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Frank Lampard

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Frank James Lampard (born 20 June 1978) is an English football manager and former midfielder who currently manages EFL Championship club Coventry City. Widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders of all time and one of Chelsea's and the Premier League’s greatest ever players, Lampard holds the record of the most Premier League goals (177) by a midfielder in its history.[4][5][6][7]

Key Information

A box-to-box midfielder, Lampard began his career in 1995 at West Ham United, the club where his father Frank Sr. also played. In 2001, he was signed by London rivals Chelsea for £11 million. In his thirteen years with the club, Lampard established himself as a prolific scorer from midfield, becoming the club's all-time leading goalscorer, with 211 goals in all competitions.[8][9]

At Chelsea, Lampard won three Premier League titles, the UEFA Champions League, the UEFA Europa League, four FA Cups, and two League Cups. In 2005, he was named FWA Footballer of the Year, and finished runner-up for both the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year. After leaving Chelsea, Lampard played for league rivals Manchester City,[10][11] and Major League Soccer club New York City FC before retiring in 2017. He ranked highly on a number of statistics for Premier League players for ten years from 1 December 2000, including most games and most wins.[12][13][9][14]

Lampard played 106 matches and scored 29 goals for the England national team, after making his debut in 1999. He represented his country at three FIFA World Cups – in 2006, 2010 and 2014 – and in UEFA Euro 2004, where he was named in the Team of the Tournament. Lampard was voted England Player of the Year in 2004 and 2005.

Lampard is one of 11 players, and the only midfielder, to have scored 150 or more goals in the Premier League. He is fourth in the Premier League's all-time assists ranking, with 102 assists.[15][16] Lampard holds a number of additional Chelsea and Premier League records, and has won PFA Fans' Player of the Year and the FWA Tribute Award. During his career, he was named in the PFA Team of the Year three times, Premier League Player of the Month four times, Premier League Player of the Season once and finished as the Premier League's top assist provider three times, and was named in the FIFPro World XI and a MLS All-Star. After departing, Lampard was named in the Chelsea Team of the Decade as voted for by Chelsea fans,[17][18] and into the Premier League Hall of Fame.[19]

After retiring from international football, Lampard was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2015 for services to football.[20] Lampard served as a team captain on the ITV sport panel show Play to the Whistle from 2015 until 2017. He has also written a number of children's books.[21]

Lampard began his managerial career with Derby County in 2018, leading the club to the final of that season's Championship play-offs. He returned to Chelsea as head coach a year later, guiding them to fourth place and the FA Cup Final in his first season, before being dismissed in 2021. Following a one-year spell with Everton, and a brief return to Chelsea as caretaker, Lampard joined Coventry City as manager in 2024.

Club career

[edit]

West Ham United

[edit]

Lampard began his career at West Ham United, his father's former club, joining the youth team in 1994, his schoolboy hero being West Ham striker Frank McAvennie.[22] Lampard joined West Ham when his father was the assistant coach, entering as an apprentice in the youth team in 1994 and signing a professional contract the following year. He went on loan to Second Division club Swansea City in October 1995, debuting in his team's victory 2–0 over Bradford City and scoring his first career goal in a match against Brighton & Hove Albion. Lampard played nine times for Swansea before returning to West Ham in January 1996.[23]

1995–97: Development

[edit]

Lampard made his debut for West Ham on 31 January 1996 against Coventry City coming on as a substitute for John Moncur.[24] His only other game of the season was the season's last, on 5 May 1996, a 1–1 home draw with Sheffield Wednesday when Lampard was used as a substitute for Keith Rowland.[25]

The following season Lampard made his first start for West Ham, on 17 August 1996, in a 2–0 away defeat to Arsenal before being substituted for Robbie Slater.[25][26] Lampard's season ended on 15 March 1997 when he sustained a broken leg during an away, 0–0 draw, against Aston Villa. Carried from the pitch on a stretcher, his 31st-minute substitute was Rio Ferdinand. The game also saw his first booking as a West Ham player.[25][27][28] Lampard claims to have been jeered from the pitch by West Ham United supporters, an action which made him consider leaving football.[28] He had made 16 appearances in all competitions for The Hammers.[25]

1997–99: First-team regular

[edit]

From this season Lampard took the number 18 squad number having previously held the number 26 spot.[25] On the first day of the 1997–98 season, West Ham opened their fixtures with an away game against Barnsley who were playing in the top tier of English football for the first time in 110 years. Lampard came on as a 76th-minute substitute for Eyal Berkovic. Barely a minute later he scored what was the winning goal in a 2–1 win for The Hammers having received the ball from Michael Hughes and flicking it past Barnsley goalkeeper David Watson.[29] The season also saw his first hat-trick. On 19 November 1997, West Ham played Walsall in a League Cup, fourth-round game. Lampard's three goals plus another from John Hartson were enough to beat Walsall who responded via a goal from Andy Watson.[30] Lampard made 42 appearances for the 1997–98 season in all competitions scoring nine goals.[25]

Lampard was an ever-present for West Ham in the 1998–99 season, helping his team to fifth place in the 1998–99 Premier League and qualification for the UEFA Intertoto Cup. This is the highest West Ham have ever come in the league.[25][31][32]

1999–2001: New contract and departure

[edit]

Before the start of the 1999–2000 FA Premier League season, Lampard signed an extension to his contract which would have kept him with the club until 2005.[33] Having qualified for the Intertoto Cup, West Ham's season started early, in July 1999. On 24 July 1999, Lampard scored his first goal in European football in a 1–1 away draw with Finnish side Jokerit.[34] Another goal in the semi-final against Heerenveen[33] put West Ham into the final against Metz.[25] Despite losing the first leg 1–0 in London, West Ham won 3–1 in France on 24 August 1999 with goals from Trevor Sinclair, Paulo Wanchope and Lampard.[35] Winning the competition saw West Ham in the 1999–2000 UEFA Cup. Lampard scored his first goal in this competition on 16 September 1999, in a 3–0 home win against Osijek, a tie which they won 6–1 on aggregate.[36]

This season also saw West Ham beat Bradford City 5–4 at Upton Park in February 2000. The game received notoriety for Lampard's fight over the ball with Paolo Di Canio. With West Ham 4–2 down they gained a penalty. Lampard was West Ham's regular penalty taker. Di Canio, however, wanted to take the kick and the two tussled over the ball with Di Canio winning and scoring to make the game 4–3 to West Ham.[37][38] In the 1999–2000, season he finished as the club's third top scorer, behind Di Canio and Paulo Wanchope, with a total of 14 goals.[39]

In the 2000–01 season, West Ham's form suffered. They spent most of the season in the bottom half of the Premier League table.[40] From fifth place the previous season they finished 15th. Despite this Lampard scored 9 goals in 37 games, behind only Frédéric Kanouté and Di Canio.[40] In May 2001, his uncle Harry Redknapp left the club by mutual consent after seven years in the role.[41] His father Frank also left the club and Lampard, under the pressure of being known as "Frank Lampard's son" and the poor treatment of his father by West Ham, decided to move to another club.[42] He left West Ham for Chelsea for £11 million in June 2001, the Hammers having previously declined a £15 million joint bid from Aston Villa for Lampard and Frédéric Kanouté.[43]

Chelsea

[edit]

2001–04: Signing and first-team breakthrough

[edit]

Lampard's Premier League debut with Chelsea came on 19 August 2001 in a 1–1 draw with Newcastle United on the opening day of the 2001–02 season, while his first red card came in a match against Tottenham Hotspur on 16 September 2001.[44] He appeared in all of Chelsea's league matches and scored eight goals in the 2001–02 season. He netted the match-winner in Chelsea's 2002–03 season-opener against Charlton Athletic.[45]

The following season, he was selected as the Premier League Player of the Month in September 2003,[46] and the PFA Fans' Player of the Month in October. Chelsea finished second in the 2003–04 Premier League behind unbeaten Arsenal and he was named in the 2004 PFA Team of the Year[47] as he reached double figures in league goals (10) for the first time in his career, in addition to four goals in fourteen UEFA Champions League matches, as Chelsea advanced to the semi-finals. In the semi-final against Monaco he scored, but Chelsea lost 5–3 on aggregate.[48] At the end of the season, he came second behind Thierry Henry for the 2004 FWA Footballer of the Year award.[49]

2004–06: Back-to-back Premier League wins

[edit]
Lampard playing for Chelsea in 2004

Lampard played in all 38 Premier League matches for the third consecutive season in 2004–05. He finished with 13 goals (19 in all competitions), in addition to leading the league in assists with 18.[50]

In August 2004, he scored the winning goal against Southampton in the Premier League,[51] and continued scoring important goals as he scored both in a 2–0 win against Tottenham.[52] In March 2005 he scored a long-range goal from 30 yards against Crystal Palace in the Premier League which Chelsea won 4–1.[53] Lampard continued his season strongly, and his brilliant performances for Chelsea in the Premier League and Champions League further increased his reputation as one of the best midfielders in the world. In the 2004–05 Champions League, he scored one of the goals in Chelsea's famous 4–2 win over Barcelona, helping Chelsea to progress to the quarter-finals.[54] In the quarter-finals, he scored three goals in two legs against Bayern Munich as Chelsea won 6–5 on aggregate. His second goal in the first leg was a spectacular one; he controlled Claude Makélélé's cross with his chest then turned and swivelled and sent the ball inside the far post with a left-foot half volley.[55]

In April 2005, Lampard scored both goals against Bolton Wanderers in a 2–0 win which was the Premier League title-winning match for Chelsea, which also won the first major trophy of his career as Chelsea bagged their first top-flight title in 50 years, by a 12-point margin. He was named as Barclays Player of the Season for 2004–05.[56] Though Chelsea were eliminated in the Champions League semi-finals by league rivals Liverpool, they took home the Football League Cup, in which Lampard scored twice in six matches, which included the opening goal against Manchester United in the League Cup semi-final, which Chelsea won 2–1. He landed his first personal award by being named the 2005 Footballer of the Year.[57]

"He is one of my best players ever, one of my best professionals ever, a Chelsea legend and a legend in the Premier League."

José Mourinho on Lampard, 2015.[58]

Lampard netted a career-high 16 league goals in 2005–06. In September 2005 he was selected as a member of the inaugural World XI.[59] He finished as runner-up to Ronaldinho for both the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards.[60][61] His record of consecutive Premier League appearances ended at 164 (five better than previous record-holder David James) on 28 December 2005, when he sat out a match against Manchester City due to illness.[62] Lampard scored 12 goals in his first four months of the 2005–06 season. He scored twice in three separate matches from August to November, including both in a 2–1 win over Aston Villa, making Chelsea the first team to win their first seven matches in the Premier League.[63] He scored twice again, this time against Blackburn Rovers in a 4–2 win, which included a free-kick from 25 yards. After the match, manager José Mourinho hailed Lampard as the "best player in the world".[64] Chelsea eventually won the Premier League for the second time, in which Lampard was Chelsea's topscorer with 16 league goals. In the Champions League group stage, he scored a free-kick against Anderlecht. Chelsea progressed to the first knock-out round to face Barcelona, with Lampard scoring a goal in the second leg, but Chelsea were eliminated 3–2 on aggregate.[65]

2006–11: Domestic and individual success

[edit]
Lampard playing for Chelsea in 2007

Due to a back injury sustained by John Terry, Lampard spent much of the 2006–07 campaign as team captain in his absence.[66] He enjoyed a streak of seven goals in eight games. He scored both goals in a 2–0 win over Fulham and scored his 77th goal for Chelsea from a long range strike in a 3–2 win over Everton on 17 December, overtaking Dennis Wise as Chelsea's highest scoring midfielder.[67] Then in the UEFA Champions League group stage he scored a goal from an extremely tight angle against Barcelona, at the Camp Nou, the match ended 2–2.[68] Lampard finished with 21 goals in all competitions, including a career-high six FA Cup goals. He scored his first Chelsea hat-trick in the third-round tie against Macclesfield Town on 6 January 2007. He scored two goals to help Chelsea to a quarter-final draw with Tottenham Hotspur after having trailed 3–1, and he was named the FA Cup player-of-the-round for his performance.[69] He gave the assist to Didier Drogba in the 2007 FA Cup Final which was the winning goal in extra-time, as Chelsea won it 1–0. In a post-match interview following Chelsea's FA Cup Final victory over Manchester United, Lampard said he wanted to stay at the club "forever".[70]

