpool

Even though he supported Everton, Robbie Fowler began his football journey with Liverpool. He joined their youth team in 1991 after leaving school. On his 17th birthday in 1992, he signed his first professional contract.

Robbie first joined the Liverpool senior team as a substitute in an FA Cup game in January 1993. His official debut came on 22 September 1993, in a League Cup match against Fulham. He scored a goal in that game! Two weeks later, he scored all five goals in the return match at Anfield, which was a huge achievement. He also scored his first league hat-trick (three goals in one game) in only his fifth league match.

In his first 13 games, Robbie scored 12 goals. He quickly became a rising star. He finished his first season with 18 goals, making him the club's second-highest scorer.

Success and Fame at Liverpool

During the 1994–95 season, Robbie played in all 57 of Liverpool's matches. He helped them win the League Cup final in 1995. In August 1994, he scored the fastest Premier League hat-trick ever at the time, in just four minutes and 33 seconds! This record stood for 20 years.

Robbie was named the PFA Young Player of the Year in both 1995 and 1996. This is a rare achievement, only matched by a few other great players. He was known as one of the best finishers in English football. He scored more than 30 goals for three seasons in a row, from 1995 to 1997. He is the only player to score 30+ goals in his first three full seasons in England.

Robbie's partnership with Steve McManaman was very strong. They were a powerful attacking duo. In 1996, Robbie scored four goals against Middlesbrough, reaching 100 goals for Liverpool in just 165 games. He also won a UEFA Fair Play award for telling the referee he wasn't fouled by the goalkeeper, even though a penalty had been given.

The "Spice Boys" Nickname

In the mid-1990s, Robbie and some other Liverpool players were called "The Spice Boys" by the media. This nickname came from stories about their lives outside of football. It suggested they were more interested in fame than playing well. Robbie felt this nickname unfairly dismissed his hard work and success.

In March 1997, Robbie showed his support for the Liverpool dockers' strike. He revealed a T-shirt with a message during a game. He was fined for this gesture.

Robbie faced a setback in the 1997–98 season when he got a serious knee injury. This kept him out for half the season and meant he missed the 1998 World Cup. During his recovery, another young striker, Michael Owen, became a key player for Liverpool.

Winning the Cup Treble

The 2000–01 season was Robbie's most successful. He scored 17 goals and helped Liverpool win three trophies: the League Cup, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Cup. This was a unique "cup treble."

• In the League Cup final against Birmingham City, Robbie was captain and scored a goal. Liverpool won the trophy after a penalty shootout.
• He also played in the 2001 FA Cup Final, which Liverpool won 2–1.
• Just four days later, he was a substitute in the 2001 UEFA Cup Final against Deportivo Alavés. He scored a goal, and Liverpool won the exciting match with a golden goal.

Robbie and captain Sami Hyypiä lifted Liverpool's third trophy of the season together.

Leaving Liverpool

Despite being very popular with Liverpool fans, who called him "God," Robbie found himself playing less often. Michael Owen and Emile Heskey were often chosen as the main strikers. Because of this, and a difficult relationship with the manager, Robbie decided to leave Liverpool.

In November 2001, he moved to Leeds United for £12 million. Robbie believes the manager forced him to leave.

Playing for Leeds United

Robbie made his debut for Leeds in December 2001, scoring 12 goals for the rest of the season. His goals helped Leeds qualify for the UEFA Cup.

He was part of the England squad for the 2002 World Cup. However, he only played in one game as a substitute. Robbie then suffered a hip injury, which affected his playing time and form. Despite this, he still scored 15 goals in 31 games for Leeds.

Time at Manchester City

In January 2003, Robbie moved to Manchester City. He initially struggled with injuries and scored only two goals that season.

He continued to have fitness problems in the 2003–04 season. However, in the 2004–05 season, he improved. He scored his 150th Premier League goal in February 2005. He ended that season as Manchester City's joint top goal scorer.

Robbie had more injury problems in the 2005–06 season. He made only a few appearances, but he did score a hat-trick in an FA Cup game. He also scored against local rivals Manchester United.

Robbie's Return to Liverpool

Fowler playing for Liverpool in 2007

On 27 January 2006, Robbie Fowler rejoined Liverpool on a free transfer. He signed a contract until the end of the season. Robbie had always remained a Liverpool fan. He was even in Istanbul when Liverpool won the Champions League in 2005.

Liverpool fans were thrilled to see him back. Banners at games read "God – number eleven, welcome back to heaven." Robbie said he felt like "a kid waking up on Christmas morning every day." He scored his first goal back at Anfield on 15 March 2006, against Fulham, the same team he scored his first-ever Liverpool goal against 13 years earlier.

He continued to score important goals, including one that meant he overtook Kenny Dalglish in the club's all-time top scorers list. Despite some fitness worries, Robbie scored more consistently than other Liverpool strikers that season. He was offered a new one-year contract.

