Hal Robson-Kanu
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Thomas Henry Alex "Hal" Robson-Kanu (born 21 May 1989) is a former professional footballer who played as a forward.[5] Born in England, he played for the Wales national team. Although he initially played primarily on the wing, he was used as a forward during Wales' run to the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2016.

Key Information

Robson-Kanu started his career as a schoolboy at Arsenal but was released at 15 and joined Reading. After graduating from the academy in 2007 he spent time on loan at Southend United and Swindon Town before returning to Reading and making his first team debut in 2009. Limited to mainly substitute appearances during his first season, he became an important member of the squad appearing regularly during the 2011–12 Championship winning campaign. He made his Premier League debut in 2012 and went on to score 30 goals in 228 games for the club before his release in 2016. He then signed for West Bromwich Albion. After five years, Robson-Kanu was released by the club in May 2021.

At international level Robson-Kanu initially represented the country of his birth, England, at under-19 and under-20 level. In 2010, he switched allegiance to Wales, the country of his grandmother, playing for the under-21 side before his debut for the senior team against Croatia on 23 May that year. Robson-Kanu was selected to represent Wales at UEFA Euro 2016, where they made the semi-finals, with Robson-Kanu notably scoring against Belgium in the quarter-finals.

Club career

[edit]

Reading

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Born in Acton, London,[2] Robson-Kanu began his career at Arsenal as a schoolboy aged 10. He went on to play at Acton Ealing Whistlers for a number of seasons. He was released by the club at 15 and joined Reading after speaking to then Academy manager Brendan Rodgers.[6] After graduating from the Academy he signed his first professional contract in July 2007, penning a two-year deal with the club.[7] The 2007 Peace Cup in South Korea saw Robson-Kanu involved with the Reading senior team for the first time with appearances against River Plate[8] and Shimizu S-Pulse.[9] Steve Coppell's policy of resting first-team players for cup matches saw Robson-Kanu selected on the bench for the first time on 5 January 2008 for the FA Cup third round tie against Tottenham Hotspur, though he remained an unused substitute.[10]

Not in contention for a regular place in the Reading first team, Robson-Kanu's first experience of senior football came on 30 January 2008 when he joined Southend United on loan until the end of the season.[11] He made his debut three days later as a second-half substitute in a 2–2 draw away at Leyton Orient[12] and scored his first career goal against Nottingham Forest.[13] He struck twice more in the next two games against Huddersfield Town and Swansea City and returned to Reading with three goals in eight appearances.[14] Robson-Kanu was again involved in the first team during the 2008–09 pre-season, scoring a goal in a 9–0 win over Didcot Town in July.[15] He re-joined Southend on a month's loan on 21 August 2008[16] and after one goal in six appearances extended his spell for a second month.[17] He returned to Reading on 15 November[18] after his three-month spell came to an end having made 15 appearances, scoring twice, during his second spell at the club.[19]

After returning to Reading he was among the substitutes for the FA Cup third round tie against Cardiff City on 3 January 2009. He would again have to wait to make his debut though, remaining on the bench as Cardiff won the match.[20] On 26 January 2009 he joined Swindon Town on a one-month loan[21] which, after six games, was extended for a further month.[22] Midway through his spell at Swindon, having impressed on loan at the club as well with Southend previously, he signed a new contract with Reading until 2011.[23] He cemented a regular place in the Swindon team and started in all 20 of his appearances for the club before returning to Reading after three months.[19] At the conclusion of his spell Swindon boss Danny Wilson hailed Robson-Kanu and fellow loanee Gordon Greer for their "fantastic impression" which helped the club pull away from relegation.[24]

First-team breakthrough

[edit]
Robson-Kanu playing for Reading in 2013

The 2009–10 season saw Robson-Kanu's former Academy boss Brendan Rodgers take over as Reading manager. He scored five goals during pre-season,[25] including a hat-trick against Jonsereds IF in just 28 minutes during the first game of the tour of Sweden.[26] Robson-Kanu finally made his competitive debut for Reading starting on the right wing in a 0–0 draw with Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the season.[27] He was used mainly as a substitute during his first season, starting just four times in 18 appearances.[28]

The following season saw Robson-Kanu establish himself in the first team setup. He scored his first Reading goal in the League Cup against Northampton Town on 24 August 2010,[29] and followed it with his first league goal in a 3–0 win against Barnsley a month later, having earlier set-up Jimmy Kébé for the second.[30] He continued to feature regularly and finished the season in good goalscoring form, netting four times from March onwards including the winner in a 2–1 wins over Preston North End and Derby County as Reading finished in the play-off positions.[31][32] He came on as a late substitute in the 4–2 play-off final defeat to Swansea[33] but had no time to influence the game and finished the season with six goals in 34 appearances.[31] His contract expired at the end of the season and despite interest from other Championship clubs including Millwall and Portsmouth, he signed a new three-year contract with Reading in July keeping him with the club until 2014.[34]