Lampard's 2007–08 season was hampered by injury. He managed to play 40 matches, 24 of them in the Premier League. This was the fewest league games he had played in a season since 1996–97. On 16 February 2008, Lampard became the eighth Chelsea player to score 100 goals for the club in a 3–1 FA Cup fifth-round win over Huddersfield Town.[71] After the final whistle, Lampard removed his jersey and flashed a T-shirt to the Chelsea fans with "100 Not Out, They Are All For You, Thanks" printed across the front.[72] On 12 March 2008, Lampard scored four goals in a 6–1 rout of Derby County.[73] Then in the second leg of the Champions League quarter-final, he scored the winning goal against Fenerbahçe in the 87th minute as Chelsea won 3–2 on aggregate.[74]

Lampard playing for Chelsea in 2008

On 30 April, Lampard, grieving the loss of his mother a week earlier, decided to play in the second leg of Chelsea's Champions League semi-final against Liverpool, who were eliminated on 4–3 aggregate as he took an emotional penalty in the 98th minute of extra-time, which he scored confidently.[75] In the final against Manchester United, he scored an equalising goal in the 45th minute, as Michael Essien's deflected shot found him as he went to the box with his trade-mark late run, and he scored with a left foot finish. The match ended 1–1 after extra-time and Chelsea eventually lost 6–5 on penalties.[76] He was later named UEFA Club Midfielder of the Year.[77]

On 13 August 2008, Lampard signed a new five-year contract with Chelsea worth £39.2 million, making him the highest-paid Premier League player.[78] He started the 2008–09 season by scoring five goals in his first eleven league matches. He scored the 150th goal of his club career with a goal against Manchester City in the Premier League.[79] In October 2008, in the Premier League he scored a chipped goal against Hull City with his left foot; he unleashed a chip from 20 yards that curled and swerved and fooled the goalkeeper as it went into the net. FIFA World Cup-winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari said after the game, "It was the best goal I have seen, my vote for World Player of the year award will go to him, only a player with his intelligence could have done that."[80] Lampard scored his hundredth career Premier League goal in a 5–0 victory over Sunderland on 2 November.[81] Eighteen of Lampard's hundred goals were penalties.[82] He was named Premier League Player of the Month for the third time in his career in October.[83]

After a streak of matches without scoring, Lampard scored three goals in two games, the first being against West Bromwich Albion and the latter two against Fulham.[84] On 17 January 2009, he made his 400th Chelsea appearance against Stoke City, scoring a stoppage time winner.[85] He again scored a stoppage time winner on 28 February, this time against Wigan Athletic.[86] Then in the fourth round of the FA Cup, he scored a free-kick from 35 yards against Ipswich Town.[87] He scored twice against Liverpool in the second-leg quarter finals of the Champions League which ended 4–4, but Chelsea won 7–5 on aggregate.[88] Then he provided two assists in the next game against Arsenal in FA Cup semi-finals which Chelsea won 2–1. Lampard finished the season with 20 goals and 19 assists.[89] Lampard's 20th goal of the season was the winning goal in the FA Cup Final against Everton, with a left-foot shot from long-range.[90] He repeated the corner flag celebration his father had done after scoring the winning goal in the 1979–80 FA Cup semi-final second leg against Everton.[91] It was the fourth consecutive season that he scored 20 or more goals.[92] He was later named Chelsea's Player of the Year for the third time.[93]

Lampard started the 2009–10 season by scoring against Manchester United, in the 2009 Community Shield, in the 72nd minute. The match ended 2–2, and Lampard scored in its penalty shootout which they won 4–1.[94] He scored his 133rd goal for Chelsea in a Champions League match against Atlético Madrid on 21 October 2009, which moved him up to fifth among the club's all-time goalscorers.[95] He had been struggling to score the number of goals he had in the past seasons, however this soon changed as he scored two goals in the 5–0 defeat of Blackburn on 24 October 2009.[96] On 30 October, he was nominated for the FIFA World Player of the Year award for the sixth-straight year.[97]

Lampard celebrating after winning the 2009–10 Premier League title with Chelsea

On 16 December, Lampard scored a crucial 79th minute winning goal against Portsmouth and on 20 December,[98] Lampard scored a penalty against his former club West Ham in a 1–1 draw, however he had to take his spot-kick three times due to players running into the box too early, he nonetheless scored all three.[99] In Chelsea's 7–2 thrashing of Sunderland in January 2010, Lampard scored twice to add to his league tally.[100] On 27 January 2010, Lampard again scored two goals, in Chelsea's 3–0 win over Birmingham City in the Premier League.[101] On 27 February, Lampard yet again scored twice against Manchester City but despite his contribution Chelsea went on to lose the game 4–2 at home,[102] for the first time in 38 games.[103]

Lampard, for the second time in his career, hit four goals in one match against Aston Villa on 27 March 2010 to bring his goal tally past 20, for the fifth-consecutive season. This also brought him his 151st Chelsea goal, and it put him as the club's third highest scorer ever, overtaking Peter Osgood's record of 150. Lampard scored in a 3–0 win, again over Aston Villa, in the 2010 FA Cup semi-final.[104] Lampard reached 20 Premier League goals for the first time when he scored twice against Stoke City in Chelsea's 7–0 win on 25 April 2010. This milestone also represented the first time he had hit 25 in all competitions in a season. On 2 May, Lampard scored against Liverpool in the second last game of the season to give Chelsea a vital three points that took them to the top of the league by a single point.[105] He scored one and assisted two other goals in the final match of the season where Chelsea thrashed Wigan Athletic 8–0 at Stamford Bridge to win the 2009–10 Premier League title and give him a remarkable 27 goals in the season.[106] Lampard ended his season lifting the 2010 FA Cup as Chelsea beat Portsmouth 1–0 in the final.[107]

The 2010–11 season began brightly for Lampard, being an integral part of Chelsea's system as usual. After a match against Stoke in August 2010, which Chelsea won 2–0, it was revealed that Lampard was suffering from a hernia, which was successfully operated on. However, he suffered fresh injuries during training in mid-November,[108] and remained sidelined for a further three weeks. Manager Carlo Ancelotti said that he injured his abductor muscle in his leg in training on 11 November, and would not be fit until December. He finally made his comeback after four months out injured against Tottenham on 12 December, as a substitute in the 75th minute.[109] Lampard scored a penalty in the 3–3 draw between Chelsea and Aston Villa on 2 January 2011,[110] the first after returning from injury. On 9 January, Lampard scored twice and gave one assist in a 7–0 win against Ipswich Town in the FA Cup reaching the landmark of 201 career club goals.[111]

On 1 February, Lampard scored a penalty against Sunderland, then produced an assist, with Chelsea ending up winning the game 4–2.[112] Lampard then assisted for Nicolas Anelka in Chelsea's 2–0 victory against Copenhagen, in the Round of 16 match in the Champions League.[113] On 1 March, Lampard scored the winning goal in a crucial 2–1 victory over Manchester United, keeping Chelsea's Premier League title hopes alive.[114] Then in the next game, he scored two goals in Chelsea's 3–1 victory over Blackpool, and also contributed with an assist for John Terry to score.[115]

In April 2011, Lampard scored his 11th goal of the season in a 3–0 victory against former club West Ham.[116] Lampard scored again against Manchester United, but it proved to be only a consolation, as Chelsea lost 2–1 at Old Trafford, thus ending Chelsea's title hopes.[117]

2011–13: European triumphs

[edit]
Lampard and Didier Drogba in the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final against Bayern Munich

In Chelsea's third Premier League match of the season, Lampard scored his first goal of the season and also provided an assist for José Bosingwa's opening goal, as Chelsea beat Norwich City 3–1.[118]

After not featuring in Chelsea's 4–1 win against Swansea City on 24 September,[119] Lampard returned to the starting line-up for their Champions League group stage game against Valencia netting an important opening goal in their 1–1 draw.[120][121] Lampard continued his fine form by netting his fifth Chelsea hat-trick on 2 October, in a 5–1 thrashing of Bolton Wanderers.[122]

In the eleventh round of the Premier League, Lampard scored the only goal of the match against Blackburn Rovers with a diving header, giving Chelsea a win after two consecutive defeats.[123] After starting the game against Manchester City on the bench, Lampard came on in the second half to score the winning goal from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute.[124] Lampard again proved to be the match-winner as he scored in the 89th minute against Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the match finishing 2–1 to Chelsea.[125]

On 25 February 2012, Lampard scored his tenth Premier League goal of the season in Chelsea's 3–0 win against Bolton, becoming the only player to score at least ten goals in nine consecutive seasons in the Premier League and his 149th all-time league goal.[126]

Eleven days after the dismissal of manager André Villas-Boas, Chelsea hosted Napoli in the 2011–12 Champions League round of 16-second leg, trailing the Naples side 3–1 from the first leg. Lampard helped Chelsea make a remarkable comeback, assisting John Terry from a corner for the second goal and then equalising the aggregate score from the penalty spot with a powerful shot to the left of the goal. Branislav Ivanović sealed Chelsea's victory in extra-time.[127] In the second leg of the quarter-finals of the 2011–12 UEFA Champions League against Benfica, Lampard converted a crucial penalty to give Chelsea a 2–1 win at Stamford Bridge, and helping them advance with an aggregate score of 3–1.[128] He scored the 150th Premier League goal of his career against Fulham in a 1–1 draw on 9 April 2012. In the semi-final of the FA Cup Chelsea defeated Tottenham Hotspur 5–1, in a match that would be remembered for an infamous "goal that never was" awarded to Chelsea's Juan Mata. Lampard assisted Didier Drogba for the first goal, and also scored the fourth goal for the Blues from a free-kick 35 yards from goal.[129]

Chelsea players celebrate winning the UEFA Champions League

Lampard was pivotal in the semi-finals of the 2011–12 Champions League against the heavily favoured defending champions Barcelona. Bookmakers had Barcelona on the shortest odds to win a second consecutive Champions League title, and various commentators opined that Chelsea would have to produce their best two games of the season – and hope that Barca played their worst two – to upset the Catalan giants.[130] In the first leg at Stamford Bridge, Lampard stripped Lionel Messi off the ball then played a cross-field pass to Ramires, who set up Drogba for the only goal of the game, giving Chelsea a 1–0 advantage.[131] In the second leg at the Camp Nou, Lampard assumed the captaincy after Terry was sent off early in the game. Down 2–0 to Barça just before half-time, Lampard assisted Ramires' goal with a through-pass which levelled the aggregate score at 2–2 while putting Chelsea ahead on away goals.[132] Chelsea teammate Fernando Torres added another goal in stoppage time to give Chelsea a 3–2 victory overall and produce one of the greatest upsets in the history of European football.[133] This set up Chelsea's match with Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in the Champions League final.[134]

In the 2012 FA Cup Final, Lampard assisted Didier Drogba's winning goal in 2–1 win over Liverpool, the seventh FA Cup in Chelsea's history as well as the fourth of his career.[135] Lampard captained Chelsea in the 2012 Champions League final against Bayern Munich due to Terry's suspension. It was a match where Chelsea were considered to be the underdogs.[136] After finishing 1–1 in normal time, the game went to a penalty shootout with Lampard successfully converting his team's third spot-kick, helping Chelsea win 4–3 on penalties.[137] As Chelsea's captain for the match, Lampard lifted the trophy with club captain Terry.[138] Lampard ended the 2011–12 season as Chelsea's top scorer with 16 goals in all competitions, along with 10 assists.[139]

Lampard playing for Chelsea in 2012

Lampard missed Euro 2012 with a thigh injury,[140] but did play all of Chelsea's pre-season games, scoring against the MLS All-Stars[141] and Brighton & Hove Albion.[142] In Chelsea's first game of the new Premier League campaign, Lampard converted a penalty won by Eden Hazard as Chelsea brushed aside Wigan 2–0. In Chelsea's second game of the season, three days later against newly promoted Reading, he again converted a penalty won by Hazard as Chelsea cruised to a 4–2 win.[143] On 6 October, he scored his third league goal of the season in a 4–1 win against Norwich City.[144] After six weeks out injured, on 16 December Lampard appeared in the final of the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup with Chelsea losing 1–0 to Brazilian club Corinthians.[145][146] He marked his 500th appearance in the Premier League by scoring in an 8–0 win against Aston Villa on 23 December.[147] On 30 December 2012, Lampard scored a brace as Chelsea came from a goal down in the game against Everton to win 2–1.[148]

"You talk about the Zolas and the best players to have played at the club, but for me he [Lampard] is the best. You can only single out two players to play consistently well and to score goals over the course of the last 10–15 years and that is him and Ryan Giggs. It's incredible, to see the number of goals he's scored at such a high level as well – Champions League goals, Premier League goals – and the hunger. He is an example to all the players here."

