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Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish
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Jack Peter Grealish (born 10 September 1995) is an English professional footballer who plays as a winger or attacking midfielder for Premier League club Everton, on loan from Manchester City, and the England national team.

Key Information

Grealish joined Aston Villa at the age of six, and made his debut for the club in May 2014, following a loan at Notts County, becoming club captain in 2019. In 2021, Grealish was signed by Manchester City in a transfer deal worth £100 million, making him at the time, the most expensive British player ever. In his first season with the club, he won a Premier League title, before securing a continental treble in his second campaign.

Born in England and having Irish ancestry, Grealish was eligible to represent either England or the Republic of Ireland internationally. He was capped by the Republic of Ireland up to under-21 level before confirming his decision to play for England in April 2016. Grealish played for the England under-21s for the first time in May 2016, winning the 2016 Toulon Tournament. He represented the senior side at UEFA Euro 2020 and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Early life

[edit]

Jack Peter Grealish[2] was born on 10 September 1995[3] in Birmingham, West Midlands,[4] and raised in nearby Solihull.[5] He attended Our Lady of Compassion Roman Catholic Primary School and St Peter's Roman Catholic Secondary School in Blossomfield, Solihull.[6]

Grealish is of Irish descent, through his maternal grandfather from County Dublin, his paternal grandfather from Gort, County Galway, and his paternal grandmother from Sneem, County Kerry.[7][8][9] Influenced by his Irish heritage, Grealish played Gaelic football for John Mitchel's Hurling and Camogie Club of Warwickshire GAA between the ages of 10 and 14. He competed against former Aston Villa and current Newcastle United defender Aoife Mannion, a school classmate of his, at Gaelic football.[10]

Grealish's younger brother, Keelan, died of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in April 2000 at the age of nine months.[11]

Club career

[edit]

Aston Villa

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Having started at Highgate United,[12] Aston Villa fan Grealish joined the club as a six-year-old.[8][9][13] At the age of 16, he was named as an unused substitute in a 4–2 home Premier League defeat against Chelsea on 31 March 2012.[14] Grealish was part of the club's under-19 team that won the 2012–13 NextGen Series.[15]

2013–2014: Loan to Notts County

[edit]

On 13 September 2013, Grealish joined League One club Notts County on a youth loan until 13 January 2014.[16] The 18-year-old made his professional debut the following day, coming on as a 59th-minute substitute for David Bell in a 3–1 away defeat to Milton Keynes Dons.[17][18] On 7 December, he scored his first career goal, beating three defenders to score the last goal in a 3–1 win over Gillingham at Meadow Lane, and followed this a week later by opening a 4–0 victory at Colchester United.[19][20] Grealish extended his loan with Notts County on 17 January 2014 until the end of the season.[21] He ended his loan with five goals and seven assists in 38 appearances.[8]

2014–2016: Development and maturation

[edit]
Grealish playing for Aston Villa in 2014

Following his loan with Notts County, Grealish returned to Aston Villa and made his club debut on 7 May 2014, coming on as an 88th-minute substitute for Ryan Bertrand in a 4–0 away defeat to Manchester City in the Premier League.[22] Grealish made his first start in a Football League Cup third round tie on 27 August against Leyton Orient at Villa Park, which his team lost 1–0. He played the full 90 minutes.[23] With his contract due to expire in the summer of 2015, he was offered a new four-year deal by the club in September 2014.[13] On 14 October, Grealish signed a new four-year contract with Aston Villa.[24]

On 7 March 2015, in the sixth round of the FA Cup, a 2–0 home win over West Bromwich Albion, Grealish replaced Charles N'Zogbia after 74 minutes, and was sent off for a second booking for diving in added time.[25] On 7 April, Grealish started his first match for Aston Villa in the Premier League, a 3–3 home draw against Queens Park Rangers in which his performance was highly praised.[26] On 18 April, in the FA Cup semi-final against Liverpool at Wembley Stadium, Grealish played a part in both of Villa's goals including assisting Fabian Delph's winner, as they came from behind to advance to the final.[27] On 30 May, Grealish played for the entirety of the 2015 FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium, as Villa lost 4–0 to Arsenal.[28]

In April 2015, Grealish was warned by Aston Villa manager Tim Sherwood after The Sun published images showing him allegedly inhaling nitrous oxide for recreational purposes. Sherwood said that "We can't condone that behaviour. He is now in a responsible position as a professional footballer, he's got to make sure it won't happen again".[29] Sherwood later said in May 2015 that Grealish was learning from his friendship with his midfield partner, the experienced Joe Cole. Sherwood considered Cole a role model for Grealish when concealing his private life, as he "didn't read too much about Joe being on the front pages".[30]

Grealish scored his first goal for Villa on 13 September 2015, a 20-yard shot to open the scoring away to Leicester City; however, his team lost 3–2.[31] In November, he chose to stay in North West England and go clubbing after Villa's 4–0 loss to Everton. New manager Rémi Garde punished him for this decision by making Grealish train with the under-21 team, and stated that "You have to behave as a professional and it was not the case this time for Jack".[32] He returned to full training on 8 December.[33] On 7 January 2016, Leeds United head coach Steve Evans said that Villa had rejected an enquiry to take Grealish on loan.[34]

Villa finished the season in last place, ending their status as Premier League ever-presents. Grealish played 16 matches, all defeats, breaking a record for worst season previously held by Sunderland's Sean Thornton, who lost in all 11 of his appearances in 2002–03.[35]

2016–2019: Injury and regained form

[edit]

In September, Villa opened an internal disciplinary investigation after reports that Grealish was at a party at a Birmingham hotel which had to be shut down by the police in the early morning. In response, owner Tony Xia wrote on Twitter that Grealish had to focus on and off the pitch, and associate with the right people.[36] In October, he was suspended for three matches after accepting a charge of violent conduct following a stamp on Conor Coady in Villa's 1–1 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers.[37]

On 29 July 2017, during a pre-season friendly against Watford, while challenging for a ball in the air near the Watford box, the 21-year-old collided with Watford midfielder Tom Cleverley. The collision caused him to be rushed to the Heartlands Hospital in Birmingham where he went through surgery.[38] It was later revealed that he had been elbowed by Cleverley, causing a ruptured kidney, and leaving him sidelined for three months as he recovered before making his return as a second-half substitute for Glenn Whelan in a 2–1 home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday on 4 November.[39] In an interview with the Daily Mirror in May 2018, he revealed that the injury had been life-threatening.[40]

In the summer of 2018, following Villa's loss in the play-off final to Fulham which saw them miss out on promotion to the Premier League and with his contract due to expire in September, Grealish was linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur but it failed and he remained at the club.

On 24 September, Grealish signed a new five-year contract with Villa until 2023.

After former captain John Terry departed the club and club captain James Chester and vice-captain Alan Hutton suffered injuries, Grealish was given the captaincy in March 2019 which he retained for the remainder of the season. On 22 April 2019, the team amassed a club record 10 consecutive league wins following a 1–0 home victory over Millwall, in the second of which Grealish was punched from behind by a pitch invader during the Second City derby match away to Birmingham City. Later in the second half, Grealish scored to give Villa a 1–0 victory.[41] Paul Mitchell, 27, from Rubery, was sent to prison for 14 weeks for pitch encroachment and assault.[42][43] This form granted Villa a place in the play-offs where victories over West Bromwich Albion over two semi-final legs via a penalty shootout and Derby County in the final gained them promotion to the Premier League after an absence of three years.[44]

2019–2021: Club captaincy, talisman and individual success

[edit]

Following Aston Villa's return to the Premier League, with Chester still injured and the departure of Hutton, Grealish was announced as the new club captain.