In his final Liverpool season, Robbie played less often. He was named Liverpool's captain for a League Cup game in October 2006, scoring in a 4–3 win. He also scored two goals in the UEFA Champions League against Galatasaray.

On 13 May 2007, in his last game for the club, Robbie was given the captain's armband one final time. He received a standing ovation when he was substituted near the end of the match. He left Liverpool as a free agent on 1 July 2007, having scored 183 goals in 369 games across his two spells.

Playing for Cardiff City

On 21 July 2007, Robbie signed a two-year contract with Cardiff City. He scored his first two goals for Cardiff in September. He also scored twice in a League Cup game against West Brom. This led to a match against his old club, Liverpool, at Anfield. Even the Liverpool fans cheered for Robbie to score.

Robbie struggled with a hip problem that needed special treatment. He had surgery on his hip, which meant he missed most of the 2007–08 season. He was included in the squad for the FA Cup final but did not play.

Short Spell at Blackburn Rovers

In May 2008, Robbie was offered a new contract by Cardiff, but he chose to join Blackburn Rovers for a trial. He signed a three-month deal with Blackburn. He made his first appearance in a League Cup win against Everton. His contract ended in December 2008, and he left the club.

Adventures in Australia

Fowler playing for North Queensland Fury in 2009

On 4 February 2009, Robbie signed with North Queensland Fury in Australia. He became their first "marquee player," which means a special, high-profile player. His family moved to Townsville with him.

Robbie was named North Queensland Fury's captain for the 2009–10 season. He scored his first A-League goal from a penalty in his club's first-ever competitive match. He quickly became a fan favorite. At the end of the season, he won three awards: Player of the Year, Players' Player of the Year, and the Golden Boot (top goal scorer).

In April 2010, Robbie joined Perth Glory for the 2010–11 A-League season. He scored his first goal for Perth in August. He also scored a hat-trick against Melbourne Victory. He finished the year as the club's top scorer.

Later Career and Retirement

Fowler during Steven Gerrard's testimonial on 3 August 2013

After returning to England, Robbie briefly worked with coaching staff at Milton Keynes Dons and Bury. He also coached Liverpool's strikers in April 2011.

In July 2011, Robbie agreed to play for Muangthong United in Thailand. He quickly became popular with fans there. After the head coach was sacked, Robbie was appointed as a player-coach. He scored his first goal for Muangthong in October 2011. He left the club in January 2012.

Robbie officially announced his retirement from playing football. He later played in charity matches, including Steven Gerrard's testimonial match in 2013 and a charity game for the Hillsborough Disaster victims in 2014. In 2016, he played for England in Soccer Aid, a charity football match for UNICEF.

Robbie Fowler's International Career

Robbie Fowler earned his first cap (appearance) for England on 27 March 1996. He came on as a substitute in a friendly match against Bulgaria. He was selected for the Euro 1996 squad and played in two games as a substitute.

He scored his first goal for England on 29 March 1997, in a friendly win against Mexico. He scored another goal in November 1997. Robbie missed the 1998 FIFA World Cup due to a serious knee injury.

Robbie played in the Euro 2000 qualifying campaign. He was named in the final squad for Euro 2000 but did not play in the tournament. He scored his fourth goal for England in May 2001. In September 2001, he scored his first competitive goal for England during 2002 FIFA World Cup qualification.

Robbie was selected for the 2002 FIFA World Cup squad in South Korea and Japan. He did not play in the group matches. On 15 June 2002, he came on as a substitute in England's 3–0 win against Denmark in the Round of 16. This was his last appearance for England. He played a total of 26 games for his country and scored 7 goals.

Robbie Fowler's Managerial Career

Muangthong United

On 1 October 2011, Robbie Fowler was appointed manager of Muangthong United in Thailand, where he was already playing. He became a player-manager, meaning he played for the team and managed it at the same time. He left the club in January 2012.

In October 2013, Robbie took on a coaching role with Liverpool's youth academy.

Brisbane Roar

On 23 April 2019, Robbie Fowler signed a two-year contract to become the new head coach of Brisbane Roar, an Australian A-League club. His first competitive match as manager was a 2–0 win in the FFA Cup. He won the league's Coach of the Month award for January and February 2020. He resigned in June 2020 to be closer to his family during the COVID-19 pandemic.

East Bengal

On 9 October 2020, Robbie became the new manager of East Bengal, an Indian Super League team. His team finished 9th in the 2020–21 season. His contract ended in September 2021.

Al-Qadsiah

On 29 June 2023, Robbie Fowler was appointed manager of Al-Qadsiah, a team in the Saudi First Division League. He left the club on 26 October, after leading them to six wins and no defeats in eight games.

Robbie Fowler's Playing Style

Robbie Fowler was a very good goal-scorer. He was quick and always looked for chances to score. He had good technical skills and could shoot powerfully with both feet, even though he was naturally left-footed. He was also good at heading the ball. Even though he was known for scoring goals, he could also pass the ball well to other players. Throughout his career, he sometimes had problems with injuries.