After the sale of Shane Long in August 2011, Robson-Kanu was played as a forward by Brian McDermott during some of the pre-season, a position he was familiar with from his Academy years. He struck twice playing up front in the warm-up fixtures[35] and began the season in good goalscoring form with two in the first four games against Leicester City and Barnsley.[36] With injuries to both Kebe and Jobi McAnuff during various points of the season, he soon reverted to a role on the wings[37] though his season followed a familiar pattern to previous years as he was in and out the side, playing a supporting role to the two senior wingers. His longest run of starts came in October when he was named on the teamsheet for six consecutive games.[36] He scored twice more during the campaign, including a spectacular volley against Millwall[38] and finished the season having made 37 appearances, the most in his career to date.

In Kébé, McAnuff and new signing Garath McCleary, Robson-Kanu faced stiff competition for places on the wing for Reading's return to the Premier League. With Kébé injured, he was named on the teamsheet on the opening day of the season as Reading came from behind to draw against Stoke City. Limited to a substitutes role over the next three months, he still managed to score twice, in a defeat to Tottenham Hotspur[39] and a 3–3 draw with Fulham.[40] His only two starts came in the League cup, including the 7–5 defeat to Arsenal in October. He had to wait until 17 November for his next league start in Reading's 2–1 win over Everton, their first league victory of the season,[41] and was a regular over the next month, scoring his third goal of the season in the defeat to Manchester United. Despite his goals, Robson-Kanu again had to settle for a place on the bench with two FA Cup matches his only starts for the club between December and March. He scored a late consolation goal coming on as a substitute against Everton on 2 March and returned to the lineup for the following game against Aston Villa.[42]

The game against Villa proved to be Brian McDermott's last in charge and Robson-Kanu, having played only a bit-part role under the former manager, began to feature more prominently with the appointment of Nigel Adkins.[43] He missed just two games under Adkins through a freak knee injury,[44] and with a regular berth on the wing finished the season strongly, scoring against Arsenal, and twice in Reading's 4–2 win over Fulham.[45] Having enjoyed his most prolific season yet, scoring seven times,[42] Robson-Kanu was nominated for Reading Player of the Season. In a fans vote he finished in third place behind Adam Le Fondre and Alex McCarthy, despite all three players starting 13 or fewer league games all season.[46] He signed a new contract in July 2013, keeping him with Reading until June 2016.[47] Reading announced on 9 May 2016, that Robson-Kanu would leave Reading when his contract expired at the end of June 2016.[48]

West Bromwich Albion

[edit]

On 31 August 2016 after reportedly turning down "significant offers" from Asia, Robson-Kanu signed a two-year contract, with the option of a third year, with Premier League side West Bromwich Albion.[49][50] He made his first start of the season on 31 December 2016 in a 2–1 win over Southampton, finishing the game with a goal and an assist.[51]

In July 2017, Robson-Kanu signed a new three-year contract with West Brom.[52] In "The Baggies" second game of the 2017–18 Premier League season against Burnley, Robson-Kanu became only the fourth player in Premier League history to get substituted on, score then get sent off.[53]

After West Brom's relegation from the Premier League in 2018, Robson-Kanu scored twice and assisted once as his team beat Coventry City 5–2 to win the inaugural Regis Shield.[54] He then scored his first league goal of the 2018–19 Championship season in a 4–3 win away at Norwich City.[55] He headed home his fourth league goal of the season away at Aston Villa in a 2–0 away win as West Brom closed in for a promotion place.[56] He missed the playoff campaign after receiving a red card against Derby County on the final day of the season.[57]

On 19 October 2019, the day after signing a contract extension to keep him at the club until 2021, Robson-Kanu came off the bench to score a late winner in a 1–0 away win against Middlesbrough.[58] He scored six goals in nine games between October and December,[59] and ended the season as the team's joint top scorer alongside Charlie Austin with ten, as Slaven Bilić's team won promotion as runners-up.[60]

On 17 May 2021, Robson-Kanu scored his first Premier League goal of the 2020–21 season in a 1–2 home defeat against Liverpool.[61]

On 27 May 2021 it was announced that Robson-Kanu would leave West Bromwich Albion after five years following the conclusion of his contract, having appeared for the club 154 times scoring 24 goals.[62] A year after being released and having failed to find a new club, Robson-Kanu revealed that he left Albion because he felt the club was lacking the direction needed to push for promotion. "I didn't agree with the direction the club was going in," he told the Express & Star 's Baggies Broadcast podcast. "If I was staying there had to be a long-term vision, a project. I didn't want to be in a place where we were languishing in mid-table in the Championship."[63]