Grealish's first goal of the 2019–20 season came in the second round of the 2019–20 EFL Cup against Crewe Alexandra on 27 August 2019.[45] His first Premier League goal of Aston Villa's return season came on 5 October, netting his side's third goal in a 5–1 away win over Norwich City. The result lifted the club out of the bottom three and leapfrogged their opponents in the Premier League table.[46]

In March 2020, the 2019-20 Premier League season was suspended, due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Kingdom.[47] During that enforced break, it was revealed that Grealish had violated government guidance to stay home. He accepted that his actions were "wrong and entirely unnecessary" and was fined by the club.[48]

Grealish was fouled 167 times across the season; this was the most fouls won by a player in a single Premier League campaign, with Grealish passing the record with over eight matches remaining in the season.[49] On 26 July 2020, he scored on the final day, as Aston Villa clinched survival in the Premier League with a 1–1 draw against West Ham United, as their relegation rivals Watford lost 3–2 to Arsenal.[50] At the club's end of season awards, Grealish was voted the Villa's Player of the Season by both the supporters and his fellow players.[51] He also finished the season as the club's leading goalscorer with eight goals in the Premier League and 10 in all competitions.[51]

On 15 September, Grealish signed a new five-year contract with Villa until 2025.[52] He scored his first league goal of the campaign in Villa's second match on 28 September; the first goal in a 3–0 win at newly promoted Fulham.[53] On 4 October, he scored twice and provided three assists in a 7–2 home victory over Liverpool.[54] It was Liverpool's heaviest defeat in 57 years and was the first time in Premier League history that a reigning champion had conceded seven goals in a single match.[55] It took almost a month for Grealish to score again, when he netted a 97th-minute goal against Southampton, although it was not enough as Villa lost 4–3.[56]

Manchester City

[edit]

2021–2022: Transfer and emergence

[edit]
Grealish playing for Manchester City in 2021

On 5 August 2021, Manchester City announced that they had signed Grealish on a six-year contract that would run until June 2027.[57] It was reported by numerous outlets that the transfer fee paid to Aston Villa was for the amount of £100 million, which at the time constituted the most expensive transfer of an English player ever, as well as the highest fee ever paid by a British club.[58][59] Grealish was given the number 10 shirt by the team which had previously been worn by striker Sergio Agüero, who departed from City the month prior after ten seasons with the team.[60] Grealish made his debut for City in a 1–0 defeat against Tottenham Hotspur on the first matchday of the 2021–22 Premier League.[61] On 21 August, he scored his first goal for the club in a 5–0 win over Norwich City.[62] Grealish would score on his UEFA Champions League debut on 15 September, putting City 4–2 up in an eventual 6–3 group stage victory against RB Leipzig. He also assisted Nathan Aké's goal for City's opener.[63] In December 2021, Grealish and teammate Phil Foden were dropped for a game against Newcastle after a nightclub visit.[64]

Although he finished the campaign with a Premier League title, Grealish admitted difficulties in his debut season at Manchester City, stating that adapting to the club's style of play had been "much more difficult" than he imagined,[65] despite the fact that City manager Pep Guardiola believed he was successfully fulfilling his role.[66] Grealish was later defended from his critics by his teammate Kevin De Bruyne, who voiced his belief that Grealish was an easy target for criticism because of the media spotlight on English players.[67] Moreover, İlkay Gündoğan claimed that Grealish was "so misunderstood by some of the media".[68]

2022–2023: Breakthrough and continental treble

[edit]

On 17 September 2022, Grealish scored his first goal of the 2022–23 season in an away victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers, coming after just 55 seconds.[69] Grealish netted the opener of City's eventual 2–1 derby defeat against Manchester United on 14 January 2023.[70] On 15 February, he scored in a 3–1 away victory against league leaders Arsenal to help City overtake them in the Premier League title race.[71] Grealish assisted Riyad Mahrez for City's goal against RB Leipzig in the 2022–23 Champions League round of 16 first leg on 22 February 2023, and was later lauded as "impossible to play against" by both Rio Ferdinand and Owen Hargreaves.[72] Grealish was highly commended for his performance against Liverpool on 1 April, in which Manchester City won 4–1 after going a goal behind;[73][74] in the match, he scored and also provided an assist for Julián Álvarez.[75] Following a 1–1 draw away to Real Madrid in the first leg of the Champions League semi-finals, it was calculated at this point that Grealish had created 35 chances in that season's Champions League alone; this was the most on record by an English player in a single season.[76] In the return leg, Grealish was a standout performer as City beat Madrid 4–0 at home, being described by Jamie Jackson of The Guardian as "scintillating".[77]

On 20 May 2023, Grealish won his second consecutive Premier League title after Arsenal lost 1–0 to Nottingham Forest.[78] Manchester City lifted the trophy the following day.[79] On 3 June, Grealish started in City's victory against Manchester United in the final of the FA Cup.[80] Grealish later spoke of how the achievement was the "stuff you dream of when you're a little kid".[81] One week later, he played the entirety of his side's Champions League final against Inter Milan as Manchester City sealed their first and only continental treble after winning with a score-line of 1–0.[82][83] In a post-match interview, Grealish said the achievement was "what you work your whole life for" and called his manager Guardiola a "genius".[82] Grealish would go on to be seen, after a day and night of partying, stumbling off of a plane, apparently drunk and lacking sleep.[84][85][86] He was later seen celebrating, still in full kit, just hours before Manchester City's treble parade.[87] During this parade, Grealish was also positively identified by the media as enjoying himself greatly.[88][89][90][91] Following Manchester City's highly successful 2022–23 season, it was suggested that Grealish could become a potential candidate for the Ballon d'Or.[92] Grealish was also praised by critics for his large contribution to Manchester City's success.[93][94] Neil Johnston of BBC Sport commented that Grealish had become "almost undroppable for the big games".[95] Grealish himself commented that he now felt "like one of the main players [of Manchester City]" and that he was at a stage whereby he was "the fittest… [he had ever] been".[96]

2023–2025: UEFA Super Cup victory and injury setbacks

[edit]
Grealish playing for Manchester City in 2023

On 16 August 2023, Grealish started in Manchester City's 2023 UEFA Super Cup victory over Sevilla, converting his penalty in the shoot-out after the match had finished 1–1 following regulation time.[97] On 27 August, Grealish was unavailable due to a dead leg and,[98][99] proceeding this, endured a run of games on the bench. On 25 October, Grealish was selected in the starting line-up for Manchester City's game against Young Boys, with Pep Guardiola stating that he did not "have a piece of doubt about Jack".[100][101] On 29 October, Grealish returned to Manchester City's regular Premier League starting XI in the Manchester derby and was highly praised for his performance in the match.[102]

On 11 January 2025, Grealish scored his first club goal in over a year, a penalty in an 8–0 home victory against Salford City in the FA Cup third round.[103] Later that month, on 22 January, he netted his first UEFA Champions League goal since the 2021–22 season, opening the scoring for Manchester City in a 4–2 away defeat to Paris Saint-Germain during the league phase.[104]

On 11 February 2025, Jack Grealish started against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League and was off to a great start with a lovely ball that led to Joško Gvardiol's chested assist for Erling Haaland. However, just 30 minutes into the match, Grealish had to be substituted off after a sustained groin injury. Manchester City went on to lose 2-3.