John Terry on Lampard scoring his 200th goal for Chelsea in March 2013.[149]

In the third round of the FA Cup, Lampard entered in the second half and scored a penalty in Chelsea's victory over Southampton.[150] On 6 January 2013, Lampard's agent Steve Kutner announced that Lampard would not be offered a new contract with Chelsea and would leave when his contract expired in June 2013.[151][152] On 12 January 2013, Lampard scored a penalty in the 4–0 win over Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium.[153] This goal made Lampard Chelsea's second-highest goalscorer of all-time with 194 goals and moved him clear of Kerry Dixon and putting him eight goals behind Bobby Tambling in first.[154] He scored his 199th goal for Chelsea in a 4–0 FA Cup victory over Brentford on 17 February, becoming Chelsea's all-time leading FA Cup goalscorer with 26 goals. Lampard's 200th Chelsea goal came against his former club West Ham on 17 March 2013, heading home an Eden Hazard cross.[155]

Lampard equalled Bobby Tambling's record with a long-range goal into the top left corner from just outside the box in the 61st minute in a league match against Aston Villa on 11 May. Then, later on in the 88th minute, he scored a second goal, breaking the record and securing a 2–1 victory for Chelsea.[156] In the UEFA Europa League final on 15 May, Lampard captained the London club to a 2–1 victory over Benfica, securing the 11th major trophy of the Roman Abramovich era.[157]

On 16 May 2013, Lampard signed a one-year extension to his contract with Chelsea, stating "I always maintained the dream was to stay at Chelsea."[158][159]

2013–14: Final season at Chelsea

[edit]
Lampard on pre-season tour with Chelsea in 2013

On the opening day of the 2013–14 Premier League season, Lampard scored a free-kick in a 2–0 win against newly promoted Hull City.[160] On 1 October, he scored his 205th goal for Chelsea in a 4–0 win away to Steaua București in the Champions League.[161] On 23 November 2013, Lampard scored his 206th and 207th goals for Chelsea against his former club West Ham in a 3–0 win.[162] Lampard moved to fourth on the all-time Premier League goal-scoring list on 2 December by beating Robbie Fowler's number of 164 goals.[163] On 22 February 2014, Lampard scored a stoppage-time winner against Everton, initially credited to John Terry but awarded to Lampard by the Dubious Goals Committee,[164] keeping Chelsea in first place.[165]

In March, in recognition of his contributions, Lampard was given share number 200 by the Chelsea Pitch Owners Association which owns the Stamford Bridge freehold.[166] On 2 April, he played his 100th Champions League match, losing 3–1 to Paris Saint-Germain.[167] On 5 April 2014, Lampard scored the 250th goal of his club career in a 3–0 win against Stoke.[168]

On 23 May 2014, Lampard was included on the list of players released by Chelsea.[10][11] Lampard, however, said that any contract talks with Chelsea would be decided after the 2014 World Cup, with a statement saying "he will meet with Chelsea before any consideration of a move elsewhere".[169] On 3 June 2014, Chelsea confirmed Lampard would leave the club.[170]

Manchester City

[edit]

Signing and New York City FC controversy

[edit]
Lampard with Manchester City in 2015

On 24 July 2014, it was claimed that Lampard, as a free agent, had signed a two-year contract with New York City FC (NYCFC) to commence ahead of the 2015 MLS season. It was announced at a live press conference in Brooklyn that he would be joining the club, which would be entering Major League Soccer (MLS) for the 2015 season. Sporting director Claudio Reyna hailed him as "one of the greatest players in world history".[14][171] NYCFC's parent club, Manchester City, announced on 3 August 2014 that Lampard would join the club on a six-month deal ending in January 2015.[172] Initially reported as a loan, reports emerged on 31 December 2014 that Lampard had signed a short-term contract with the club as a free agent with his MLS contract not to start until the end of his stay in Manchester.[173][174][175] The same day, it was announced Lampard would extend his contract with Manchester City until the end of the English season, missing the start of the 2015 MLS season[176] and it was confirmed that Lampard had never been an MLS player with his arrival date in MLS unclear.[177][178]

Lampard extending his stay in Manchester prompted an angry response from fans in New York,[179] with NYCFC being accused of dishonesty for using the player in their promotional material and MLS Commissioner Don Garber being accused of poor leadership and a lack of transparency in handling the affair.[180][181] On 1 January 2015, Manchester City head coach Manuel Pellegrini hinted that Lampard could extend his stay at Manchester City to a second season.[182] On 9 January, Manchester City admitted that Lampard had never signed a two-year contract with NYCFC, having instead originally signed a non-binding "commitment" to join the team.[183][184][185] The same day, Lampard confirmed his intention to join NYCFC at the end of the 2014–15 Premier League season.[186] Around 300 people asked for season ticket refunds in response to the affair, while the 2015 MLS SuperDraft started a chant of "Where's Frank Lampard?" from the crowd.[187]

2014–15: Only season in Manchester

[edit]
Chelsea fans wave a "Super Frankie Lampard" banner during his appearance for Manchester City against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in 2015

Lampard made his Manchester City debut on 13 September in a 2–2 away draw against Arsenal; he received a yellow card and was substituted at half-time for Samir Nasri.[188] He scored his first goal for the club on 21 September with a volley from inside the box against former club Chelsea, having only been on the field for seven minutes as a substitute. Lampard's equalising goal ended Chelsea's perfect winning streak in the season, but it was a goal which he did not celebrate, and he described it as a very emotional day.[189] In Lampard's first League Cup match for City three days later, he scored the first and last goals as the side defeated Sheffield Wednesday 7–0 at home in the third round.[190] On 27 September, Lampard came on in the 71st minute, only to score another goal to make it four goals in four matches and his fourth that week.[191] He made his first Champions League appearance on 30 September in Manchester City's 1–1 draw with Roma.[192]

"For me, what makes Frank Lampard special is how professional he is in training. You see him at training: He is the first to arrive on the training ground and the last to go home. He won everything with Chelsea, he's a legend in football and he's still playing like he's 18 years old."

Pablo Zabaleta on Lampard, 2014.[193]

On 1 January 2015, the day after extending his stay with the club, Lampard scored the winner for City in a Premier League encounter against Sunderland.[194] On 14 March 2015, Lampard made his 600th Premier League appearance, becoming the second player to do so after Ryan Giggs, coming on as a substitute during City's 1–0 defeat to Burnley.[195] On 24 May, Lampard captained Manchester City in their final match of the season and the last of his spell with the club. He scored his 177th Premier League goal to give City the lead in an eventual 2–0 win over Southampton at the City of Manchester Stadium and was substituted for Jesús Navas in the 77th minute.[196]

New York City FC

[edit]

2015–16: Final seasons and retirement

[edit]

On 10 January 2015, Lampard signed a pre-contract to play for New York City FC in MLS, beginning on 1 July.[197] Injury delayed his debut until 1 August, when he came on as a 69th-minute substitute for Andrew Jacobson in a 3–2 defeat to the Montreal Impact at Yankee Stadium. In July, Lampard was one of the 22 players to be named to the 2015 MLS All-Star Game roster.[198] On 16 September, he scored his first MLS goal as his team beat Toronto 2–0 to end a three-game losing streak.[199] Eleven days later, Lampard scored the opening goal in a 2–1 victory over Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the 29th minute of play; he was later also fouled in the area in the final minute of stoppage time, which allowed David Villa to convert the match-winning goal from the resulting penalty.[200] On 2 October, he scored New York City's fastest ever goal in MLS history in a 2–1 away defeat to D.C. United.[201] The team finished its debut season outside a place for the MLS Cup Playoffs, which drew criticism from some in the media, who expected more from the club's trio of designated players composed of former Champions League winners Lampard, David Villa, and Andrea Pirlo.[202][203]

Having missed the beginning of the season with a calf injury, Lampard made his first appearance in 2016 on 22 May in the New York derby, playing the final 15 minutes; New York City lost the game 7–0, while Lampard was jeered by his side's own fans.[204] However, he then scored in his first start of the season against Philadelphia Union on 18 June and was cheered by the New York fans once again.[205] In his second start, he managed to make it back-to-back goals against Seattle Sounders FC on 20 June.[206] His fourth goal in five matches came against Sporting Kansas City in a 3–1 defeat on 11 July.[207] Lampard then took his goal tally for the season to five with the third goal in a 3–1 victory over the Montreal Impact on 17 July.[208]

On 31 July 2016, Lampard became the first New York City player to score a hat-trick, achieving this feat in a 5–1 win over the Colorado Rapids.[209] Lampard finished his second MLS season with the club with 13 goals and 3 assists in 19 appearances,[210] as New York City finished in second place in the Eastern Conference, and qualified for the MLS Cup Playoffs for the first time ever, clinching a spot in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.[211] He featured in both legs of the Conference semi-final against Toronto, as New York were eliminated from the Playoffs 7–0 on aggregate.[212] On 14 November 2016, New York City announced that Lampard would leave as soon as his contract expired.[213]

Lampard announced his retirement on 2 February 2017 after turning down several offers, and said that he would look to obtain his coaching qualifications after retiring.[214][215]

International career

[edit]

Youth and early career

[edit]

Lampard was capped by England at youth level before making his under-21 debut on 13 November 1997 in a match against Greece.[216][217] He played for the under-21 side from November 1997 to June 2000, and scored nine goals in 19 appearances, a mark bettered only by Alan Shearer and Francis Jeffers.[217][218] He was capped once by England B, playing in a 2–1 home defeat against Chile on 10 February 1998.[219]

On 10 October 1999, Lampard debuted for the England senior squad in a 2–1 friendly win over Belgium.[220] He scored his first goal on 20 August 2003 in a 3–1 win over Croatia.[221] He was part of the team at the FA Summer Tournament (Manchester) 2004, which England won.[222]

He was overlooked for Euro 2000 and the 2002 World Cup, and had to wait until Euro 2004 to take part in his first international competition. England reached the quarter-finals with Lampard scoring three goals in four matches. He scored against France and Croatia in the group stages. In the quarter-final, he equalised for England in the 112th minute against Portugal, bringing the scoreline to 2–2 but England lost on penalties. He was named in the team of the tournament by UEFA.[223]

2004–10: UEFA Euro 2004 and 2006 FIFA World Cup

[edit]

He became a regular in the squad following the retirement of Paul Scholes, and was voted England Player of the Year by fans in 2004 and 2005.[224] He was England's top-scorer in their 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign, with five goals. He scored two crucial goals in the qualifiers, the first against Austria in a 1–0 win, and the second being the winning goal against Poland.[225][226]

Lampard (wearing No.8) lining up for England against Paraguay at the 2006 FIFA World Cup

In England's first game of the tournament against Paraguay, Lampard was named man of the match as England won 1–0.[227] Though Lampard played every minute of England's 2006 World Cup matches, he went scoreless as England were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Portugal on penalties, and he was one of the three England players whose penalty was saved alongside Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher.[228]

He scored in a 2–1 loss to Germany in a friendly at the new Wembley in 2007.[229] He was very disappointing during qualifying for Euro 2008. He was booed by England supporters while coming on as a second-half substitute during England's Euro 2008 qualifying match against Estonia on 13 October 2007.[230] Lampard sent Stipe Pletikosa the wrong way from the spot and finished with one goal (in a 3–2 loss to Croatia on 21 November) as England failed to qualify for the tournament.[231] He scored his first international goal in two years in a 4–0 win over Slovakia in March 2009, and also created another for Wayne Rooney. Lampard's goal was the 500th England goal scored at Wembley.[232] On 9 September 2009, Lampard struck twice in England's 5–1 win against Croatia which secured their place at 2010 World Cup.[233]

2010–12: 2010 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2012 injury

[edit]
Lampard (wearing No.8) enters the field with his England comrades before the 2010 FIFA World Cup match against the United States.