International career

[edit]
Robson-Kanu preparing to come on for Wales against Austria in October 2016

Robson-Kanu was born in England to a Nigerian father, and an English mother of Welsh descent.[64] Robson-Kanu initially represented England at international level, making his debut for the under-19 side against Germany in November 2007. He made a second appearance against Croatia the following year before winning one cap for the England under-20s against Montenegro in 2009.[65]

In 2010, he switched to Wales, for which he qualifies through his Caerphilly-born grandmother.[66] The switch came about when Welsh coach Brian Flynn came to the Reading training ground to see Simon Church, and Glen Little jested that Robson-Kanu would be eligible for Wales through going on holiday there. Robson-Kanu told Flynn that the family went to Tenby via picking up his grandmother in Caerphilly, and Flynn asked whether she was born in Wales.[67]

He was first selected in the Wales under-21s squad for the friendly against Austria on 18 May 2010[68] and made his debut in a 1–0 defeat.[69] Robson-Kanu's first cap for the senior team came just five days later, coming on as a second-half substitute for Robert Earnshaw in a 2–0 loss to Croatia.[70] He continued to play for the under-21s after his senior debut and made a further three appearances, scoring twice,[71] with his last appearance coming in a defeat to Italy which ended Wales hopes of qualifying for the European Under-21 Football Championships.[72] He scored his first senior international goal on 22 March 2013 in a 2–1 World Cup qualifying win over Scotland at Hampden Park.[73]

Robson-Kanu gained notoriety when during a friendly game against the Netherlands, his shorts tore and he had to change shorts in the middle of the game, showing off his briefs.[74]

Robson-Kanu played nine games in Wales' successful qualification campaign for UEFA Euro 2016, scoring on 13 October 2014 in their 2–1 home win over Cyprus.[75] After being selected for the final tournament in France, on 11 June he came on as a 71st-minute substitute in place of Jonny Williams during their opener against Slovakia and scored the winner in a 2–1 victory in Bordeaux.[76] He also started as striker in Wales' historic 3–1 quarter-final win on 1 July against Belgium in Lille and, after outwitting three defenders with a Cruyff turn, scored the team's second goal.[77] It was nominated in the FIFA Puskás Award for best goal of the year.[78] Wales were eliminated following a 2–0 defeat to eventual champions Portugal in the semi-final of the tournament on 6 July.[79]

Robson-Kanu then made 9 appearances, scoring once, as Wales failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.[80]

On 29 August 2018, Robson-Kanu announced his retirement from international football.[81] After reversing his decision, he was called up for the matches against Finland and Bulgaria in October 2020.[82]

Robson-Kanu, Tyler Roberts and Rabbi Matondo were all sent home from the Wales squad in March 2021 after breaching COVID-19 protocols.[83] He was not included in Rob Page's squad for UEFA Euro 2020 that May.[84]

Outside football

[edit]

In August 2018, Robson-Kanu founded The Turmeric Co. brand, selling a range of turmeric-based shots made from natural ingredients.[85] Robson-Kanu has hailed turmeric as his 'secret weapon', claiming that using turmeric as a nutritional supplement saved his footballing career and helped him to recover from a cruciate knee ligament rupture.[86]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Reading 2007–08[87] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 — 0 0
2008–09[88] Championship 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2009–10[89] Championship 17 0 1 0 0 0 — 18 0
2010–11[90] Championship 27 5 4 0 1 1 2[a] 0 34 6
2011–12[91] Championship 36 4 1 0 1 0 — 38 4
2012–13[92] Premier League 25 7 3 0 2 0 — 30 7
2013–14[93] Championship 36 4 0 0 1 0 — 37 4
2014–15[94] Championship 29 1 6 3 1 0 — 36 4
2015–16[95] Championship 28 3 5 2 2 0 — 35 5
Total 198 24 20 5 8 1 2 0 228 30
Southend United (loan) 2007–08[87] League One 8 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 3
2008–09[88] League One 14 2 0 0 0 0 1[b] 0 15 2
Total 22 5 0 0 0 0 1 0 23 5
Swindon Town (loan) 2008–09[88] League One 20 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 4
West Bromwich Albion 2016–17[96] Premier League 29 3 1 0 0 0 — 30 3
2017–18[97] Premier League 21 2 2 0 1 0 — 23 2
2018–19[98] Championship 35 4 3 0 2 0 — 40 4
2019–20[99] Championship 39 10 0 0 0 0 — 39 10
2020–21[100] Premier League 19 2 0 0 2 3 — 21 5
Total 143 21 6 0 5 3 — 154 24
Career total 383 54 26 5 13 4 3 0 425 63
  1. ^ Appearances in Championship play-offs
  2. ^ Appearance in Football League Trophy