On 2 April 2025, he scored his first and only Premier League goal of the 2024–25 season, opening the scoring in a 2–0 victory over Leicester City.[105] However, he was ultimately left out of the club's squad for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.[106]

2025–26: Loan to Everton

[edit]

On 12 August 2025, Grealish was loaned out to fellow Premier League club Everton for the 2025–26 season.[107][108] On 18 August, he made his debut for the club in a 1–0 away defeat to Leeds United in their first game of the Premier League season, coming on as a 71st-minute substitute for Tim Iroegbunam.[109] On 24 August, during his first start for the club, Grealish assisted both goals in a 2–0 victory over Brighton & Hove Albion in Everton's first match at Hill Dickinson Stadium, the first being the inaugural competitive assist in the stadium's history.[110] On 30 August, he recorded two more assists in a 3–2 away win against Wolverhampton Wanderers.[111] On 12 September, Grealish received the Player of the Month award for the first time in his career. He earned this award through the performances throughout August in which he provided four assists.[112] On 5 October, Grealish scored his first goal for Everton when he converted a deflected shot from Beto against Crystal Palace. The goal, scored in injury time, secured a 2–1 comeback win.[113]

International career

[edit]

Republic of Ireland

[edit]

While playing in Irish youth teams, England were known to have been pursuing him, even naming him in their under-17 team in 2011 at the age of 15 – an invitation he declined.[114] After being left off the Republic of Ireland under-21 team for three qualifiers in October 2012, the English FA made an approach for him to switch.[citation needed] Grealish made his under-21 debut for the Republic of Ireland as a late substitute against the Faroe Islands in August 2013. In 2013, Grealish reaffirmed his desire to continue representing Ireland.[115] In August 2014, Grealish was again named to the Republic of Ireland under-21 squad. It was initially reported that he would decline the call up to the under-21s due to being undecided over his international future,[116][117] however Grealish did turn out for the Republic of Ireland in a 2–0 loss against Germany. It later emerged that Grealish had actually declined a call-up to the senior Irish team after talks with Martin O'Neill.[8]

In October 2014, Grealish pulled out of a Republic of Ireland under-21 squad for a game against Norway to play in a behind closed doors friendly for his club Aston Villa and England under-21 manager Gareth Southgate confirmed that the Football Association were monitoring the player's situation.[118][119] Reports emerged on 17 October that Grealish had declared for Ireland and would make his senior debut the next month[120] but this was denied by the player.[121] Grealish was awarded the Under-21 player of the year by the Football Association of Ireland in March 2015 where he announced that he had taken a break from youth internationals over the past year to focus on breaking into the Aston Villa first team and that he expected to be back playing for Ireland in the near future.[122] In May 2015, O'Neill confirmed that Grealish had turned down another call-up to the Irish senior squad, this time for a friendly against England and a European Championship qualifier against Scotland.[123] England manager Roy Hodgson disclosed that although he had been in contact with Grealish, he had chosen not to include him in their squad to face Ireland in case of a backlash.[124] In August 2015, Hodgson met with Grealish to discuss his future.[125]

England

[edit]

On 28 September 2015, Grealish confirmed that he had decided to represent England at international level.[126] The 20-year-old made his debut for England under-21s on 19 May 2016 as a 72nd-minute substitute for Ruben Loftus-Cheek in a 1–0 win over Portugal at the Toulon Tournament.[127] On his first start four days later he scored twice in the first half of a 7–1 win over Guinea.[128] England went on to win the tournament for the first time since 1994.[129] Grealish was named in the squad for England under-21 at the 2017 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.[130] From 2016 to 2017, he made seven appearances for the under-21s, scoring two goals.[131]

On 31 August 2020, for the first time, Grealish was called up to the senior England squad for the UEFA Nations League fixtures against Iceland and Denmark.[132] On 8 September, he made his senior debut as a 76th-minute substitute in a 0–0 draw against Denmark.[133] On 1 June 2021, Grealish was named in the 26-man squad for the newly rescheduled UEFA Euro 2020.[134] On 29 June, in the Round of 16 match against Germany, Grealish was introduced as a substitute in the 68th minute and contributed directly to both goals in a 2–0 win, playing in Luke Shaw to assist Raheem Sterling, and crossing for Harry Kane to head in late in the match.[135] On 9 October 2021, Grealish scored his first international goal after being introduced as a substitute in the 73rd minute during England's 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Andorra.[136] During England's first match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup on 21 November 2022 against Iran, Grealish scored his second international goal and England's sixth of the match.[137] Upon scoring, Grealish celebrated by waving his arms about. It was later revealed that this celebration was enacted by Grealish as a young Manchester City fan with cerebral palsy named Finlay had asked him to. The gesture led to Grealish being commended by the media.[137][138]

Having not been a regular player in the England side until his breakthrough at Manchester City, Grealish was previously described as 'England's enigma'.[139] After he was initially named in England's provisional squad for UEFA Euro 2024, Grealish missed out on the final 26-man squad.[140][141]

Style of play

[edit]

Analysis

[edit]

A technically gifted player, Grealish plays as a winger (normally on the left flank, a position which allows him to cut inside onto his stronger right foot) or attacking midfielder, and has been noted for his ability to run and dribble past defenders.[142][143][144] Bryan Jones, Aston Villa's former academy director, likened his playing style to that of Nottingham Forest winger John Robertson, citing his "ability to just ghost past people".[143][142] During his time with Manchester City, he was occasionally also used in a central attacking role as a false 9 by manager Pep Guardiola.[145] When writing for The Athletic in 2019, sports journalist Michael Cox described Grealish as an "old-school player", due to his playing style.[146] Grealish has also been praised for his professionalism by those who have managed him, with Dean Smith calling him "a really good professional" and Pep Guardiola commenting in 2023 that he was "impressed with how professional" he was.[147][148]

Despite not being gifted with exceptional speed, he is an agile player who possesses quick foot-work, a good change of pace, and excellent balance on the ball, as a result of his low centre of gravity.[143] As a consequence of his nimble movement, Grealish has notably been on the receiving end of heavier, more physical challenges from opposing players. Shaun Derry, his manager at Notts County, highlighted this, following fixtures against Sheffield United and Stevenage in early 2014 and called for more official protection.[149] In a 2014 match for Aston Villa against Hull City at Villa Park, a number of fouls committed against Grealish resulted in three Hull players receiving yellow cards within just a 15-minute period.[150]

Grealish wears child-sized shin pads whilst playing, in order to maintain his ability to control the ball effectively.[151] He wears his football socks rolled down due to superstition, which has led to referees warning him to pull them up.[152] In addition to his ball skills, Grealish is also known for his defensive work-rate and intelligent movement,[153][154][155] as well as his ability to create chances for his teammates as a playmaker.[156][157]

Reception

[edit]

Grealish has frequently been compared to Paul Gascoigne and David Beckham for his talent, perceived hedonism and popularity in England.[158][159][160] Shaun Wright-Phillips has voiced his belief that Grealish is "of a similar mould" to Gascoigne, with Wayne Rooney, Bryan Robson, Troy Deeney and Tim Sherwood all expressing similar views.[161][162][163] However, others argued that such comparisons should not be made, suggesting that they would prevent Grealish from developing into his own player.[164] Grealish himself has stated that he would "love to be like Gazza [Paul Gascoigne]", adding that Gascoigne "played with such joy" – a trait that Grealish said in 2020 he would like to emulate.[165]