In the round-of-16 match of the 2010 FIFA World Cup against rivals Germany, Lampard had a first-half shot at goal that bounced off the crossbar and from TV replays was clearly seen to cross the goal line. If counted, it would have tied the game 2–2. However, neither the referee nor the linesman saw it as a goal, and play was continued. In the second-half, Lampard hit the cross-bar again, with a 30-yard free-kick. The final score was a 4–1 win for Germany, eliminating England from the tournament.[234]

As England exited the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Lampard had already achieved the record of having made 37 shots on goal without scoring in a World Cup tournament, more than any other player since 1966.[235]

Lampard taking a penalty in a Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales in 2011

On 8 February 2011, it was announced that Lampard would captain the national team against Denmark in a friendly played the next day after both Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard were absent through injury.[236] In the Euro 2012 qualifiers, Lampard netted two goals for England, both penalties. The first against Wales in a 2–0 win, and the latter vs Switzerland in a 2–2 draw.[237][238] In November 2011, Lampard captained England to a 1–0 friendly victory over current World Champions Spain, a game in which he scored the only goal.[239] On 31 May 2012, he was ruled out of the Euro 2012 due to a thigh injury. He was subsequently replaced by Jordan Henderson.[240]

2012–14: Final years with England

[edit]

On 14 August 2012, manager Roy Hodgson announced that Lampard would captain the Three Lions in their upcoming friendly against Italy the following day, which England won 2–1.[241] Lampard started England's first game in qualification and starred as England thrashed Moldova 5–0, with Lampard scoring his 24th and 25th England goals. His first goal was England's 100th ever penalty and his second was a header from a cross from Glen Johnson, after Steven Gerrard was substituted he captained the side.[242] On 22 March 2013, he surpassed David Platt as England's highest scoring midfielder when he scored his 28th international goal in a 0–8 win over San Marino.[243] Lampard became only the eighth English player to earn his 100th England cap, doing so in a World Cup qualifier against Ukraine, on 10 September 2013.[244]

On 12 May 2014, Lampard was named in the 23-man England squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup[245] and a week later he was named vice-captain.[246] On 24 June, for the last game of the group stage, Lampard captained his England side to draw with Costa Rica 0–0.[247] On 26 August 2014, Lampard announced that he had retired from international football. He earned 106 caps, scoring 29 goals.[248]

Style of play

[edit]
Lampard attempting to strike a volley

Regarded by some pundits, managers, and teammates as one of the greatest players of his generation,[249] Lampard was an all-round and versatile box-to-box player, who was capable of playing anywhere in midfield; throughout his career he was deployed as a central midfielder, as an attacking midfielder, as a defensive midfielder, and even as a supporting striker on occasion.[250][251] He was also deployed as a deep-lying playmaker on occasion, in particular in his later career, due to his ability to build attacks with his passing.[252]

A hard-working player, with notable stamina and an ability to read the game,[250] Lampard was also capable of functioning creatively and starting attacking plays or providing assists for teammates after winning back possession, due to his technique, vision, and passing range.[253][254] In addition to his creative and defensive midfield duties, Lampard also possessed a keen eye for goal, due to his ability to get forward and make late attacking runs from behind into the penalty area, or produce accurate and powerful shots from distance.[253][255] These attributes enabled him to maintain a prolific goalscoring record throughout his career, despite his deep playing position.[253] Moreover, Lampard was also an accurate set-piece and penalty kick taker, who was known for scoring with powerful, low driving shots from free kicks.[256][257]

Beyond his qualities as a footballer, he also stood out for his leadership throughout his career.[254] In 2017, Gareth Southgate labelled Lampard as one of the group of England's past players who were "very good", but below the likes of the nation's past "top players", such as Gascoigne, Scholes, and Rooney, commenting: "You've got very good players and then there are top players. In my time in the England setup, Paul Gascoigne, Paul Scholes and Rooney just had that little bit more than all the others. And we are talking high‑level people there, players like Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and David Beckham."[258]

Managerial career

[edit]

Derby County

[edit]

On 31 May 2018, Lampard was appointed as manager of Championship club Derby County on a three-year contract.[259] His first game in charge, on 3 August, resulted in a 2–1 away win for Derby at Reading, with Tom Lawrence scoring a last-minute winner.[260] His first loss as a manager came on 11 August in a 4–1 loss against Leeds United, in his second match in charge.[261][262] On 25 September, in just his 12th game as a manager, Lampard's Derby County knocked Premier League club Manchester United out of the EFL Cup on penalties, following a 2–2 draw at Old Trafford.[263]

After a 2–0 defeat in the return fixture against Leeds United at Elland Road on 11 January 2019 to further Leeds' lead at the top of the Championship table,[264] Lampard was critical of Leeds head coach Marcelo Bielsa, as in the pre-match build-up Bielsa admitted he had sent a spy to the Derby training ground,[265] after reports emerged in the press that a man was spotted the previous day outside the Derby training ground.[266][267] On 12 January, Leeds United released a statement in response to the incident.[268] Tottenham Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino described the incident as 'not a big deal' and commonplace in Argentina.[269]

In his first season in charge of Derby, Lampard guided the club to the Championship play-offs after helping them finish 6th in the 2018–19 Championship season. In the semi-finals of the play-offs, Derby overturned a 0–1 home loss to win 4–2 away against Leeds United and claim the tie 4–3 on aggregate, setting up an appearance against Aston Villa in the final.[270] Derby lost the play-off final to Aston Villa 2–1.[271]

Upon the conclusion of the season, Lampard was heavily linked with the vacant managerial spot at former club Chelsea. On 25 June 2019, Derby granted Lampard permission to hold talks with the Chelsea bosses over said position.[272]

Chelsea

[edit]
Lampard managing Chelsea in 2019

On 4 July 2019, Lampard was appointed as the new head coach at former club Chelsea on a three-year contract, making him the first English manager to manage the side in over two decades.[273] In Lampard's first competitive game with Chelsea, the club lost 4–0 to Manchester United on the opening day of the 2019–20 Premier League. It was the biggest defeat for a Chelsea manager in their first game since Danny Blanchflower's team was beaten 7–2 by Middlesbrough in December 1978.[274] In Lampard's second competitive game, they lost to Liverpool on penalties in the 2019 UEFA Super Cup.[275]

On 24 August 2019, Lampard obtained his first Premier League victory as Chelsea manager, beating Norwich City 2–3 away from home.[276] On 25 September, Chelsea picked up their first home win under Lampard, beating League Two side Grimsby Town 7–1 in the EFL Cup. Lampard's matchday squad against Grimsby featured ten academy graduates, including Reece James and Billy Gilmour, making their first-team debuts.[277] Lampard won Premier League Manager of the Month for October 2019 after Chelsea recorded a perfect record in the league for the month.[278] By doing so, he became the third manager to win Premier League Player of the Month and Manager of the Month, after Gareth Southgate and Stuart Pearce.[279] Lampard eventually guided Chelsea to fourth in the Premier League and the FA Cup Final, where they lost to Arsenal.[280]

In the following season, Chelsea made five major acquisitions in the summer transfer window in Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Kai Havertz and Édouard Mendy. Chelsea initially started strongly, topping their Champions League group and the Premier League in early December. However, after a run of two wins in eight Premier League matches, Chelsea dropped to ninth and Lampard was dismissed as manager on 25 January 2021. He remained on Chelsea's payroll to see out his contract, "pocketing £75,000" per week in compensation.[281][282] His dismissal came just 24 hours after Chelsea's 3–1 win over Luton Town in the FA Cup.[283] On 26 January, German coach Thomas Tuchel was announced as his replacement.[284]

It was reported Lampard's departure was also influenced by disagreements with the club's transfer policy; Lampard is said to have requested the acquisitions of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Declan Rice, and James Tarkowski, with these moves being blocked by Chelsea's co-director Marina Granovskaia.[285] Lampard also reportedly fell out with or had limited communication with some players, causing former teammate and club advisor Petr Čech to have to serve as an intermediary.[285]

Everton

[edit]

Having been out of work for a year, Lampard was appointed manager of Premier League club Everton on 31 January 2022, after the dismissal of Rafael Benítez due to poor results. At the time of his appointment, the club was positioned in 16th place, four points above the relegation zone.[286] With one game remaining in the 2021–22 season, on 19 May Lampard guided Everton to Premier League safety maintaining their 68-year top flight status. Having been 2–0 down at half-time to Crystal Palace Lampard brought on Dele Alli and played a more attacking formation resulting in a 3–2 win for the Merseyside team.[287] Lampard described the night as "one of the greatest nights of my career".[288]

The following season saw the club once again fall into a relegation battle, with a run of only 1 win in 11 matches leaving the club 19th in the league by January.[289] Everton owner Farhad Moshiri in an interview with Talksport suggested that Lampard's position at the club remained secure despite this run of form.[290][291] However, Lampard was sacked a few days later on 23 January 2023, just eight days less than a year into the job, after a 2–0 loss to West Ham.[292] Lampard was replaced by Sean Dyche on 30 January 2023.[293]

Return to Chelsea

[edit]

On 6 April 2023, Lampard returned to Chelsea by being appointed as caretaker manager until the end of the 2022–23 season, following the dismissal of Graham Potter.[294] Chelsea's form dropped after Lampard took over and produced a first bottom-half finish since 1996 and a record low tally of points and goals scored in the Premier League era.[295] In terms of winning percentage, Lampard also had the worst record (9%) among every Chelsea manager who had led 3 or more matches, achieving just one win in his 11 matches in charge.[296]

Coventry City

[edit]

On 28 November 2024, Lampard was appointed as the new manager of EFL Championship club Coventry City.[297] He took the club to 5th in the Championship, however lost 3-2 on aggregate to Sunderland in the semi-finals of the play-offs.[298]

Media

[edit]

From 2015 until 2017, Lampard served as a team captain on the ITV comedy panel show Play to the Whistle alongside Bradley Walsh. He was a regular pundit for football on BT Sport. For the 2018 World Cup, Lampard was among the BBC's list of pundits as he insisted that it would not affect his managerial duties.[299]

Lampard features in EA Sports' FIFA video game series; he was on the cover for the International edition of FIFA 10, alongside Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott.[300] In 2018, Lampard was added as an icon to the Ultimate Team in FIFA 19.[301]

On Sunday 9 June 2024, Lampard led England to a 6–3 victory as manager in the annual Soccer Aid game against the rest of the world. The match raised £15 million for charity.[302]

Personal life

[edit]
Lampard in 2017

Lampard was born in Romford, London; he has two sisters, Natalie and Claire.[303][304] He attended Brentwood School between 1989 and 1994, finishing with eleven GCSEs, including an A* in Latin.[305]

Lampard belongs to a family of footballers; his father is Frank Lampard, Sr., the former West Ham United player and assistant manager who was still associated with the club when Lampard junior was playing for them. Lampard's uncle is Harry Redknapp and his cousin is Redknapp's son Jamie Redknapp. His mother Pat, a librarian, died in April 2008 aged 58 as a result of pneumonia.[306]