International

[edit]

Source:[101]

Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Wales 2010 2 0
2011 3 0
2012 6 0
2013 8 1
2014 5 1
2015 6 0
2016 9 2
2017 5 1
2020 1 0
2021 1 0
Total 46 5
As of match played 27 March 2021[102]
Scores and results list Wales' goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Robson-Kanu goal.
List of international goals scored by Hal Robson-Kanu
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 22 March 2013 Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland 13  Scotland 2–1 2–1 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
2 13 October 2014 Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales 23  Cyprus 2–0 2–1 UEFA Euro 2016 qualification
3 11 June 2016 Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France 31  Slovakia 2–1 2–1 UEFA Euro 2016
4 1 July 2016 Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France 34  Belgium 2–1 3–1 UEFA Euro 2016
5 5 September 2017 Zimbru Stadium, Chișinău, Moldova 42  Moldova 1–0 2–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification

Honours

[edit]

Reading

West Bromwich Albion

Individual

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Hal Robson-Kanu

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from Grokipedia
Thomas Hal Robson-Kanu (born 21 May 1989) is a former professional footballer who represented Wales internationally as a forward and is now an entrepreneur in the health and wellness sector.[1][2] Born in London to a Welsh grandmother, he began his youth career at Arsenal before joining Reading in 2004, where he made over 200 appearances across all competitions after turning professional in 2007.[1] His club career included loans to Southend United and Swindon Town, before signing permanently with West Bromwich Albion in 2016, where he played until his retirement in July 2021, amassing 94 Premier League appearances and 14 goals.[3] Robson-Kanu's international breakthrough came at UEFA Euro 2016, where he scored three goals in Wales' historic run to the semi-finals, including a memorable Cruyff turn and volley against Belgium in the quarter-finals that earned him the tournament's Goal of the Quarter-finals award.[4][5] He earned 46 caps for Wales from 2010 to 2021, having retired from international duty in August 2018 before returning in 2020, though he was omitted from the Euro 2020 squad. Standing at 1.83 metres (6 ft 0 in), he was known for his versatility as a centre-forward or winger, physical presence, and technical skill despite injury challenges, including two cruciate ligament tears.[1][2] Since retiring from football, Robson-Kanu has focused on business, co-founding The Turmeric Co. in 2018 with his father, Rechi, inspired by a turmeric-based remedy developed in 2006 to aid his injury recovery and enable a pain-free career.[2] As CEO, he has grown the direct-to-consumer health brand to employ over 60 staff, achieve 100% year-on-year growth in 2023, and reach 250,000 customers with its anti-inflammatory supplement products. In July 2025, AG Barr acquired a majority stake in the company for £15 million to support global expansion.[6]

Early life

Family background

Thomas Henry Alex Robson-Kanu, known as Hal Robson-Kanu, was born on 21 May 1989 in Acton, a district in West London, England.[7] His mother, Eva, is English with Welsh ancestry, while his father, Rechi Kanu, is a Nigerian lawyer based in London.[8] This mixed heritage—combining English, Welsh, and Nigerian roots—shaped his early identity, providing him with a multifaceted cultural perspective from a young age.[9] Robson-Kanu's eligibility to represent Wales internationally stemmed from his Welsh grandmother on his mother's side, a connection that allowed him to qualify under FIFA's rules for players with grandparental ties to a nation.[10] Although born and raised in England, this familial link to Wales became a pivotal aspect of his personal and sporting narrative, distinguishing him from peers with solely English backgrounds.[11] His parents' support in researching nutritional alternatives for pain relief and recovery foreshadowed his later entrepreneurial pursuits in the wellness industry.[12] This environment, combined with the diverse cultural influences of London's multicultural setting and his blended family dynamics, contributed to a formative period marked by resilience and openness to varied traditions.[9]

Youth football development

Robson-Kanu began his organized football journey by joining Arsenal as a schoolboy in 1999 at the age of 10, where he progressed through the club's youth ranks over the next five years.[13][1] Despite showing promise in the academy system, he was released by Arsenal in 2004 at age 15, a setback that prompted him to seek opportunities elsewhere.[1][14] Following his departure from Arsenal, Robson-Kanu joined Reading's academy later in 2004 after a conversation with then-academy manager Brendan Rodgers, who played a key role in his recruitment.[13][15] Shortly after arriving, at just 15 years old, he suffered his first anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which severely tested his resolve and sidelined him for an extended period.[14][16] Compounding the challenge, he ruptured the ligament in his left knee again just 12 months later while still in Reading's youth setup, resulting in nearly three years of limited play and raising serious doubts about his professional future.[14][17] These injuries nearly derailed his career entirely, but with dedicated rehabilitation, he overcame them to continue developing in the academy.[13] Supported briefly by his family's exploration of natural remedies, including homemade turmeric blends prepared by his father to manage pain and inflammation, Robson-Kanu focused on rebuilding his fitness.[14][12] Post-recovery, he contributed to Reading's under-18 team, demonstrating resilience and skill that led to him signing his first professional contract with the club in the summer of 2007 at age 18.[13] This milestone marked a pivotal step in his youth development, validating his perseverance through adversity under Rodgers' guidance.[13]