In February 2021, in an interview with Talksport, former Aston Villa teammate Emiliano Martínez described Grealish as "the most talented player [he had] ever seen" and expressed surprise that he had not played more games for England. Martínez went on to say: "he never gives the ball away. When I see Grealish running, it's always a shot on target or a corner for us. He will drive past two or three players". Martínez also drew comparisons of Grealish to his Argentina teammate, Lionel Messi.[166]

Personal life

[edit]

In March 2020, Grealish was found to have violated government guidance to stay at home in relation to COVID-19 regulations and was fined by Aston Villa.[167] Grealish was banned from driving for nine months in the UK and fined £82,499 after pleading guilty to two counts of careless driving in March and October 2020, one in which he was filmed colliding with several parked cars during a turn in the road in his car.[168][169]

Grealish has known his girlfriend, Sasha Rebecca Attwood, since meeting her at secondary school aged 16.[170] His great-great-grandfather, Billy Garraty, was also a footballer, who earned one England cap and won the 1905 FA Cup final with Aston Villa.[171][172] Grealish has a sister, Hollie, who has cerebral palsy. He describes her as his "best friend".[173]

Grealish is known to have a close relationship with many of his Manchester City teammates,[174] especially Norwegian Erling Haaland. On his relationship with Haaland, Grealish commented that he got on "really well with him," having "the same type of banter".[175] Grealish has named Elvis Presley and Queen as two of his favourite musical artists.[176]

In December 2023, thieves broke into his home in Cheshire, reportedly stealing jewellery and watches worth £1 million.[177]

Public image

[edit]

Grealish is an amateur disc jockey.[178] He once stated that if he had not become a footballer, he would have been a club promoter in Ibiza or Tenerife.[178]

Often compared to the former England midfielder Paul Gascoigne,[158] Grealish is widely regarded as one of the most popular and relatable athletes in England[179][180][158][160] and is known for his down-to-earth and humble personality,[181] with teammate İlkay Gündoğan calling him "so humble and pure".[68] Grealish has also been praised for how he interacts with and appreciates his fans.[138][182]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of match played 5 October 2025
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Europe Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Aston Villa 2013–14[183] Premier League 1 0 0 0 1 0
2014–15[184] Premier League 17 0 6 0 1 0 24 0
2015–16[185] Premier League 16 1 2 0 3 0 21 1
2016–17[186] Championship 31 5 1 0 1 0 33 5
2017–18[187] Championship 27 3 1 0 0 0 3[a] 0 31 3
2018–19[188] Championship 31 6 0 0 1 0 3[a] 0 35 6
2019–20[189] Premier League 36 8 0 0 5 2 41 10
2020–21[190] Premier League 26 6 0 0 1 1 27 7
Total 185 29 10 0 12 3 0 0 6 0 213 32
Notts County (loan) 2013–14[183] League One 37 5 1 0 1[b] 0 39 5
Manchester City 2021–22[191] Premier League 26 3 4 2 1 0 7[c] 1 1[d] 0 39 6
2022–23[192] Premier League 28 5 5 0 3 0 13[c] 0 1[d] 0 50 5
2023–24[193] Premier League 20 3 3 0 1 0 8[c] 0 4[e] 0 36 3
2024–25[194] Premier League 20 1 5 1 1 0 6[c] 1 0 0 32 3
Total 94 12 17 3 6 0 34 2 6 0 157 17
Everton (loan) 2025–26[195] Premier League 7 1 0 0 2 0 9 1
Career total 323 47 28 3 20 3 34 2 13 0 418 55
  1. ^ a b Appearances in Championship play-offs
  2. ^ Appearance in Football League Trophy
  3. ^ a b c d Appearances in UEFA Champions League
  4. ^ a b Appearance in FA Community Shield
  5. ^ One appearance in FA Community Shield, one appearance in UEFA Super Cup, two appearances in FIFA Club World Cup

International

[edit]
As of match played 13 October 2024[196]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
England 2020 5 0
2021 13 1
2022 11 1
2023 6 0
2024 4 2
Total 39 4
As of match played 13 October 2024
England score listed first, score column indicates score after each Grealish goal[196]
List of international goals scored by Jack Grealish
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition Ref.
1 9 October 2021 Estadi Nacional, Andorra la Vella, Andorra 16  Andorra 5–0 5–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification [197]
2 21 November 2022 Khalifa International Stadium, Doha, Qatar 25  Iran 6–1 6–2 2022 FIFA World Cup [198]
3 7 September 2024 Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland 37  Republic of Ireland 2–0 2–0 2024–25 UEFA Nations League B [199]
4 13 October 2024 Helsinki Olympic Stadium, Helsinki, Finland 39  Finland 1–0 3–1 2024–25 UEFA Nations League B [200]

Honours

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jack Peter Grealish (born 10 September 1995) is an English professional footballer who plays as a winger or attacking for Everton on loan from Manchester City in the and the national team. Born in Birmingham, , to parents of Irish descent, Grealish is a lifelong Aston Villa fan who joined the club's academy at the age of six and progressed through their youth ranks. Grealish spent a loan spell at Notts County during the 2013–14 season, making 37 appearances, before making his senior debut for Aston Villa in May 2014 against Manchester City. He became a key figure for Villa, captaining the team to promotion back to the in 2019 after winning the play-off final against Derby County. In August 2021, Grealish transferred to Manchester City for a British record fee of £100 million, the highest ever paid for an English player at the time. With City, he contributed to a treble-winning 2022–23 season, securing the title for three consecutive years (2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24), the , and the , along with the and in 2023. On the international stage, Grealish represented at youth levels, including winning the with the under-21s, before earning his senior debut in September 2020. He has accumulated 39 caps and 4 goals for as of 2025, featuring prominently in —where he provided two assists en route to the final—and the , including scoring against . In August 2025, Grealish joined Everton on a season-long loan from Manchester City, marking a return to his roots in the . Renowned for his exceptional , close ball control, vision, and charismatic on-pitch presence—often highlighted by his distinctive and low socks—Grealish is celebrated as one of the Premier League's premier creative talents and a leader on the field.

Early life

Family background

Jack Peter Grealish was born on 10 September 1995 in Birmingham, , to parents Kevin Grealish and Karen Grealish (née Burke). Kevin, born in 1965, works as a property director, while Karen, born in 1964, serves as the director of Hampton Gate Management company. The family raised Jack in , a suburb of Birmingham, where they instilled a strong passion for football from an early age. Grealish's family has deep Irish roots, with his paternal grandparents hailing from and in , and his maternal grandfather originating from . These connections stem from emigration by his forebears to , granting him eligibility to represent the at youth international level before he opted for in 2020. He is the eldest of five siblings: brothers Kevan (born 1997) and the late Keelan Daniel (born 1999), and sisters Kiera (born 2001) and Hollie (born August 2003). Tragically, Keelan died at nine months old in April 2000 from (SIDS), an event that profoundly shaped Grealish's resilience and family bonds. Hollie lives with , a condition affecting her movement and balance, and Grealish has often described her as his "best friend," highlighting the emotional depth of their relationship. From childhood, Grealish's exposure to football was heavily influenced by his family, particularly through attending Aston Villa matches alongside his parents, who are lifelong supporters of the club. These outings with his father fostered his early admiration for the sport and the team, embedding Villa's culture into his identity long before his professional involvement.