Lampard is a Christian, and credits his faith for helping him cope with the death of his mother.[307]

Lampard is a supporter of the Conservative Party and was rumoured to be running as a candidate for Kensington upon Malcolm Rifkind's retirement at the 2015 general election. He subsequently denied that he was running to be an MP.[308]

He was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2015 Birthday Honours.[309] Lampard published his autobiography, Totally Frank, in 2006. He has written a series of children's novels, inspired by his mother and children, related to football.[310][311]

Lampard formerly owned The Pig's Ear, Chelsea's oldest pub, with his father. They sold the business in 2018, and his father then took over the Grade II Nightingale pub in Wanstead in 2019.[312][313] Lampard has retained the ownership of the freehold at the Old Church Street, Chelsea property.[314]

Lampard has had a troubled relationship with his boyhood club West Ham United where he was seen by some fans as a product of nepotism. He claims that he often received negative taunts about his weight, and that during a match as an 18-year-old when he broke his leg in play, he heard cheers from fans. Following his transfer to Chelsea, Lampard turned against his former club and has since stated: "I remember when Joe Cole first came to Chelsea he would turn away in disappointment if West Ham lost. I would smile. That's how deeply I felt. I wanted West Ham to lose. Now I don't even look for their results."[315][316] Later in his career, Lampard adopted a more mature attitude towards his former club saying that he had complete respect for the club and thanking Harry Redknapp and Tony Carr for the influence at the start of his career.[317]

Controversies

[edit]

In 2000, Lampard, Rio Ferdinand and Kieron Dyer appeared on a sex video that was filmed at the holiday resort of Ayia Napa in Cyprus. Channel 4 aired a brief edited[318][319] clip as part of their 2004 documentary Sex, Footballers and Videotape, claiming it was used to "remind the viewer that this is based on real life". On 23 September 2001, Lampard, along with three other Chelsea players, was fined two weeks' wages by the club for his behaviour whilst on a drinking binge on 12 September. Lampard and the others had abused American tourists at a Heathrow hotel, just 24 hours after the September 11 attacks. A hotel manager stated: "they were utterly disgusting. They just didn't seem to care about what had happened".[320] Lampard apologised over his behaviour when he signed for NYCFC in 2014, implying that he did not mean offence and that he was naive and young.[321]

In 2021, Lampard was charged with using a mobile phone while driving after being filmed by CyclingMikey holding a takeaway cup in one hand and a mobile phone in the other.[322] Lampard hired Nick Freeman to defend him. The case was later dropped as the Crown Prosecution Service stated it had insufficient evidence.[323]

Relationships

[edit]

Lampard lives in Surrey and London. He has two daughters with his former fiancée, Spanish model Elen Rivas.[324]

On 24 April 2009, Lampard was involved in a radio confrontation with James O'Brien on the London radio station LBC 97.3.[325] Newspapers had reported that following Lampard's split from Rivas their children were living with her in a small flat while Lampard had converted their family home into a bachelor pad. Lampard phoned in, objecting to criticism and stating that he had fought "tooth and nail" to keep his family together.[326]

Lampard married Christine Bleakley, a Northern Irish broadcaster, on 20 December 2015. They have a daughter born in 2018[327] and a son born in 2021.[328]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition[89]
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Continental Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
West Ham United 1995–96 Premier League 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
1996–97 Premier League 13 0 1 0 2 0 16 0
1997–98 Premier League 31 5 6 1 5 4 42 10
1998–99 Premier League 38 5 1 0 2 1 41 6
1999–2000 Premier League 34 7 1 0 4 3 10[c] 4 49 14
2000–01 Premier League 30 7 4 1 3 1 37 9
Total 148 24 13 2 16 9 10 4 187 39
Swansea City (loan) 1995–96 Second Division 9 1 2[d] 0 11 1
Chelsea 2001–02 Premier League 37 5 8 1 4 0 4[e] 1 53 7
2002–03 Premier League 38 6 5 1 3 0 2[e] 1 48 8
2003–04 Premier League 38 10 4 1 2 0 14[f] 4 58 15
2004–05 Premier League 38 13 2 0 6 2 12[f] 4 58 19
2005–06 Premier League 35 16 5 2 1 0 8[f] 2 1[g] 0 50 20
2006–07 Premier League 37 11 7 6 6 3 11[f] 1 1[g] 0 62 21
2007–08 Premier League 24 10 1 2 3 4 11[f] 4 1[g] 0 40 20
2008–09 Premier League 37 12 7 3 2 2 11[f] 3 57 20
2009–10 Premier League 36 22 6 3 1 0 7[f] 1 1[g] 1 51 27
2010–11 Premier League 24 10 3 3 0 0 4[f] 0 1[g] 0 32 13
2011–12 Premier League 30 11 5 2 2 0 12[f] 3 49 16
2012–13 Premier League 29 15 4 2 3 0 10[h] 0 4[i] 0 50 17
2013–14 Premier League 26 6 1 0 1 1 11[f] 1 1[j] 0 40 8
Total 429 147 58 26 34 12 117 25 10 1 648 211
Manchester City 2014–15 Premier League 32 6 2 0 1 2 3[f] 0 38 8
New York City FC 2015 Major League Soccer 10 3 10 3
2016 Major League Soccer 19 12 0 0 2[k] 0 21 12
Total 29 15 0 0 2 0 31 15
Career total 647 193 73 28 51 23 130 29 14 1 915 274
  1. ^ Includes FA Cup
  2. ^ Includes Football League Cup
  3. ^ Six appearances and three goals in UEFA Intertoto Cup, four appearances and one goal in UEFA Cup
  4. ^ Appearances in Football League Trophy
  5. ^ a b Appearances in UEFA Cup
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  7. ^ a b c d e Appearance in FA Community Shield
  8. ^ Three appearances in UEFA Champions League, seven appearances in UEFA Europa League
  9. ^ One appearance in FA Community Shield, one appearance in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances in FIFA Club World Cup
  10. ^ Appearance in UEFA Super Cup
  11. ^ Appearance in MLS Cup Playoffs

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year[329]
National team Year Apps Goals
England 1999 1 0
2000 0 0
2001 3 0
2002 3 0
2003 9 1
2004 13 6
2005 9 3
2006 13 2
2007 9 2
2008 6 0
2009 10 6
2010 7 0
2011 7 3
2012 3 3
2013 10 3
2014 3 0
Total 106 29
Scores and results list England's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Lampard goal[330]
List of international goals scored by Frank Lampard
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 20 August 2003 Portman Road, Ipswich, England 12  Croatia 3–1 3–1 Friendly
2 5 June 2004 City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester, England 19  Iceland 1–0 6–1 2004 FA Summer Tournament
3 13 June 2004 Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal 20  France 1–0 1–2 UEFA Euro 2004
4 21 June 2004 Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal 22  Croatia 4–2 4–2 UEFA Euro 2004
5 24 June 2004 Estádio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal 23  Portugal 2–2 2–2 UEFA Euro 2004
6 4 September 2004 Ernst-Happel-Stadion, Vienna, Austria 25  Austria 1–0 2–2 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
7 9 October 2004 Old Trafford, Manchester, England 27  Wales 1–0 2–0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
8 26 March 2005 Old Trafford, Manchester, England 31  Northern Ireland 4–0 4–0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
9 8 October 2005 Old Trafford, Manchester, England 36  Austria 1–0 1–0 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
10 12 October 2005 Old Trafford, Manchester, England 37  Poland 2–1 2–1 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification
11 3 June 2006 Old Trafford, Manchester, England 40  Jamaica 1–0 6–0 Friendly
12 16 August 2006 Old Trafford, Manchester, England 46  Greece 2–0 4–0 Friendly
13 22 August 2007 Wembley Stadium, London, England 56  Germany 1–0 1–2 Friendly
14 21 November 2007 Wembley Stadium, London, England 60  Croatia 1–2 2–3 UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying
15 28 March 2009 Wembley Stadium, London, England 68  Slovakia 3–0 4–0 Friendly
16 6 June 2009 Almaty Central Stadium, Almaty, Kazakhstan 70  Kazakhstan 4–0 4–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
17 10 June 2009 Wembley Stadium, London, England 71  Andorra 2–0 6–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
18 5 September 2009 Wembley Stadium, London, England 73  Slovenia 1–0 2–1 Friendly
19 9 September 2009 Wembley Stadium, London, England 74  Croatia 1–0 5–1 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
20 3–0
21 26 March 2011 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales 85  Wales 1–0 2–0 UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
22 4 June 2011 Wembley Stadium, London, England 86   Switzerland 1–2 2–2 UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying
23 12 November 2011 Wembley Stadium, London, England 90  Spain 1–0 1–0 Friendly
24 7 September 2012 Zimbru Stadium, Chișinău, Moldova 92  Moldova 1–0 5–0 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
25 2–0
26 11 September 2012 Wembley Stadium, London, England 93  Ukraine 1–1 1–1 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
27 6 February 2013 Wembley Stadium, London, England 94  Brazil 2–1 2–1 Friendly
28 22 March 2013 Stadio Olimpico di San Marino, Serravalle, San Marino 95  San Marino 5–0 8–0 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
29 29 May 2013 Wembley Stadium, London, England 96  Republic of Ireland 1–1 1–1 Friendly

Managerial statistics

[edit]
As of match played 25 October 2025
Managerial record by team and tenure
Team From To Record Ref.
P W D L Win %
Derby County 31 May 2018 4 July 2019 57 24 17 16 042.11 [331]
Chelsea 4 July 2019 25 January 2021 84 44 17 23 052.38 [331]
Everton 31 January 2022 23 January 2023 44 12 8 24 027.27 [331]
Chelsea (caretaker) 6 April 2023 30 June 2023 11 1 2 8 009.09 [294][331]
Coventry City 28 November 2024 Present 47 25 10 12 053.19 [331]
Total 243 106 54 83 043.62

Honours

[edit]

Player

[edit]
Lampard celebrates winning the 2004–05 Premier League with Eiður Guðjohnsen and John Terry

West Ham United[332]

Chelsea[332]

Individual

Manager

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from Grokipedia
Frank Lampard (born 20 June 1978) is an English professional football manager and former player who primarily played as a central midfielder, renowned for his goal-scoring prowess and long-range shooting during a 21-year playing career that spanned top-flight clubs in England and Major League Soccer.[1][2] Born in Romford, London, to former West Ham United defender Frank Lampard Sr., he began his professional journey at West Ham in 1995, making his debut in 1996, before transferring to Chelsea in 2001 where he spent 13 seasons and established himself as a club legend.[3][4] Lampard's playing career peaked at Chelsea, where he made 648 appearances across all competitions and scored a record 211 goals, including 177 in the Premier League—placing him fourth on the competition's all-time scoring list for midfielders.[2][1] He contributed to 11 major trophies with the club, comprising three Premier League titles (2005, 2006, 2010), four FA Cups, two League Cups, the 2012 UEFA Champions League (which he captained to victory), and the 2013 UEFA Europa League.[5][2] Notable records include 10 consecutive Premier League seasons with 10 or more goals (2003/04 to 2012/13) and 164 successive league appearances from 2001 to 2005, the longest streak in English top-flight history.[6] Later, he had a loan spell at Manchester City during the 2014–15 season, in which he made 38 appearances and scored 8 goals across all competitions, and finished his playing days with New York City FC from 2015 to 2016, retiring in February 2017.[2][7] Internationally, Lampard earned 106 caps for England between 1999 and 2014, scoring 29 goals and participating in three FIFA World Cups and two UEFA European Championships.[8][9] Transitioning to management, Lampard began as Derby County head coach in 2018, leading them to the EFL Championship play-off final in his sole season there.[10] He then managed Chelsea from 2019 to 2021, guiding the team to a fourth-place Premier League finish in his debut season and the 2020 FA Cup, despite a transfer ban and reliance on academy talents like Mason Mount and Reece James.[11] After a stint as interim Chelsea manager in 2023, he took charge of Coventry City in the Championship in November 2024, where by November 2025 he had revitalized the team into league leaders, marking his return to management after an 18-month absence.[12][13][14]