Club career

Reading (2004–2016)

Robson-Kanu joined Reading's academy in 2004 at the age of 15, having been released by Arsenal, and after recovering from two cruciate ligament injuries that sidelined him for over two years, he signed his first professional contract in July 2007.[13][18] To gain first senior experience, Robson-Kanu was loaned to Southend United for two spells in 2008, making 22 appearances and scoring 5 goals in League One.[19] In January 2009, he moved on loan to Swindon Town until the end of the season, where he recorded 20 appearances and 4 goals in League One.[19][20] Upon returning, Robson-Kanu made his Reading first-team debut as a substitute on 8 August 2009 in a 0–0 Championship draw against Nottingham Forest.[13][21] He featured sporadically in the 2009–10 season with 17 appearances but no goals, before beginning to establish himself the following year.[19] Robson-Kanu's form improved in the 2010–11 Championship season, where he scored 5 goals in 27 appearances, signaling his growing importance to the squad.[19] This momentum carried into 2011–12, his breakthrough campaign, as he made 36 appearances and netted 4 goals while contributing to key victories in Reading's title-winning run that secured promotion to the Premier League.[19][22] In Reading's 2012–13 Premier League return, Robson-Kanu delivered his most prolific spell at the club, scoring 7 goals in 25 appearances despite the team's eventual relegation after finishing 19th.[19] Back in the Championship from 2013 to 2016, Robson-Kanu provided consistent depth across three seasons, appearing in 93 matches and scoring 8 goals as Reading stabilized in mid-table.[19] In total, he recorded 228 appearances and 30 goals for Reading's first team over his senior tenure.[19][13] Versatile as both a forward and winger, Robson-Kanu often operated on the left flank or centrally, offering pace and crossing ability that proved valuable during Reading's cycles of promotion and Premier League survival struggles.[23][17] His contract expired on 1 July 2016, allowing him to depart as a free agent after 12 years with the club.[24]

West Bromwich Albion (2016–2021)

Robson-Kanu joined West Bromwich Albion on a free transfer on 31 August 2016, signing an initial two-year contract following his departure from Reading. His performances at UEFA Euro 2016 with Wales had elevated his profile, facilitating the move to the Premier League club. The contract included an option for an additional year, which was later activated.[25] In July 2017, Robson-Kanu extended his deal until 2020, committing to the club amid their mid-table Premier League standing. He featured regularly in the 2016–17 season, making 29 appearances and scoring 5 goals in the league, including his first for West Brom—a spectacular volley in a 2–1 victory over Southampton on 31 December 2016. Another extension followed in October 2019, securing his stay until the end of the 2020–21 season.[26][27][28] West Brom suffered relegation from the Premier League in 2017–18, finishing 20th, with Robson-Kanu contributing 2 goals in 21 league appearances that season. In the subsequent seasons, he demonstrated consistency, with key contributions in the Championship including 10 goals in 39 appearances during the 2019–20 campaign that earned promotion. His role as a versatile forward became integral to the team's promotion push.[29] The 2019–20 season marked Robson-Kanu's most productive period at West Brom, where he scored 10 goals in 39 Championship appearances, sharing the team's top-scoring honors and playing a key role in their runner-up finish, which earned automatic promotion back to the Premier League via the play-off final victory over Fulham. This campaign highlighted his aerial prowess and finishing ability in a competitive second-tier environment. Returning to the Premier League in 2020–21, Robson-Kanu faced significant injury setbacks, including a broken arm and elbow surgery that sidelined him for extended periods. Limited to 19 appearances and 2 goals, his contributions were curtailed as West Brom were relegated once more. The club released him on 27 May 2021 at age 32, ending a five-year spell that saw 154 total appearances and 24 goals.[30][31][32] In 2023, Robson-Kanu publicly offered to come out of retirement and join Wrexham on a free transfer, donating any salary to charity, but the move did not materialize.[33]