Childhood and education

Jack Grealish was born on 10 September 1995 in Birmingham, , and raised in the nearby suburb of in a working-class family. He attended Our Lady of Compassion Roman Catholic Primary School in , where his passion for football began to emerge through playground games and local play. For his secondary education, Grealish enrolled at St Peter's Roman Catholic School in , balancing academic responsibilities with intensive football training and matches. There, he continued to develop his skills while maintaining focus on his studies, supported by his family's encouragement in pursuing the . Grealish's early talent was evident from a young age, leading him to join the Aston Villa academy at six years old in 2001 after impressing in local trials with clubs like Highgate United. Growing up as a devoted Aston Villa fan, he idolized club legends such as Gary Shaw and spent much of his childhood engaged in informal street football, honing his and ball control in unstructured games around .

Club career

Youth career at Aston Villa

Grealish joined Aston Villa's youth academy at the age of six in 2001, beginning his development at the club's Bodymoor Heath training complex. As a homegrown talent and lifelong Villa supporter, he progressed steadily through the age groups, from under-9s to under-18s, showcasing his dribbling ability and flair that drew early comparisons to club legends. By his mid-teens, Grealish had established himself as a key figure in the youth setup, often leading by example in training and matches at Bodymoor Heath. In the 2012–13 season, Grealish captained aspects of the youth teams and played a prominent role in Aston Villa's under-19 side that won the , a prestigious European youth tournament. The team advanced to the semi-finals, where Grealish scored during a 3-1 victory over Sporting CP in the first leg, contributing to an aggregate win that propelled them to the final. Villa defeated Chelsea 2-0 in the final at , securing the title and highlighting Grealish's growing influence as an attacking . That same season, Villa reached the latter stages of the but were eliminated before the final, with Grealish featuring in several ties as the team demonstrated competitive promise. Grealish signed his first professional contract with Aston Villa in 2013 at the age of 17, marking the transition from youth prospect to senior squad member. This deal came amid increasing first-team exposure, including being named on the bench for matches during the 2012–13 season, where he gained invaluable experience observing senior play. His first senior appearance came as a substitute in the final match of the season against Manchester City on 7 May 2014. His first start followed in the 2014–15 season's third-round tie against Leyton Orient on 27 August 2014, a 0–1 defeat. These early cameos underscored his rapid rise from standout to first-team fringe player, setting the stage for further opportunities post-loan.

Loan to Notts County

In September 2013, at the age of 18, Jack Grealish joined Notts County on an initial youth loan from Aston Villa until January 2014, making his professional debut the following day in a 2–0 League One defeat to Dons, where he came on as a substitute and was immediately tackled heavily by opponent . The loan was extended in January 2014 until the end of the 2013–14 season, allowing Grealish to feature prominently in the struggling side's campaign to avoid relegation. During the 2013–14 season, Grealish made 37 league appearances for Notts County, starting 32 matches and accumulating over 2,800 minutes on the pitch, while contributing 5 goals and 7 assists across all competitions in 40 outings. His first senior goal came on 7 December 2013 in a 3–1 home win over Gillingham, where he rifled a stunning long-range strike into the top corner, earning the club's Goal of the Month award for December. Grealish was frequently praised for his dribbling prowess and creative flair, with manager highlighting his confidence and ability to influence games despite the physical challenges of League One, noting that "if we didn't have Jack Grealish as a 17-year-old, Notts County would have been relegated." Teammates and Derry also commended his skillful play, though he was often targeted by opponents for his ball-carrying style. Grealish faced initial adaptation difficulties, including homesickness that led him to split time between Nottingham hotels and his family home in the West Midlands, as well as frustrations in expanding his role beyond dribbling under Derry's guidance. Despite these challenges, he grew in confidence, rejecting offers from four other League One clubs and Birmingham City to remain with Notts County until the season's end, helping the team finish 20th and secure survival. He returned to Aston Villa in the summer of 2014 amid the club's hopes of promotion from the , where his loan experience had provided invaluable senior exposure.

Breakthrough at Aston Villa (2014–2019)

Upon returning from his loan spell at Notts County, Grealish began to break into Aston Villa's first-team squad during the 2014–15 Premier League season, making 17 league appearances and contributing 1 assist while totaling 0 goals in the top flight. His emergence as a dynamic left-sided midfielder provided moments of creativity amid a challenging campaign for the club, which narrowly avoided relegation by finishing 17th. Grealish's flair on the ball, including a standout performance in the FA Cup semi-final victory over Liverpool, highlighted his potential as a key attacking outlet, though his inexperience was evident in inconsistent starts. The following 2015–16 season marked a turbulent period for , culminating in relegation from the after a 20th-place finish, with Grealish limited to 16 league appearances, 1 goal, and 0 assists due to limited opportunities under managers and . Despite the team's struggles, Grealish showed glimpses of his technical ability, often deployed on the left wing where his and close control troubled defenses, though disciplinary issues and competition for places restricted his impact. The relegation served as a low point, but it also set the stage for his reintegration into a side seeking recovery. In the 2016–17 season under new manager , Grealish became a more consistent starter, featuring in 27 league matches with 1 goal and 7 assists, helping Villa finish 13th while transitioning from a traditional winger role to a more central playmaking position that emphasized his vision and passing range. However, his progress was interrupted by a injury sustained during U21 duty in September 2016, which sidelined him for approximately three months and caused him to miss around 10 games across all competitions. Di Matteo's tenure emphasized discipline, and Grealish faced internal over off-field conduct, including a fine for attending a event, which briefly affected his selection but ultimately spurred greater maturity. Steve Bruce's appointment in October 2016 further shaped Grealish's development, with the manager encouraging a deeper, more influential role as an advanced in a 4-2-3-1 formation, allowing him to roam centrally and link midfield with attack. In the 2017–18 season, Grealish recorded 6 goals and 9 assists in 31 league appearances, playing a pivotal role in 's fourth-place finish and qualification for the play-offs. His standout displays, including key contributions in the play-off semi-final aggregate win over , underscored his evolution into the team's creative hub, though suffered heartbreak in the final, losing 1–0 to at . praised Grealish's growth in focus and decision-making, noting how he had overcome earlier criticisms of immaturity to become indispensable. The 2018–19 Championship campaign solidified Grealish's status as Villa's talisman, where he started all 37 league games, scoring 5 goals and providing 6 assists en route to a fifth-place finish and another play-off run. Operating primarily as a central number 10, his success rate and progressive passes became central to Villa's attacking build-up, drawing frequent fouls and creating space for teammates. Despite the club's prior relegation battles, Grealish's consistency—missing only cup ties due to rotation—drove their push for promotion, culminating in a 2–1 victory over Derby County in the play-off final at , though his direct goal involvement in that match was supportive rather than decisive. This period marked his transformation from promising prospect to established star, with his tactical versatility proving vital under Bruce's guidance.

Captaincy and promotion at Aston Villa (2019–2021)

In March 2019, Aston Villa manager Dean Smith appointed 23-year-old Jack Grealish as club captain for the first time ahead of a crucial Championship match against Derby County, marking his return from a three-month shin injury absence. Grealish's leadership helped galvanize the team during a pivotal run, including a 4-0 victory over Derby where he scored a stunning volley and provided an assist, contributing to Villa's push toward the playoffs. Under his captaincy, Villa defeated West Bromwich Albion in the playoff semi-finals on penalties—with Grealish successfully converting his spot-kick—and then beat Derby 2-1 in the final at Wembley in May 2019, securing promotion to the Premier League after a three-year absence. The season tested Grealish's resolve as captain amid Villa's fight against relegation, exacerbated by the pandemic's disruptions. He featured in 36 league matches, scoring 8 goals and providing 6 assists, including a vital opener in a 1-1 draw against West Ham United on the final day that ensured survival on . His performances earned him the club's Players' Player of the Season and Supporters' Player of the Season awards, as well as a nomination for the inaugural Young Player of the Season. Grealish also led Villa to the quarter-finals, their deepest run in the competition since 2010, before a 2-0 loss to Manchester United. Grealish elevated his game in the campaign, establishing himself as Villa's talisman and one of the league's standout midfielders despite missing time due to and injury. In 26 appearances, he recorded 6 goals and 10 assists, highlighted by a of assists in a historic 7-2 home win over in October 2020—the club's biggest-ever victory. His creativity and dribbling were central to Villa's mid-table finish, finishing 11th, and he repeated as the club's Players' Player of the Season. Grealish's form drew widespread acclaim and intensified transfer speculation from top clubs, culminating in his nomination for the Player of the Season award.