Early life and youth career

Family background and early influences

Frank Lampard was born on 20 June 1978 in Romford, Greater London, to Frank Lampard Sr., a former professional footballer who spent most of his career as a left-back for West Ham United, making over 650 appearances and earning two caps for England, and his wife Pat Lampard.[3][15][16] Growing up in a deeply football-oriented family, Lampard was profoundly shaped by his father's experiences in the professional game, which instilled in him an early and unwavering passion for the sport; he later recalled that football was ever-present in his childhood, with photos from his youth always featuring a ball nearby.[15][17] His uncle, Harry Redknapp—Pat Lampard's brother-in-law and a prominent manager who led West Ham during Lampard's formative years—further embedded football within the family dynamic, offering additional insights and connections to the professional environment.[18][19] These familial ties provided Lampard with unparalleled early exposure to the world of professional football at West Ham, where he frequently encountered the club's culture and players through his father's legacy, fostering his initial motivations and dedication to the game.[15][17]

Academy development at West Ham

Frank Lampard joined West Ham United's youth setup at the age of 12 in 1990, entering the club's renowned academy system.[20] Under the stewardship of academy director Tony Carr, who emphasized technical proficiency and quick passing, Lampard honed his skills alongside future stars like Rio Ferdinand and Joe Cole.[21] Carr later described Lampard as a quiet, shy, yet hardworking teenager whose dedication set him apart.[20] Lampard progressed steadily through the age-group teams, demonstrating leadership qualities by captaining the under-18 side during the 1995–96 season.[22] That year, he led the team to the South East Counties League Cup final against Chelsea, scoring the decisive penalty in a shootout victory after a 6–6 aggregate draw over two legs.[22] The group also reached the FA Youth Cup final in 1996, losing to Liverpool, which highlighted the academy's strength in nurturing competitive talent.[23] In the mid-1990s, Lampard gained valuable senior exposure through reserve team outings and a loan to Swansea City in October 1995 at age 17.[24] During his three-month spell with the Welsh club in the third tier, he made 9 appearances, scoring once and adapting to professional demands away from the youth environment.[25] These experiences, guided by Carr's philosophy of building on players' natural strengths, prepared Lampard for his breakthrough into West Ham's first team.[26]

Club career as player

West Ham United

Lampard joined West Ham United's youth academy as a trainee in 1994 and signed professional terms on 1 July 1995.[27] To gain experience, he was loaned to Second Division side Swansea City in October 1995, where he made his professional debut in a 2–0 victory over Bradford City on 21 October, scoring his first career goal during the spell.[28] Returning to West Ham, he made his club debut on 31 January 1996, substituting in a 3–1 Premier League home win against Coventry City.[29] Limited to two league appearances that season, Lampard continued developing, featuring in 13 Premier League matches during 1996–97 without scoring.[30] By the 1997–98 season, Lampard had emerged as a first-team regular under manager Harry Redknapp, making 31 Premier League appearances and contributing to 42 total outings across all competitions, during which he scored nine goals. His breakthrough showcased a versatile midfield presence, blending defensive duties with growing attacking threat, helping West Ham finish 14th in the Premier League. The following 1998–99 campaign saw him become an ever-present in the league with 38 starts, adding five goals as the team achieved a club-best fifth-place finish and UEFA Cup qualification.[30] Lampard's form peaked in the 1999–2000 season, where he scored 14 goals across all competitions in 50 appearances, including seven in the Premier League and four in the UEFA Cup—making him West Ham's top European scorer in ten matches.[31] Notable performances included a goal in the Intertoto Cup semifinal first leg against Heerenveen, aiding West Ham's progression to European competition for the first time since 1981.[32] His contributions highlighted his emergence as a dynamic central midfielder, capable of long-range strikes and set-piece prowess. In July 1999, Lampard signed a contract extension with West Ham, committing to the club until 2005.[33] However, amid interest from bigger clubs, he departed in June 2001, transferring to Chelsea for a then-record £11 million fee for an English midfielder.[34] Over his West Ham tenure, spanning 187 appearances and 38 goals, Lampard transitioned from academy prospect to established Premier League talent.[7]

Chelsea

Lampard joined Chelsea from West Ham United in July 2001 for a then-club record fee of £11 million, signing a five-year contract under manager Claudio Ranieri.[34][35] This move built on the solid foundations he had established at West Ham, where he had developed into a reliable midfielder. In his first three seasons at Chelsea, Lampard gradually increased his goal contributions, scoring 7 Premier League goals in 2001–02, another 7 in 2002–03, and reaching a breakthrough of 10 Premier League goals in 2003–04 as the team finished second in the league.[36] The arrival of José Mourinho as manager in the summer of 2004 marked a turning point, with Lampard scoring 13 Premier League goals in 2004–05 to help Chelsea secure their first league title in 50 years, ending Arsenal's dominance.[36][37] The following season, 2005–06, saw Lampard elevate his performance further with a career-high 16 Premier League goals, contributing to Chelsea's second consecutive title and also their first FA Cup win in the 2006–07 final against Manchester United.[36][37] Over the next several years, he remained a cornerstone of the midfield, adding to the trophy cabinet with additional FA Cup triumphs in 2009, 2010, and 2012, as well as a League Cup in 2004–05.[37][38] Lampard's peak individual impact came during Chelsea's 2011–12 UEFA Champions League campaign, where he scored crucial goals, including in the quarter-final against Napoli, en route to the club's first European Cup victory in the final against Bayern Munich.[39][37] Across his 13-year tenure, he amassed 211 goals in 648 appearances in all competitions, including 147 in 429 Premier League matches, establishing himself as Chelsea's all-time leading scorer.[40] In his final season, 2013–14, Lampard scored 7 Premier League goals as Chelsea finished third, marking the end of his playing career at the club before his departure in June 2014; the team had won the Europa League the previous year under interim manager Rafael Benítez, with Lampard serving as stand-in captain.[36][37]

Manchester City and New York City FC

Following his departure from Chelsea, where he had established himself as one of the Premier League's most prolific midfielders with 211 goals in 649 appearances, Frank Lampard sought a high-profile move to extend his career abroad.[41] In July 2014, he signed a free transfer deal with Major League Soccer expansion side New York City FC, a club owned by the City Football Group alongside Manchester City, on a reported two-year contract starting in 2015.[42] The agreement allowed Lampard, then 36, time to prepare for the MLS season while maintaining fitness through an interim arrangement.[41] However, shortly after signing, Lampard joined Manchester City on loan for the 2014–15 Premier League season, a move that sparked significant controversy.[43] Initially presented as a temporary loan from New York City FC until January 2015, the deal was extended to the end of the season in December 2014, prompting scrutiny from the Premier League over potential rule breaches related to squad registration and financial fair play.[44] Further complications arose in January 2015 when it emerged that Lampard had not actually signed a formal contract with New York City FC upon his initial agreement; instead, his registration was held directly by Manchester City through the City Football Group, leading to accusations of misleading fans and media about his status as a "ghost player" not genuinely tied to the MLS club.[45] The Premier League investigated but ultimately cleared Manchester City of any wrongdoing, confirming Lampard's eligibility remained valid.[46] Lampard addressed the backlash in a statement, affirming his commitment to join New York City FC in the summer of 2015 while criticizing media "lies and nonsense."[47] During his time at Manchester City, Lampard made 32 appearances in the Premier League, scoring 6 goals and providing 1 assist, contributing to the team's second-place finish. He also featured in 3 UEFA Champions League matches and other cup competitions, totaling 38 appearances across all competitions with 8 goals. His integration into the squad under manager Manuel Pellegrini provided valuable experience, though the arrangement drew criticism from rival fans and New York City FC supporters' groups for prioritizing Premier League exposure over MLS development.[48] Lampard finally joined New York City FC in July 2015 after his Manchester City loan ended, making his MLS debut on August 1 against CF Montréal.[49] Hampered by a mid-season arrival and minor injuries, he played 11 regular-season games that year, scoring 3 goals and recording 2 assists. In 2016, Lampard extended his stay and served as captain, featuring in 18 regular-season appearances with 12 goals and 4 assists, plus 2 playoff matches, again helping New York City FC to the playoffs despite ongoing injury setbacks that limited his consistency.[50] His total MLS contribution stood at 15 goals in 29 appearances, marking a respectable but injury-interrupted transition to the league.[51] On February 2, 2017, Lampard announced his retirement from professional football at age 38, citing the physical toll after 21 years and 904 club appearances, during which he scored 272 goals.[52] He reflected positively on his late-career moves, stating they allowed him to end on his terms while opening doors to coaching.[53]

International career

Youth internationals and senior debut

Lampard began his international career with England's youth teams in the late 1990s, representing the under-18 side in five appearances without scoring.[27] His progression to the under-21 level marked a significant step, where he earned 19 caps between 1997 and 2000, captaining the team in all of them and scoring nine goals.[27][54] These performances at youth level, bolstered by his emerging form at West Ham United, positioned him for senior consideration.[55] Lampard made his senior debut for England on 10 October 1999, coming on as a substitute in the 76th minute during a 2-1 friendly victory over Belgium at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland.[27][56] Under manager Kevin Keegan, this appearance at age 21 highlighted his potential as a central midfielder, with his youth experience aiding a smooth transition.[8] In 2000, Lampard captained England's under-21 team at the UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Slovakia, featuring in all three group-stage matches as the side was eliminated following defeats to Italy and Portugal, and a win over Romania.[57] This tournament represented his final youth international outing before focusing on senior duties.[27] Lampard's early senior caps accumulated steadily, reflecting his consistent club performances after moving to Chelsea in 2001.[58] He reached his 50th appearance on 9 October 2004, starting in a 2-0 World Cup qualifying win against Wales at Old Trafford.[27] By this milestone, he had contributed three goals, establishing himself as a key figure in the midfield.[59]

Major tournaments and peak years

Lampard's international prominence grew during UEFA Euro 2004, where he scored three goals across England's four matches, emerging as one of the tournament's joint-top scorers alongside players like Milan Baroš. In the group stage opener against France, he headed in David Beckham's free-kick on 38 minutes to give England a 1-0 lead, though they ultimately lost 2-1 after a late Zidane-inspired comeback. He added to his tally with a composed finish in the 4-2 victory over Croatia, securing second place in Group B despite Wayne Rooney's red card. In the quarter-final against Portugal, Lampard equalized at 2-2 with a volley from Michael Owen's header in the 57th minute, but England were eliminated 6-5 on penalties after a 2-2 draw.[60][61][62][6] At the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, Lampard started all five of England's matches, playing the full 480 minutes as they advanced to the quarter-finals before a 0-0 draw with Portugal led to a 3-1 penalty shootout exit. Despite his tireless midfield presence alongside Steven Gerrard, Lampard did not score in the tournament, with England's goals coming from others like Frank Lampard himself in qualifiers but not in the finals. His penalty attempt in the shootout against Portugal was saved by goalkeeper Ricardo, alongside misses from Gerrard and Jamie Carragher, sealing another heartbreaking knockout defeat on spot-kicks. This performance underscored his leadership but also drew criticism for England's lack of creativity.[63][64][65] In the UEFA Euro 2008 qualifying campaign, Lampard featured in nine matches, scoring four goals as England topped early fixtures but ultimately failed to qualify after a 2-3 home loss to Croatia under manager Steve McClaren. He netted a penalty in the 56th minute during that decisive defeat at Wembley, briefly leveling the score at 2-2 before Croatia's late winner. Other contributions included goals against teams like Estonia and Israel, but the campaign's collapse—finishing second behind Croatia—marked a low point, leading to McClaren's sacking. Lampard later reflected on the heartbreak of missing the tournament.[27][66][67] Lampard's form dipped slightly heading into the 2010 FIFA World Cup, where he made four appearances with limited starts due to competition from younger midfielders and his own inconsistent club season. England topped their qualifiers unbeaten, with Lampard scoring six goals in ten outings, including a brace in a 5-1 win over Croatia that secured qualification. At the tournament in South Africa, he started the first two group games (against the United States and Algeria) and came on as a substitute at halftime in the third (against Slovenia), and substituted in against Germany in the round of 16. A infamous moment occurred when his 38th-minute shot against Germany clearly crossed the line after hitting the bar, yet referee Jorge Larrionda disallowed it, contributing to England's 4-1 elimination; the error prompted FIFA to introduce goal-line technology. He ended the finals without a goal.[68][69][70]