International career

Youth internationals

Born in Acton, London, England, Robson-Kanu was eligible to represent England at youth international level.[7] He made his debut for the England under-19 team in a friendly against Germany on 14 November 2007, coming on as a substitute in a 1–0 defeat.[34] This was followed by a second appearance for the under-19s against Croatia on 5 February 2008, where he started in a 2–0 victory at Swansea's Liberty Stadium, though he did not score in either match.[35] Robson-Kanu earned a single cap for the England under-20 team on 11 August 2009, substituting in during a 5–0 friendly win over Montenegro at The Hawthorns, again without finding the net.[36] By 2010, having concluded his brief England youth career with three caps and no goals overall, Robson-Kanu opted to pursue opportunities with Wales, qualifying through his grandmother's Welsh heritage from Caerphilly.[37][38]

Wales senior team

Robson-Kanu made his senior debut for Wales on 23 May 2010 in a friendly match against Croatia, coming on as a substitute in a 0–2 defeat but not scoring.[17] Over the course of his international career from 2010 to 2021, he earned 46 caps and scored 5 goals for the senior team.[39] Robson-Kanu played a key role in Wales' successful UEFA Euro 2016 qualification campaign, featuring in nine matches and scoring once as the team topped their group to reach the tournament for the first time since 1958.[17] At the finals in France, he appeared in all four of Wales' matches during their group stage progression to the knockout rounds, scoring the winner against Slovakia in a 2–1 victory that secured top spot in Group B. His most memorable contribution came in the quarter-finals against Belgium on 1 July 2016, where he scored an iconic solo goal in the 55th minute—a Cruyff turn followed by a low finish past Thibaut Courtois—to give Wales a 2–1 lead in their 3–1 win, propelling them to the semi-finals for the first time in a major tournament.[5] His other international goals came in a 2–1 World Cup qualifying win over Scotland on 22 March 2013, a 2–1 Euro 2016 qualifying victory against Cyprus on 13 October 2014, and a 2–0 World Cup qualifying win against Moldova on 5 September 2017.[40][41][42] On 29 August 2018, after 34 caps, he announced his retirement from international football to focus on club commitments, though he briefly returned in 2020 under manager Ryan Giggs for World Cup qualifiers; however, he was excluded from the Euro 2020 squad in May 2021.[43][44] During Wales' golden era, Robson-Kanu contributed significantly under managers Chris Coleman, who led the team to Euro 2016 semi-finals, and Ryan Giggs, providing versatility as a forward and helping maintain competitiveness in subsequent qualifiers despite injury setbacks.[45]

Post-playing career

Retirement from football

Hal Robson-Kanu was released by West Bromwich Albion on 27 May 2021, concluding his professional playing career at the age of 32 without securing any subsequent contracts. His decision to retire was influenced by a series of accumulating injuries, notably two cruciate ligament tears in his teenage years that led to chronic inflammation and persistent knee pain, which he managed through natural remedies such as turmeric-based blends rather than surgery.[46][47] Additionally, Robson-Kanu expressed a desire to prioritize time with his family and pursue business ventures outside of football.[46] In April 2023, amid Wrexham AFC's promotion push in the National League, Robson-Kanu publicly offered to come out of retirement and play for the club, proposing to donate his salary to a fan-chosen charity; the offer was not taken up.[48][49] Reflecting on his career, Robson-Kanu highlighted its longevity despite early injury setbacks, attributing his endurance to innovative recovery methods that allowed him to accumulate 382 club appearances and score 63 goals over 14 professional seasons.[50][46]

Business and other activities

Following his retirement from professional football, Hal Robson-Kanu co-founded The Turmeric Co. in 2018 alongside his father, drawing inspiration from the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric that had personally aided his recovery from chronic knee injuries sustained during his athletic career.[2] The company specializes in wellness products, including turmeric-based shots and supplements designed to promote natural health benefits such as reduced inflammation and enhanced recovery.[51] As CEO, Robson-Kanu has led the brand's expansion, overseeing the launch of a range of functional drinks and nutritional supplements that emphasize fresh, science-backed ingredients.[52] The Turmeric Co. experienced significant growth, reaching an estimated 250,000 customers by 2024 through direct-to-consumer sales and partnerships focused on health and wellness.[2] This momentum continued into 2025, when the company secured a £15 million investment from AG Barr plc, which acquired a majority stake to accelerate international expansion and product development in the functional beverages sector.[53] Under Robson-Kanu's leadership, the business has prioritized evidence-based formulations, positioning itself as a competitor to larger sports nutrition brands by highlighting turmeric's role in athlete performance and everyday health.[51] Beyond his entrepreneurial role, Robson-Kanu has engaged in public speaking, delivering keynotes on topics such as business resilience, the transition from professional sports, and holistic wellness strategies; for instance, he spoke at the White Label World Expo in 2025 about scaling health-focused brands.[54] He has also contributed to philanthropy, supporting initiatives in youth sports access and health education, including collaborations with foundations like the Palace for Life Foundation to fund community events that promote physical activity and nutrition awareness.[55] Additionally, Robson-Kanu has made media appearances in outlets such as New Food Magazine and podcasts like Business of Sport, where he discusses the intersection of his athletic background with natural health advocacy.[47]