Transfer to Manchester City (2021–2022)

On 5 August 2021, Manchester City completed the signing of Jack Grealish from Aston Villa for a British record transfer fee of £100 million, activating the release clause in his previous contract. The 25-year-old midfielder joined on a six-year deal, reportedly worth around £300,000 per week, marking City's most expensive acquisition to date and underscoring their ambition to dominate the Premier League under manager Pep Guardiola. Despite his deep roots at Villa, Grealish expressed excitement about the move while acknowledging the emotional difficulty of leaving his hometown club. Grealish made his competitive debut for City in the 2021–22 Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur on 15 August, starting on the left wing and impressing with his dribbling and directness despite the 1–0 defeat. Over the season, he adapted to Guardiola's possession-based system, primarily operating as an inverted left winger who drifted inside to link play and create overloads in central areas, a role that emphasized his technical control and vision over his previous Villa style of wide isolation. In all competitions, Grealish featured in 50 matches, scoring 6 goals and providing 8 assists, including notable contributions such as his first City goal in a 3–0 Champions League win over RB Leipzig and an assist in the 4–0 Premier League title-clinching victory against West Ham United. His integration helped City secure the Premier League title with 93 points, though he also played a supporting role in their run to the FA Cup final, starting in the 2–0 semi-final win over Crystal Palace where his progressive carries disrupted the opposition defense. However, Grealish faced challenges in maintaining a consistent starting role after January 2022, partly due to a calf sustained in that sidelined him for several weeks and increased from teammates like and . He appeared as a substitute in 12 of City's final 15 games, contributing to just 1 goal and 2 assists during that period, as Guardiola rotated the squad amid a congested fixture list that included a Champions League quarter-final exit to Real Madrid. Despite these setbacks, Grealish started in the against on 14 May, playing 76 minutes in the 0–0 draw that led to a loss, his first major final appearance. Off the pitch, Grealish's high-profile lifestyle drew early scrutiny following his transfer, with media reports highlighting his nightlife and social media presence as potential distractions amid the pressure of his record fee. Teammate defended him in September 2022, arguing that the intense criticism often veered beyond football performance and into personal territory due to Grealish's England international status. Grealish responded by emphasizing his professionalism, noting that while he enjoyed a balanced life, his focus remained on contributing to City's success.

Treble-winning season (2022–2023)

During the 2022–23 season, Jack Grealish established himself as a key figure in City's historic continental treble, making 50 appearances across all competitions, scoring 5 goals, and providing 11 assists. After a transitional first year at the club, Grealish's improved integration into Pep Guardiola's system saw him start 41 matches, contributing to the team's dominance with his dribbling and chance creation on the left flank. His performances were instrumental in securing the , , and titles, marking City's first such achievement in the club's history. In the , Grealish featured in 28 matches, scoring 3 goals and adding 3 assists as clinched the with a 1–0 victory over his former club Aston Villa on 10 May 2023. Coming on as a substitute in the 74th minute during that title-clinching match at the Etihad Stadium, Grealish helped maintain possession and celebrated emphatically with teammates as the win confirmed 's third consecutive league crown. His overall league contributions emphasized 's control, with notable goals against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Everton, and underscoring his growing influence in high-stakes fixtures. Grealish played a pivotal role in the UEFA Champions League, appearing in 11 matches with 1 goal and 3 assists, including starting the final against on 10 June 2023. In the 1–0 victory in , he completed the full 90 minutes as Rodri's second-half strike secured City's first European Cup, capping the treble. Earlier in the competition, Grealish featured prominently in knockout ties, such as the quarter-final wins over Bayern Munich (aggregate 4–1), where his defensive work and ball retention helped City advance to the semi-finals against Real Madrid. Grealish also contributed significantly to the domestic cups, starting in the final against Newcastle United on 26 February 2023, where he played 90 minutes in the 2–0 win decided by penalties. In the , he started the final against Manchester United on 3 June 2023, playing 89 minutes in the 2–1 triumph despite a controversial penalty conceded in extra time; City recovered to win, with scoring twice. These efforts across competitions culminated in the treble completion on 10 June 2023, a landmark moment for Grealish and the club.

Super Cup success and form struggles (2023–2025)

Following the momentum from Manchester City's Treble triumph the previous season, Grealish started in the 2023 UEFA Super Cup against Sevilla on 16 August, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1–1 draw that City won 5–4 on penalties to claim their first title in the competition. Grealish contributed to City's attacking efforts, testing Sevilla goalkeeper Yassine Bounou with a shot that led to a corner, though he did not record a goal or assist in the match. Post-match, Grealish expressed elation at the "unbelievable" victory, highlighting the significance of adding another trophy to the club's cabinet. In the 2023–24 season, Grealish made 36 appearances across all competitions for Manchester City, starting 26 times and accumulating 2,114 minutes, while contributing 3 goals and 3 assists. His campaign was disrupted by a injury sustained in late August 2023, which sidelined him for approximately one month and caused him to miss six matches for club and country. Further muscle issues, including problems, hampered his consistency in the second half of the season, leading to an increased role on the bench despite City's successful defense of the title. Grealish's form continued to struggle in the 2024–25 season, where he featured in 28 appearances across competitions, scoring 2 goals and providing limited direct contributions amid criticism for his dip in output. With only 7 starts in the Premier League, his role diminished due to Manchester City's deep squad options on the flanks, including Jeremy Doku and new signing Savinho, resulting in just 1 assist in league play. Despite these challenges, City secured a fourth consecutive Premier League title, though Grealish's limited starts underscored his peripheral status. Tactical shifts under , emphasizing rotation to manage a crowded roster, further limited Grealish's opportunities, with the manager expressing frustration over his inconsistent performances in both seasons. Personal factors compounded these issues, including a traumatic at his home in late December 2023, where thieves stole £1 million worth of ; Grealish described the incident as devastating, stating it prevented him from celebrating the previous year's successes and deeply affected his family's sense of security. This off-field trauma lingered into 2024–25, contributing to mindset challenges amid ongoing squad competition.