Later international appearances and retirement

Lampard suffered a thigh injury during England's 1-0 friendly win over Norway on 26 May 2012, which forced his withdrawal from the UEFA Euro 2012 squad announced by manager Roy Hodgson.[71] The injury, sustained in the 75th minute of the match at Wembley, sidelined him for the tournament, with Jordan Henderson called up as a replacement. From 2012 to 2014, Lampard featured in 16 matches for England, primarily during the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and friendlies, often with sporadic starts as younger players like Jordan Henderson and Jack Wilshere emerged in midfield.[72] He scored seven goals in this period, including a brace in a 5-0 qualifying win over Moldova in September 2012, a penalty in the 8-0 win over San Marino in March 2013, and a goal in the 4-0 victory over Moldova in September 2013, contributing to England's qualification for the World Cup.[72] Lampard reached his 100th cap in a 0-0 draw against Ukraine in September 2013, becoming the eighth Englishman to achieve the milestone.[73] By the end of his international career, he had accumulated 106 caps and 29 goals for England.[74] Lampard was included in England's 2014 World Cup squad and captained the side in their final group stage match, a 0-0 draw against Costa Rica on 24 June 2014, marking his last international appearance.[75] Following England's group stage exit in Brazil, he announced his retirement from international duty on 26 August 2014, at the age of 36, stating it was a "very tough decision" made after much reflection since the tournament.[76] In his statement, Lampard expressed pride in representing England over 15 years but noted the shift in focus to his club commitments with New York City FC and family life.[76] Reflecting on his England tenure, Lampard admitted frustration at times, particularly over the team's lack of deeper runs in major tournaments despite his personal achievements, such as scoring at four World Cups and being named in the UEFA Euro 2004 Team of the Tournament.[77] He described enjoying "every minute" of wearing the England shirt but acknowledged the unfulfilled ambition of greater collective success, as England exited in the quarter-finals or earlier in all four tournaments he participated in.[76]

Playing style and legacy

Tactical role and attributes

Frank Lampard primarily operated as a box-to-box central midfielder, renowned for his ability to contribute both defensively and offensively while excelling in goal-scoring from deep positions.[78][79] His role involved relentless coverage of the pitch, combining ball-winning duties with late arrivals into the penalty area to capitalize on opportunities, which led to him becoming one of the most prolific midfield scorers in Premier League history with 177 goals.[30][7] Lampard's key attributes included exceptional stamina that enabled him to maintain high energy levels throughout matches, often covering significant distances and recovering quickly to support transitions.[80] He demonstrated strong passing accuracy, typically exceeding 85% in his peak seasons, allowing him to distribute the ball effectively both short and long-range to initiate attacks.[81] His long-range shooting was a hallmark, characterized by powerful, driven strikes from outside the box that often caught goalkeepers off guard, while his penalty conversion rate stood at an impressive 93.5% in the Premier League, with 43 successful spot-kicks from 46 attempts.[82] Under José Mourinho at Chelsea, Lampard's role evolved to emphasize defensive solidity, as the arrival of players like Claude Makélélé and later Michael Essien provided protective cover that allowed him to focus more on forward surges and goal threats without exposing the backline.[83] In later years under managers like Carlo Ancelotti and beyond, he adapted to a more fluid midfield setup, incorporating greater positional interchange and creative playmaking to maintain his influence as teams shifted toward possession-based styles.[84] Lampard's blend of endurance, technical precision, and finishing has drawn comparisons to modern midfielders like Declan Rice, whom Lampard himself identified as a potential long-term leader with similar all-around capabilities, though Rice operates more as a defensive anchor with emerging goal-scoring instincts.[85][86]

Achievements and records

Frank Lampard is Chelsea's all-time leading goalscorer, having netted 211 goals across all competitions during his 13-year tenure at the club from 2001 to 2014. [87] He also holds the record as the highest-scoring midfielder in Premier League history with 177 goals for Chelsea, West Ham United, and Manchester City, a tally surpassed only by three strikers: Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, and Andrew Cole. [88] Additionally, he holds the record for the most FA Cup goals in the 21st century with 27.[89] Lampard received multiple nominations for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award, including in 2004, 2005—when he was shortlisted alongside teammate John Terry—and 2006. [90] [91] In 2005, his standout season that included 19 goals and a Premier League title helped him finish second in the Ballon d'Or rankings behind Ronaldinho. [92] His exceptional goal-scoring prowess from midfield redefined expectations for the position in English football and inspired a new generation of players, including Chelsea midfielder Conor Gallagher, who has cited Lampard's legacy as a driving force in his career. [93] Following his retirement in 2017, Lampard was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2021 as one of its inaugural members, recognizing his status as one of the competition's most complete midfielders over 21 seasons. [94]

Managerial career

Derby County

Frank Lampard was appointed Derby County manager on 31 May 2018, signing a three-year contract with the Championship club following his retirement from playing the previous year.[95] In his debut season, he revitalized an aging squad, implementing an attacking style that propelled Derby to sixth place and a spot in the promotion playoffs.[96] The campaign culminated in a dramatic semi-final victory over rivals Leeds United, overturning a 1-0 aggregate deficit with a 4-3 win across two legs (0-1 first leg, 4-2 second leg), highlighted by Jack Marriott's brace in the second leg at Elland Road.[97][98] However, Derby fell short in the final at Wembley Stadium on 27 May 2019, losing 2-1 to Aston Villa, with goals from Abraham and McGinn sealing Villa's return to the Premier League. Lampard's recruitment strategy emphasized youth and loans, with standout additions including Chelsea midfielder Mason Mount and Liverpool winger Harry Wilson, both arriving on season-long deals in July 2018.[99] Mount, in particular, excelled with 11 goals and 6 assists in 35 league appearances, forming a dynamic partnership with Wilson, who contributed 5 goals. These signings, Lampard's first as manager, injected creativity and pace into the midfield, aiding Derby's push toward promotion while navigating limited resources. The season was not without controversies, most notably the "Spygate" scandal in January 2019, when a Leeds United staff member was caught filming Derby's training session ahead of a league match, sparking accusations of industrial espionage and intensifying the rivalry between the clubs.[100] Lampard publicly condemned the incident, stating he would rather not coach than resort to such tactics, while Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa admitted to filming all opponents and distributed videos to his team.[100] This episode fueled tension, but Derby gained some measure of revenge by eliminating Leeds in the playoffs. Overlying these events were Derby's financial fair play (FFP) challenges, rooted in the controversial 2018 sale of Pride Park Stadium to owner Mel Morris for £55.65 million, which the EFL later deemed an artificial inflation to circumvent spending rules.[101] During Lampard's tenure, these issues restricted transfer activity, with the manager noting post-playoff final that FFP constraints made squad reinforcement "tight." The scrutiny foreshadowed severe repercussions, including eventual points deductions for the club after his departure. Lampard left Derby on 4 July 2019 to take charge at Chelsea, ending his 13-month stint that had marked a promising entry into management.[102]

Chelsea and Everton

Lampard returned to Chelsea as head coach on 4 July 2019, signing a three-year contract and becoming the club's first-ever former player to take the role on a permanent basis.[103][104] In his debut season of 2019–20, despite operating under a FIFA-imposed transfer ban that limited signings to youth promotions and free agents, Lampard guided Chelsea to fourth place in the Premier League, securing Champions League qualification with 66 points from 20 wins, 6 draws, and 12 losses.[105] The team also reached the FA Cup final, losing 2–1 to Arsenal, and started the season with a 5–4 penalty shootout defeat to Liverpool in the UEFA Super Cup after a 2–2 draw. Lampard's tactical approach emphasized youth integration, with academy graduates like Mason Mount (who played 50 matches and scored 9 goals across all competitions) and Fikayo Tomori featuring prominently, contributing to an attacking style that saw Chelsea score 96 goals in all competitions while conceding 82.[106] The 2020–21 season began promisingly with heavy spending on players like Timo Werner and Kai Havertz, but Chelsea's form deteriorated, leaving them in ninth place after 19 league games with 25 points from 7 wins, 4 draws, and 8 losses.[107] Lampard was sacked on 25 January 2021, with the club citing the need for a "new direction" amid a run of just one win in their last five league matches; Thomas Tuchel replaced him and led Chelsea to fourth place overall that season.[107][108] During his 18-month tenure, Lampard oversaw 66 matches, winning 30, drawing 15, and losing 21, with a focus on high-pressing and fluid midfield play that evolved from his successful Derby County spell but struggled against top opposition in the second year.[109] After over a year out of management, Lampard was appointed Everton head coach on 31 January 2022, signing an 18-month contract to replace Rafael Benítez following a poor run that left the club 16th in the Premier League.[110] In his partial 2021–22 season, Lampard stabilized the team, achieving survival with a 17th-place finish and 39 points, highlighted by a late-season surge including seven wins in the final 13 matches, such as a 3–2 victory over Manchester United that confirmed safety.[111] However, the 2022–23 campaign saw Everton slump into the relegation zone after nine defeats in 13 games, prompting Lampard's dismissal on 23 January 2023, with the club in 19th place on 15 points from 4 wins, 3 draws, and 12 losses up to that point (after 19 league games).[111][112][113] At Everton, Lampard attempted a possession-based style with emphasis on set-piece organization, but injuries and recruitment issues hampered progress, resulting in 9 wins from 38 matches overall.[114][115] Following his dismissal from Everton, Lampard returned to Chelsea as interim manager on 6 April 2023 until the end of the 2022–23 season, replacing Graham Potter. He oversaw 11 matches across all competitions, recording 1 win, 4 draws, and 6 losses, as Chelsea finished 12th in the Premier League.[116][117]

Coventry City

Frank Lampard was appointed as head coach of Coventry City on 28 November 2024, replacing Mark Robins on a two-and-a-half-year contract. At the time of his arrival, the Sky Blues were struggling in 17th place in the Championship, just two points above the relegation zone, amid a toxic atmosphere following a poor run of form. Lampard, seeking to rebuild his reputation after previous sackings at Chelsea and Everton, aimed to instill a more attacking style of play, emphasizing high pressing and fluid transitions to revitalize the squad.[118][119][120] Under Lampard's guidance, Coventry experienced a dramatic turnaround during the remainder of the 2024–25 season, winning 11 of their 18 remaining Championship matches and securing a fifth-place finish with a playoff spot. This resurgence continued into the 2025–26 campaign, where the team started with a record-breaking unbeaten run of 12 games, including impressive victories such as a 3–1 comeback against Sheffield United. By early November 2025, Coventry had climbed to the top of the Championship table, boasting a +20 goal difference from their opening fixtures and leading by four points, positioning them strongly for a promotion push.[121][122][123] Lampard's implementation of an attacking philosophy has been key to the revival, with the team averaging over 52% possession while prioritizing quick counter-attacks and exploiting wide areas, leading to a notable increase in goals scored compared to the Robins era. This approach not only boosted player confidence but also re-engaged the fanbase at the Coventry Building Society Arena, transforming a mid-table outfit into genuine promotion contenders by late 2025.[124][14]

