Ian Edward Wright, born on 3 November 1963, is a renowned English television and radio personality and former professional footballer. His journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a football legend and later a media personality is both inspiring and fascinating. Here is a timeline of his significant events, milestones, and their significance.
Birth
3 November 1963
Ian Wright was born in Woolwich, London, to a family that faced numerous challenges. His father left when he was just 18 months old, leaving his mother to raise him and his siblings alone.
Professional Football Debut
1985
Wright began his professional football career at the age of 21 by signing with Greenwich Borough, a semi-professional team. His talent quickly caught the eye of scouts, leading to his transfer to Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace
1985-1991
During his six years at Crystal Palace, Wright scored 117 goals in 277 appearances, becoming a fan favorite and the club's post-war record goalscorer. His impressive performance earned him a transfer to Arsenal in 1991.
Transfer to Arsenal
1991
Wright signed for Arsenal in September 1991 for a then-club record fee of £2.5 million. He scored on his debut against Leicester City in a League Cup tie and went on to win the Golden Boot in his first full season.
Arsenal Career
1991-1998
Wright became Arsenal's all-time leading goal scorer in 1997, surpassing Cliff Bastin's record of 178 goals. He helped Arsenal win the Premier League title in the 1997-98 season, two FA Cups, and a League Cup.
Later Football Career
1998-2000
After leaving Arsenal, Wright played for West Ham United, Nottingham Forest, Celtic, and Burnley before officially retiring in 2000.
Media Career
2001
Wright joined BBC Radio 5 to co-host 'The Wright & Bright Show' with former Crystal Palace teammate Mark Bright, marking the beginning of his media career.
Crystal Palace Honors
2005
Wright was voted into Crystal Palace's Centenary XI and named as their 'Player of The Century' in recognition of his contributions to the club.
BT Sport
2013
Wright joined BT Sport as a studio analyst for their coverage of the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, and UEFA Europa League.
Amazon Original Series
2021
Wright appeared in the Amazon Original sports docuseries 'All or Nothing: Arsenal', which documented the club's 2021-22 season.
Match of the Day Boycott
2023
Wright announced he would boycott the next broadcast of 'Match of the Day' in solidarity with presenter Gary Lineker, who stepped back from his duties amid a row over comments criticizing the government's immigration policies.