Loan to Everton (2025–present)

On 12 August 2025, Jack Grealish joined Everton on a season-long loan from Manchester City for the 2025–26 campaign, with the agreement including an option for Everton to make the transfer permanent for £50 million. The deal saw Everton cover approximately 75% of Grealish's £300,000 weekly wages, providing the 30-year-old winger with an opportunity to regain regular playing time after spells on the Manchester City bench in prior seasons. The move was framed as a chance for Grealish to rediscover his form in a familiar setting, closer to his roots in nearby Birmingham. Grealish made his Everton debut as a second-half substitute on 18 August 2025, in a 1–0 away defeat to Leeds United at Elland Road, though he was unable to influence the outcome significantly. He earned his first start three days later in the EFL Cup second-round tie against Walsall, contributing to a 3–0 win with an assist before being substituted at halftime. Grealish's home league debut followed on 24 August against Brighton & Hove Albion at Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium, where he provided two assists in a 2–1 victory, earning widespread praise for his creativity and direct play. As of 20 November 2025, Grealish has featured in 11 matches for Everton, starting nine and accumulating 850 minutes, during which he scored one goal—an injury-time winner against on 5 October 2025—and registered four assists. His performances earned him the Player of the Month award for August 2025, recognizing his four assists in the opening fixtures and marking the first time he had received the honor in his career. Under manager , Grealish has been instrumental in Everton's campaign, with the team sitting 13th in the table with 15 points from 11 matches. The loan has facilitated Grealish's adaptation to life at Everton, where he has expressed relief at escaping limited opportunities at Manchester City and reconnecting with the intensity of regular starts. Moyes has deployed him primarily as a left-sided attacking in a 4-2-3-1 formation, leveraging his and vision to complement the team's counter-attacking style. Grealish has credited the supportive environment at —soon to transition fully to the Hill Dickinson Stadium—for helping him regain confidence and enjoyment in his game. On 7 January 2026, Grealish received his first Premier League red card during Everton's 1–1 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers, after a first yellow card for dissent and a second yellow card for sarcastically applauding the referee.

International career

Youth international career

Born in Birmingham to parents with Irish heritage, Jack Grealish was eligible to represent either or the at international level. He initially opted for the Republic of Ireland, making his youth debut for their U17 team in October 2011 and going on to earn seven caps while scoring three goals at that age group. Grealish also featured for the Ireland U18 side, accumulating six appearances and two goals between 2012 and 2013. His limited involvement at higher youth levels included a single cap for the Republic of Ireland U19 team in October 2012, during a qualifier against Germany. From around the age of 16, Grealish became the subject of a prolonged international tug-of-war between and , with both associations actively pursuing him due to his dual eligibility. He declined an invitation to train with the senior squad in early 2015 while considering his options, as family discussions played a key role in his deliberations, with Ireland holding a special place in his relatives' hearts. Ultimately, the greater visibility and opportunities afforded by his emerging profile at Aston Villa tipped the balance toward . In September 2015, Grealish publicly pledged his future to the setup. Grealish transitioned to England's youth teams, first representing the U17 side in 2012–13 and featuring in the squad for the in the , where he made five appearances. He progressed to the U19 level in 2015, earning two caps during qualification matches for the . Grealish's youth international career culminated with the England U21 team from 2016 to 2017, where he recorded six appearances and one goal; notable among these was his contribution to England's victory in the , including a brace in a 7–1 win over .

Republic of Ireland U21

Grealish received his first call-up to the under-21 squad in August 2013 at the age of 17, making his debut as a 89th-minute substitute in a qualifying match against the , which won 4–1 away. Over the following year, he accumulated six caps for the team, featuring primarily in the 2015 European Under-21 Championship qualifiers, where competed in Group 6 alongside , , , and the . His appearances included a brief substitute role in a 4–0 defeat to in September 2013, a full 90 minutes in a 0–0 draw with later that , and starts in subsequent fixtures against the same opponents. Grealish scored his sole goal for the under-21s on 15 November 2013, netting Ireland's third in a 5–2 home qualifying victory over the , showcasing his ability to contribute offensively from midfield. He started and played the full match in Ireland's final group game, a 2–0 loss to in 2014, after which the team finished third in the group and missed qualification for the 2015 finals in the . Throughout his time with the side, Grealish was recognized for his creative playmaking and skills, earning widespread praise from coaches and the Football Association of Ireland's Under-21 International Player of the Year award in March 2015 for his performances in 2014. As rumors intensified regarding his potential switch to England—due to his Birmingham birthplace and lifelong allegiance—Grealish withdrew from an under-21 friendly squad in October 2014 against , citing the need to prioritize Aston Villa training and a behind-closed-doors club match amid contract negotiations. He was named in the squad for Ireland's final qualifier against in September 2015 but did not feature, having already begun distancing himself from international duties. In May 2015, Grealish explicitly declined a senior and under-21 call-up for friendlies against the and , stating his intention to represent as his "lifelong dream," effectively ending his involvement with Irish youth teams.

England senior team

Born in England but eligible for the Republic of Ireland through his grandparents, Grealish had previously represented at youth levels up to U21 before switching allegiance following his 2015 pledge. He made his senior debut for as a substitute against in a 0–0 UEFA Nations League draw on 8 September 2020, replacing in the 76th minute. His first start came just a month later in a 3–0 friendly victory over on 8 October 2020, where he starred with his dribbling and creativity, setting up the opening goal for . His four senior goals include his first in a 2021 qualifier against , and his second against at the . Grealish earned a place in England's squad for , where he made 4 appearances, primarily as a substitute, recording 1 assist during the tournament; he came off the bench in the final, a 1–1 draw against that England lost on penalties. At the in , he featured in 3 matches for England, including a brief substitute appearance in the quarter-final loss to France, contributing his flair on the left flank amid the team's run to the last eight. His involvement in major tournaments highlighted his growing role under manager , though often from the bench due to competition in attacking positions. Grealish had a limited role at the 2024 due to form concerns, making just 1 substitute appearance (3 minutes against ) as reached the final but fell short of the title. By 2025, he had accumulated 39 caps for the senior team, scoring 4 goals in total. Despite recent omissions from squads amid his loan move to Everton, Grealish has been praised for his versatility across midfield and wide roles, with Southgate noting his ability to adapt in high-pressure scenarios.

Style of play

Positions and roles

Jack Grealish primarily operates as a left winger or attacking midfielder, often numbered as a No. 10, with occasional deployments in central midfield. Standing at 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) and right-footed, he favors cutting inside from the left flank to create scoring opportunities or link play centrally. Early in his career with Villa's youth setup, Grealish developed as a right winger before transitioning to more advanced roles. By his breakthrough in the senior team, he had evolved into a left-sided No. 10, drifting between central attacking midfield and the left wing to orchestrate play from half-spaces. Upon transferring to Manchester City in 2021, his role shifted to that of an inverted left winger within a 4-3-3 system, where he starts wide before moving inside to support the central striker and midfield. Grealish's versatility allows him to adapt to various attacking positions, including as a false 9 in tactical experiments during his time at , where he drops deep to overload midfield areas. In emergencies, he has filled in at full-back, demonstrating his utility across the pitch while excelling in link-up play from advanced areas.

Technical attributes and development

Jack Grealish is renowned for his exceptional dribbling ability, which has been a cornerstone of his playing style throughout his career. During the 2019–20 Premier League season with Aston Villa, he ranked eighth in the league for successful dribbles with 73 completions, showcasing his capacity to beat defenders in tight spaces. His dribbling success rate hovered around 60% during his peak years at Villa, allowing him to maintain possession under pressure and drive attacks forward. Complementing this is his outstanding close control and balance, attributed to a low center of gravity that enables him to shift direction rapidly without losing the ball. Grealish's vision for passes further enhances his creative prowess; in the 2020–21 season, he created 80 chances, tying for the highest in the Premier League. Despite these strengths, Grealish has faced criticisms regarding his pace, which is not among the elite in the , limiting his effectiveness in transition plays or against high-pressing defenses. He has also occasionally struggled with decision-making under intense pressure, sometimes opting for prolonged dribbles over quicker passes or shots. However, his finishing has shown marked improvement over the course of his career; after scoring six goals in all competitions during his debut season at Manchester in 2021–22, he contributed five the following year while adapting to a more structured role. Grealish's development has evolved from a raw, flair-driven talent in Aston Villa's youth setup—where he helped the under-19s win the 2013 —to a more disciplined player at Manchester City, incorporating structured pressing and positional awareness within Pep Guardiola's system. This maturation is evident in his increased stamina and tactical adherence during City's 2022–23 treble-winning campaign, where he prioritized team shape over individual showmanship. Post-2016, following a series of early injuries including an ankle issue that sidelined him for over two months, Grealish demonstrated notable resilience, particularly after a life-threatening injury in a 2017 pre-season friendly that split his organ in two places yet saw him return stronger within months. During his 2025–26 loan at Everton, Grealish has shown a resurgence, creating 21 chances in all competitions by October 2025, the joint-highest among players.