Media and other ventures

Broadcasting and punditry

Following his retirement from professional football in 2017, Frank Lampard entered broadcasting, drawing on his experience as a former England international and Chelsea midfielder to provide expert analysis. He joined BT Sport as a regular pundit that year, covering Premier League and UEFA Champions League matches with a focus on tactical insights and player performances.[125][126] His contributions were praised for their authority and depth, though his role ended in May 2018 upon accepting the managerial position at Derby County.[127] During early managerial breaks, Lampard featured prominently in coverage of major international tournaments for the BBC. For the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, he served as a pundit alongside Alan Shearer and Rio Ferdinand, analyzing England's campaign and global matches from the studio.[128] Similarly, after his dismissal from Chelsea in January 2021, he rejoined the BBC for UEFA Euro 2020, where he offered commentary on England's run to the final, including key games like the semi-final victory over Denmark.[129][130] During his managerial sabbatical from May 2023 to November 2024, Lampard returned to BBC punditry for UEFA Euro 2024, providing analysis alongside figures such as Alan Shearer and Cesc Fàbregas.[131][132] In August 2024, he joined Amazon Prime Video as a pundit for their coverage of the 2024/25 UEFA Champions League season, appearing in studio analyses until his appointment as Coventry City manager on November 28, 2024.[133][119] Lampard has also made occasional appearances on Sky Sports during periods between management roles, providing guest analysis for Premier League fixtures.[134][135] Following his return to management at Coventry City in November 2024, his broadcasting commitments have diminished in frequency, limited largely to select high-profile events.[136]

Writing and endorsements

Lampard authored his autobiography, Totally Frank: The Autobiography of Frank Lampard, published in 2006 by HarperCollins Publishers.[137] The book details his journey from childhood in a footballing family to his early career at West Ham United, his transfer to Chelsea, and key moments including the 2005/06 season and the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where he reflected on England's quarter-final exit.[138] It received positive reviews for its candid insights into his professional pressures and personal growth, achieving commercial success with multiple editions and audiobook adaptations.[139] In 2013, Lampard launched the children's book series Frankie's Magic Football, with the first installment, Frankie vs the Pirate Pillagers, published by Little, Brown Book Group.[140] The series, spanning over 20 titles, follows young protagonist Frankie and his friends on magical football-themed adventures through history and fantasy worlds, such as battling Roman gladiators or cowboys, aimed at readers aged 7-9 to promote themes of teamwork and perseverance.[141] Lampard contributed ideas inspired by his family life, with the books illustrated by Mike Jackson and achieving bestseller status, including a 2016 release tied to his New York City FC stint.[142] The collection has sold widely, with box sets emphasizing its role in encouraging young readers' interest in literature and sport.[143] During his playing career, Lampard secured prominent endorsement deals, notably with Adidas as a long-term ambassador for their football apparel and footwear lines.[144] He also partnered with PepsiCo for campaigns, including a 2009 anti-obesity initiative alongside Thierry Henry and a 2010 World Cup-themed advertisement featuring global stars like Lionel Messi.[145] These agreements contributed significantly to his off-field earnings, with Forbes estimating $4 million annually from endorsements around 2015, alongside other sponsors like Rotary Watches, where he served as a brand ambassador in a 2016 Chelsea partnership.[146] Following his 2017 retirement, Lampard has engaged in motivational speaking, delivering talks on leadership, resilience, and career transitions at corporate events and football-related functions.[147] Represented by agencies like NMP Live, his presentations draw on his experiences as a player and manager to inspire audiences on overcoming setbacks, with notable appearances including reflective speeches at industry galas.[148]

Personal life

Family and relationships

Lampard had a long-term relationship with Spanish model Elen Rives from 2002 until their separation in 2009.[149] The couple welcomed two daughters during this time: Luna, born in August 2005, and Isla, born in May 2007.[150][151] In December 2009, Lampard began a relationship with Northern Irish television presenter Christine Bleakley (now Christine Lampard).[152] The pair became engaged in June 2011 and married on December 20, 2015, in a private ceremony at St. Mary's Church in Knightsbridge, London.[153][154] Together, they have two children: daughter Patricia Charlotte, born on September 21, 2018, and son Frederick George (known as Freddie), born on March 14, 2021.[155][156] Christine serves as stepmother to Luna and Isla, and the blended family has been described as close-knit, with the older daughters maintaining good relationships with their stepmother.[157][158] The family has provided mutual support during Lampard's career transitions, notably when Christine relocated with him to New York in 2015 for his brief playing stint with New York City FC in Major League Soccer.[159] She has publicly expressed her backing for his subsequent managerial roles, including at Derby County and Chelsea, emphasizing the challenges of balancing family life with professional demands.[160][161] Lampard and his family occasionally share public glimpses of their life together on social media, such as holiday snapshots and birthday tributes, highlighting their emphasis on privacy while celebrating milestones.[162][151]

Philanthropy and interests

Lampard has been actively involved with the Chelsea Foundation, the club's official charity arm, particularly during his tenure as manager. In 2020, he launched the second season of the Hyundai FC programme, which provides coaching and equipment to grassroots football clubs in underprivileged areas across the UK, aiming to promote community development through sport.[163] He has also supported foundation-led initiatives, such as hospital visits to bring cheer to young patients, including an annual festive trip organized with Chelsea and Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in 2019.[164] As a prominent supporter of children's charities, Lampard has participated in high-profile fundraising efforts since 2011. He joined Soccer Aid for UNICEF in 2024 as co-manager for the England team, helping raise £15 million for the organization's global children's programs during the event at Stamford Bridge.[165] Earlier, in 2012, he granted a wish for a seriously ill child through Rays of Sunshine, meeting the boy at a training session after the youngster spent Christmas sedated in Great Ormond Street Hospital.[166] In 2017, Lampard backed a campaign by CLIC Sargent to improve support for fathers coping with their children's cancer diagnoses, highlighting the isolation many face and advocating for better emotional resources.[167] More recently, in 2024, he took part in a celebrity golf day hosted by the Red Eagle Foundation, raising £31,000 to aid children with mobility, mental health, and learning challenges.[168] Lampard has also engaged with music therapy initiatives, visiting the Nordoff Robbins Centre in 2018 to observe sessions for children with disabilities as part of the Legends of Football charity event. His wife, Christine, has occasionally joined him in such efforts, including presenting awards to community sports groups in 2024.[169][170] Beyond philanthropy, Lampard maintains an interest in golf, often using it as a recreational outlet and charity vehicle. He has been spotted practicing his swing during family trips, such as in New York City in 2016, and has participated in pro-am events to support causes like children's foundations.[171]

Career statistics

Club appearances and goals

Frank Lampard amassed 904 appearances and 272 goals across all club competitions during his professional career. His journey began at West Ham United, where he made 187 appearances and scored 38 goals between 1995 and 2001, including notable contributions in the Premier League and UEFA Cup. He then joined Chelsea in 2001, establishing himself as one of the most prolific midfielders in English football history with 648 appearances and a club-record 211 goals over 13 seasons, spanning the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Champions League, and UEFA Europa League. Later in his career, Lampard played 38 matches and netted 8 goals for Manchester City in the 2014–15 season across domestic and European competitions, before moving to Major League Soccer with New York City FC, where he recorded 31 appearances and 15 goals in 2015 and 2016. In the Premier League specifically, Lampard made 609 appearances and scored 177 goals—the most by any midfielder in the competition's history—while providing 102 assists. These figures underscore his exceptional goal-scoring ability from central midfield, often arriving late in the box to convert chances, with many of his strikes coming from outside the penalty area or set pieces. The following table summarizes his club career totals by club:
ClubAppearancesGoals
West Ham United18738
Chelsea648211
Manchester City388
New York City FC3115
Career Total904272
Lampard's seasonal output varied, but he consistently delivered in key campaigns; for instance, during his Chelsea tenure, he scored 13 Premier League goals in 2003–04 to help secure the club's first league title in 50 years, and peaked with 22 goals across all competitions in 2009–10. Assists complemented his scoring, with 149 recorded at Chelsea alone, highlighting his all-around midfield influence.

International caps and goals

Frank Lampard represented England from 1999 to 2014, accumulating 106 caps and scoring 29 goals during his international career.[74] His debut came on 10 October 1999 in a 2-1 friendly victory over Belgium.[172] Lampard's goal-scoring record included notable contributions across various competitions, with nine of his goals coming from the penalty spot.[74] Lampard's first international goal arrived on 20 August 2003, when he scored a spectacular long-range effort as a substitute in England's 3-1 friendly win against Croatia at Wembley Stadium.[173] He netted his final goal on 6 February 2013, curling in a decisive strike to secure a 2-1 friendly victory over Brazil, also at Wembley.[174] Over the span of his career, Lampard scored against 22 different opponents, with five goals in six appearances versus Croatia standing out as his most prolific matchup.[74] In major tournament finals, Lampard featured prominently for England. He appeared in 10 World Cup matches across three editions (2006, 2010, and 2014), though he did not score in the finals.[72] At the European Championships, he played 4 games during Euro 2004, scoring 3 goals (including a penalty against France). Lampard missed Euro 2012 due to injury.[72] Lampard's consistent club form at Chelsea often influenced his selection, ensuring a sustained presence in the national team setup.[175] The following table summarizes Lampard's appearances and goals by competition:
CompetitionAppearancesGoals
Friendlies4710
World Cup Finals100
World Cup Qualification2713
European Championship Finals43
European Championship Qualification183
Total10629

Honours and awards

As player

During his playing career, Frank Lampard won numerous honours with Chelsea, where he spent the majority of his professional tenure from 2001 to 2014. These included three Premier League titles in the 2004–05, 2005–06, and 2009–10 seasons.[38] He also secured four FA Cup victories in 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2012, along with two League Cup triumphs in 2005 and 2007.[38] On the European stage, Lampard contributed to Chelsea's UEFA Champions League win in 2012 and UEFA Europa League success in 2013.[38] Earlier in his career at West Ham United from 1995 to 2001, he did not win any major club honours.[37] At the international level, Lampard earned 106 caps for the senior England team between 1999 and 2014 but won no major tournament honours.[176] As a youth player, he represented England at the 2000 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, where the team reached the quarter-finals before a 2–0 defeat to hosts Slovakia.[177] Lampard's individual accolades highlighted his pivotal role at Chelsea, including three Chelsea Player of the Year awards in 2004, 2005, and 2009—a club record at the time.[178] In 2005, he was named Football Writers' Association (FWA) Footballer of the Year, recognizing his 19 goals and 18 assists in the Premier League that season.[179] He finished as runner-up for both the Ballon d'Or and FIFA World Player of the Year in 2005.[38] Key milestones in Lampard's honour timeline include his first major trophy, the 2005 League Cup, followed by back-to-back Premier League titles in 2005 and 2006, the Champions League in 2012, and Europa League in 2013, marking the culmination of his trophy-laden spell at Chelsea.[38]

As manager

Lampard's managerial career began with Derby County in 2018, where he guided the team to the 2019 EFL Championship play-off final, though they lost 2-1 to Aston Villa.[96] At Chelsea from 2019 to 2021, Lampard achieved a fourth-place finish in the 2019–20 Premier League season and led the club to the 2020 FA Cup final, where they were defeated 2-1 by Arsenal.[180] He also earned the Premier League Manager of the Month award for October 2019 after three consecutive league wins.[181] Additionally, he was nominated for the 2019–20 Premier League Manager of the Season award.[182] During his tenure at Everton from 2022 to 2023, Lampard successfully steered the team away from relegation in the 2021–22 Premier League season, culminating in a dramatic 3–2 comeback victory over Crystal Palace on 19 May 2022 to secure survival. He described this achievement as one of the greatest moments of his career, highlighting the club's resilience.[183] Since taking charge of Coventry City in November 2024, Lampard has transformed the team from mid-table struggles to Championship leaders by November 2025, remaining unbeaten in their first nine games of the 2025–26 season with a +20 goal difference.[184] The side has earned multiple nominations for the EFL Championship Manager of the Month award in 2025, including for February, August, and September, and won the League Managers Association's Men's Performance of the Week award in August 2025 for a 7–1 victory.[185][186][187] As of early November 2025, Coventry sit top of the table, positioning them strongly for potential promotion to the Premier League.[14]

References

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