Career statistics

Club statistics

Robson-Kanu's club career encompassed 428 appearances and 66 goals across various competitions.[3]

Appearances and goals by season and club

SeasonClubAppearancesGoals
2007–08Southend United (loan)83
2008–09Southend United (loan)142
2008–09Swindon Town (loan)204
2009–10Reading180
2010–11Reading346
2011–12Reading384
2012–13Reading307
2013–14Reading374
2014–15Reading364
2015–16Reading355
2016–17West Bromwich Albion305
2017–18West Bromwich Albion242
2018–19West Bromwich Albion404
2019–20West Bromwich Albion3910
2020–21West Bromwich Albion213
Club totals:
Southend United (loan): 22 appearances, 5 goals
Swindon Town (loan): 20 appearances, 4 goals
Reading: 228 appearances, 30 goals
West Bromwich Albion: 154 appearances, 24 goals [3]

Breakdown by competition

CompetitionAppearancesGoals
Premier League9414
Championship24731
League One429
FA Cup265
EFL Cup134
Play-offs43
Total42866
[3]

International statistics

Robson-Kanu represented England at youth level, earning 2 caps for the under-19 team in 2007 and 2008 without scoring, followed by 1 cap for the under-20 team in 2009, also goalless.[1][56] He switched allegiance to Wales in 2010 and made his senior debut on 23 May 2010 against Croatia in a friendly. Over his international career with Wales from 2010 to 2021, he accumulated 46 caps and scored 5 goals.[39][57] The table below summarizes his senior appearances and goals by competition:
CompetitionAppearancesGoals
Friendlies120
UEFA European Championship qualifiers111
FIFA World Cup qualifiers172
UEFA Nations League10
UEFA European Championship52
Total465
[39] During Wales' run to the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2016, Robson-Kanu made 5 appearances and scored 2 goals, including the winner against Slovakia in the group stage and a memorable volley in the quarter-final victory over Belgium.[58] Across all international levels, Robson-Kanu recorded 49 caps and 5 goals.[39]

Honours

Club honours

During his time at Reading, Robson-Kanu was part of the squad that won the EFL Championship title in the 2011–12 season, securing promotion to the Premier League.[59] He featured prominently, making 35 appearances and scoring 4 goals in the league campaign, helping the team clinch the championship with a record 89 points.[31] Later, with West Bromwich Albion, Robson-Kanu contributed to the team's runners-up finish in the EFL Championship during the 2019–20 season, earning automatic promotion to the Premier League.[60] As one of the club's joint-top scorers that year, he netted 10 goals in 39 league appearances, playing a key role in their attacking output of 77 goals across the season.[31] These achievements represent the primary team successes in Robson-Kanu's club career, with no other major honours won at club level.

International achievements

Hal Robson-Kanu played a key role in Wales' qualification for UEFA Euro 2016, appearing in eight matches during the campaign where the team topped Group B with six wins and two draws, securing their first major tournament appearance since the 1958 FIFA World Cup.[61] He scored the winning goal in a 2–1 home victory over Cyprus on 13 October 2014, contributing to the side's strong performance under manager Chris Coleman.[62] At Euro 2016, Robson-Kanu emerged as a standout performer for Wales, who reached the semi-finals for the first time in their history. He came off the bench to score the opening goal in a 2–1 group-stage win against Slovakia on 11 June 2016.[63] In the quarter-final against Belgium on 1 July 2016, his second-half strike—a memorable Cruyff turn and volley that made it 2–0—proved pivotal in Wales' 3–1 upset victory, propelling them to the last four where they lost 2–0 to Portugal.[5] The goal, nominated for the FIFA Puskás Award, highlighted his impact as a substitute forward in the tournament.[45] Robson-Kanu was part of Wales' "golden generation" that achieved the nation's highest-ever FIFA ranking of eighth in October 2015, fueled by their unbeaten run in the early stages of Euro 2016 qualifying.[64] Over 46 international appearances, he scored five goals, with no major trophies won but lasting recognition for helping Wales' historic breakthroughs in major tournaments.[44]