Sponsorships

During his playing career, Robbie Fowler was sponsored by the sportswear company Nike. He appeared in their commercials. In 1997, he was in Nike's "Park Life" commercial, where top footballers joined amateur players. This commercial was very popular.

Robbie Fowler's Personal Life

Robbie Fowler married Kerrie on 10 June 2001. They have three daughters and one son. Their son, Jacob, signed a scholarship with Oxford United in 2022. Robbie is also a cousin of the boxer Anthony Fowler.

In 2005, Robbie was called Britain's richest sportsman by The Observer. He had a large fortune and many properties. He has also invested in racehorses with his friend Steve McManaman.

Robbie released his autobiography, Fowler: My Autobiography, in 2005. He released a second book, Robbie Fowler: My Life In Football, in 2019.

In June 2008, Robbie played in a charity football game called "Showdown in Chinatown." In 2019, he was part of the ITV show Harry's Heroes, where former England players got fit for a match against German legends.

Robbie also plays golf for charity. In 2021, he won a Celebrity Series golf event, raising money for charities like The Ichthyosis Support Group. His godson has ichthyosis, a rare skin condition.

Career Statistics

Club

International

England score listed first, score column indicates score after each Fowler's goal.

International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition

No.	Date	Venue	Cap	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	29 March 1997	Wembley Stadium, London, England	6	Mexico	2–0	2–0	Friendly
2	15 November 1997	Wembley Stadium, London, England	7	Cameroon	2–0	2–0	Friendly
3	31 May 2000	Wembley Stadium, London, England	13	Ukraine	1–0	2–0	Friendly
4	25 May 2001	Pride Park Stadium, Derby, England	17	Mexico	2–0	4–0	Friendly
5	5 September 2001	St James' Park, Newcastle upon Tyne, England	20	Albania	2–0	2–0	2002 FIFA World Cup qualification
6	27 March 2002	Elland Road, Leeds, England	23	Italy	1–0	1–2	Friendly
7	26 May 2002	Noevir Stadium Kobe, Kobe, Japan	25	Cameroon	2–2	2–2	Friendly

Managerial

Team		From	To	Record					Source
				G	W	D	L	Winning %
	Muangthong United	1 October 2011	31 January 2012	&&&&&&&&&&&&&015.&&&&&015	&&&&&&&&&&&&&010.&&&&&010	&&&&&&&&&&&&&&02.&&&&&02	&&&&&&&&&&&&&&03.&&&&&03	&&&&&&&&&&&&&066.67000066.67
	Brisbane Roar	23 April 2019	29 June 2020	&&&&&&&&&&&&&023.&&&&&023	&&&&&&&&&&&&&011.&&&&&011	&&&&&&&&&&&&&&05.&&&&&05	&&&&&&&&&&&&&&07.&&&&&07	&&&&&&&&&&&&&047.83000047.83
	East Bengal	9 October 2020	8 September 2021	&&&&&&&&&&&&&020.&&&&&020	&&&&&&&&&&&&&&03.&&&&&03	&&&&&&&&&&&&&&09.&&&&&09	&&&&&&&&&&&&&&08.&&&&&08	&&&&&&&&&&&&&015.&&&&&015.00
	Al-Qadsiah	29 June 2023	26 October 2023	&&&&&&&&&&&&&&08.&&&&&08	&&&&&&&&&&&&&&06.&&&&&06	&&&&&&&&&&&&&&02.&&&&&02	&&&&&&&&&&&&&&00.&&&&&00	&&&&&&&&&&&&&075.&&&&&075.00
Total				&&&&&&&&&&&&&066.&&&&&066	&&&&&&&&&&&&&030.&&&&&030	&&&&&&&&&&&&&019.&&&&&019	&&&&&&&&&&&&&017.&&&&&017	&&&&&&&&&&&&&045.45000045.45	—

Honours and Awards

Liverpool

• FA Cup: 2000–01
• Football League Cup: 1994–95, 2000–01
• UEFA Cup: 2000–01
• UEFA Super Cup: 2001
• UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2006–07

Cardiff City

• FA Cup runner-up: 2007–08

England U18

• UEFA European U-18 Championship: 1993

England U21

• Toulon Tournament: 1994

Individual Awards

• Premier League Player of the Month: December 1995, January 1996
• PFA Young Player of the Year: 1995, 1996
• FA Cup top scorer: 1995–96
• UEFA Cup Winners' Cup top scorer: 1996–97
• Ballon d'Or Nominated: 1996, 1997
• UEFA Fair Play Award: 1997
• EFL Cup top scorer: 2000–01
• Alan Hardaker Trophy: 2001
• North Queensland Fury Player of the Year: 2010
• North Queensland Fury Golden Boot: 2010
• North Queensland Fury Players' Player of the Year: 2010
• Perth Glory Golden Boot: 2011

See also

In Spanish: Robbie Fowler para niños