References

  1. Hal Robson-Kanu - Player profile - Transfermarkt
  2. Meet the ex-footballer who created one of the UK's fastest-growing ...
  3. https://www.transfermarkt.com/hal-robson-kanu/leistungsdaten/spieler/65976
  4. Robson-Kanu wins Goal of the Quarter-finals | UEFA EURO 2016
  5. Robson-Kanu's Wales stunner against Belgium | Video History
  6. Hal Robson-Kanu - Player profile - Transfermarkt
  7. Wales' hero striker Hal Robson-Kanu lived next to Princess Di and ...
  8. Thomas 'Hal' Robson-Kanu: “Celebrate your heritage, but it doesn't ...
  9. Welsh soccer heroes who were born in England! - Daily Mail
  10. Hal Robson-Kanu - Age, Family, Bio | Famous Birthdays
  11. Hal Robson-Kanu: Wales star giving health drinks business his best ...
  12. Thomas Hal Robson-Kanu on maintaining physical and mental health
  13. 17. Hal Robson-Kanu - Reading FC
  14. Hal Robson-Kanu was almost robbed of his career before it had begun
  15. How Reading persuaded Arsenal striker left 'in tears' to join club and ...
  16. Hal Robson-Kanu: West Brom forward reveals influence ... - Sky Sports
  17. Hal Robson-Kanu: from being released by Arsenal to playing at ...
  18. Robson-Kanu's recovery process: 'Do as I'm told, work hard, build ...
  19. Hal Robson-Kanu - Detailed stats - Transfermarkt
  20. Swindon Town FC - Profile - Hal ROBSON-KANU - TownEnders.com
  21. Championship | Reading 0-0 Nottm Forest - BBC SPORT | Football
  22. A season to remember - Reading FC
  23. Powered by turmeric and 'built like Mr Universe' – why Robson-Kanu ...
  24. Good luck to Hal Robson-Kanu - A huge talent flawed by frustrating ...
  25. West Brom sign Wales striker Hal Robson-Kanu on two-year deal
  26. Hal Robson-Kanu: West Bromwich Albion striker signs deal until 2020
  27. Southampton 1-2 West Brom: Hal Robson-Kanu stunner downs Saints
  28. Hal Robson-Kanu: Former Wales striker extends West Brom contract ...
  29. Hal Robson-Kanu - Career stats - Transfermarkt
  30. Hal Robson-Kanu - Injury history - Transfermarkt
  31. Hal Robson-Kanu Stats, Goals, Records, Assists, Cups and more
  32. Albion announce retained and released lists | West Bromwich Albion
  33. Gareth Bale turns down offer to join Wrexham next season - ESPN
  34. Germany U19 - England U19, Nov 14, 2007 - International ...
  35. England U19 - Croatia U19, Feb 5, 2008 - International Friendlies
  36. England v Montenegro, 11 August 2009 - 11v11 match report
  37. The star interview: Hal Robson-Kanu | West Bromwich Albion
  38. Euro 2016: Portugal's Pepe does not daunt Wales' Hal Robson-Kanu
  39. Hal Robson-Kanu - National team - Transfermarkt
  40. Moldova 0-2 Wales - BBC Sport
  41. Wales' Hal Robson-Kanu announces international retirement - ESPN
  42. Hal Robson-Kanu: West Brom forward left out of Wales Euro 2020 ...
  43. Hal Robson-Kanu on Wales' incredible Euro 2016 & that goal vs ...
  44. Hal Robson-Kanu: 'I've not played a professional game in a year, but ...
  45. Football's secret weapon: Robson-Kanu talks food as medicine
  46. Former Wales forward Robson-Kanu offers his services to Wrexham
  47. Wales Euro idol Hal Robson-Kanu makes fresh plea to play for ...
  48. Hal Robson-Kanu | Football Stats | No Club | Age 36 - Soccerbase
  49. The Turmeric Co. has science strategy to compete with big sports ...
  50. Thomas “Hal” Robson-Kanu On Scaling Up The Turmeric Co. | BDO
  51. AG Barr invests £15m in footballer Hal Robson-Kanu's Turmeric Co
  52. Thomas Hal Robson-Kanu, CEO of The Turmeric Co. is keynote ...
  53. Palace for Life Foundation team up with The Turmeric Co. for Bike to ...
  54. England's Players - Appearing for Other National Teams
  55. Hal Robson-Kanu (Player) - National Football Teams
  56. History: Wales 3-1 Belgium | UEFA EURO 2016
  57. Honours & Records - Reading FC
  58. Club Honours | West Bromwich Albion
  59. Joy in Bosnia defeat as Wales make history to qualify for Euro 2016
  60. Hal Robson-Kanu – the unsung hero of Wales' Euro 2016 qualifying ...
  61. EURO 2016 highlights: Wales 3-1 Belgium | Video History - UEFA.com
  62. Wales soar to eighth in latest Fifa world rankings - The Guardian
  63. Hal Robson-Kanu: West Brom striker reveals reason for Wales return
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