Reception and comparisons

Jack Grealish has received widespread praise for his contributions during Manchester City's 2022–23 treble-winning campaign, where he was described by manager as an "exceptional" player integral to the team's success across multiple competitions. His performances earned him a for the Player of the Season award in 2020–21 while at , reflecting peer recognition for his influence on the pitch. Following his 2025 loan move to Everton, Grealish won the Player of the Month award for August, highlighting a resurgence that saw him provide four assists in his debut month and earn commendation from manager as "better than I thought he was." Criticism of Grealish has often centered on perceptions of his playing style as overly flamboyant, with early assessments labeling him a "show-off" who prioritized flair over consistent end product during his Aston Villa tenure. Post-treble, scrutiny intensified at Manchester City, where Guardiola publicly noted a dip in form, stating in January 2025 that he sought "the Grealish that won the Treble" to justify a starting role amid inconsistent appearances. This led to questions about his adaptation to a high-pressure environment, culminating in his exclusion from key squads and the subsequent loan to Everton. Comparisons to other players frequently highlight Grealish's dribbling and creative elegance, with pundit drawing parallels to Eden Hazard's time at Chelsea for his ability to draw fouls, create chances, and combine tricks with goal threat during his peak Villa years. has similarly praised Grealish's "Hazard quality" in tight spaces, emphasizing his role as a "little magician" on the left flank. At Manchester City, Grealish has been likened to teammate for their shared mentality and love of the game, though statistical analyses show Foden edging in goal contributions per minute during overlapping seasons. Grealish's media perception evolved from a beloved cult hero at Aston Villa, where he captained the side to promotion and became a symbol of resilience, to intense global scrutiny after his £100 million transfer to Manchester City in 2021, which amplified debates over his value and consistency. His 2025 loan to Everton has shifted narratives toward redemption, with analysis noting a return to his "Aston Villa" form through improved chance creation and fouls won, positioning him as a revitalized figure away from City's spotlight.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Jack Grealish shares a close relationship with his parents, and Karen Grealish, who have been instrumental in his personal and professional life. , a property director, has provided career guidance throughout Grealish's development, including advising on his decision to represent internationally and encouraging his early involvement in to build resilience. The family often attends events together, such as a concert in May 2025, highlighting their strong bond. Grealish is supported by his siblings, including brother Kevan and sisters Kiera and Hollie, and he maintains a particularly close connection with Hollie, born in 2003, whom he describes as his "best friend" despite her cerebral palsy. He frequently shares affectionate posts about her, such as on her 20th birthday in 2023, and has emphasized the family's unwavering support during challenges. Grealish also honors his late brother Keelan, who died from cot death in April 2000 at nine months old, by dedicating goals to him, including one in April 2025 on the 25th anniversary of his passing. In his personal life, Grealish has been in a long-term relationship with model and influencer Sasha Attwood since they met as teenagers at school in , Birmingham, around age 16. Their partnership became more public following the Euro 2020 tournament, amid media attention and challenges like online threats faced by Attwood. The couple welcomed their first child, daughter Mila Rose Grealish, on September 27, 2024, and Grealish has highlighted his family-oriented lifestyle in interviews, noting how it keeps him grounded.

Health and incidents

Jack Grealish has encountered several significant during his career, including a serious in July 2017 while playing for Aston Villa, which sidelined him for approximately three months after he was hospitalized with following an elbow to the in a pre-season friendly. In the 2023-24 season with Manchester City, he suffered a in August 2023 that kept him out for 26 days, contributing to a challenging period of fitness issues including problems. Throughout his professional tenure, Grealish has dealt with various minor knocks, such as ankle injuries in 2016 that caused setbacks lasting several weeks, but he has no reported chronic health conditions. To manage his physical well-being, Grealish incorporates dedicated fitness routines, including daily core strength exercises, and utilizes a personalized home gym setup to support recovery and maintenance. He collaborates closely with club medical staff at Manchester City for rehabilitation and , emphasizing proactive conditioning to mitigate recurring issues. In November 2015, following a 4-0 defeat to Everton, Grealish was dropped from the first-team squad after attending a party in where friends were filmed using ; he was required to train with the under-21s as punishment. Off the field, Grealish faced legal consequences in 2020 when he pleaded guilty to two counts of careless driving after crashing his while smelling of alcohol, resulting in a nine-month driving ban and a fine exceeding £82,000. In March 2020, amid the lockdown, Grealish breached government guidelines by attending a house party, leading to a club fine with proceeds donated to a local and another apology from the player. In September 2025, following his loan move to Everton, Grealish reflected on his past partying habits, admitting they had hindered his performance at Manchester City and expressing commitment to better discipline. In December 2023, Grealish's home was burgled while he was playing in a Manchester City match, with intruders stealing around £1 million in jewelry and watches; his family, present at the time, activated a but suffered no physical , though the event caused significant emotional distress. Grealish described the incident as "traumatic" and noted ongoing anxiety about security.

Public image

Media presence and personality

Jack Grealish is widely regarded as a charismatic and humorous figure in football, often displaying a playful that endears him to fans and media alike. His loose, fun demeanor has been described as that of a " merchant" with a "wow" factor, contributing to his appeal beyond the pitch. Grealish's humorous side shines through in viral post-match celebrations, such as his routines and interactions with fans, which have frequently gone viral on , including a special shared with a young fan with during the 2022 World Cup. On social media, Grealish maintains a strong presence, particularly on where he has approximately 8.6 million followers as of November 2025. He regularly shares content highlighting his lifestyle, choices, and career milestones, often embracing a stylish, carefree image that includes elements like his signature and casual attire, positioning him as a trendsetter in football culture. In media interactions, Grealish has been open about his deep loyalty to Aston Villa, where he grew up as a fan and expressed a willingness to "die for that club," a sentiment he reiterated in multiple interviews before his transfer. Following his £100 million move to Manchester City, tabloid coverage shifted to focus on his newfound wealth and celebrity status, portraying him as Britain's most expensive footballer and drawing comparisons to high-earning icons like . Grealish's public perception has evolved from an underdog talisman at Aston Villa to a full-fledged , amplified by his marketable personality, iconic appearance, and high-profile achievements like Manchester City's treble in 2023. This shift was further highlighted in 2023 when his home was burgled during a match, stealing jewellery and watches worth around £1 million, sparking broader discussions on player security and the risks of fame.

Endorsements and philanthropy

Jack Grealish has built a substantial portfolio of commercial endorsements, leveraging his profile as a prominent footballer to secure high-value partnerships across sportswear, fashion, and consumer brands. In March 2023, he signed a record-breaking boot deal with Puma, reportedly worth approximately £10 million per season over five years, marking the most lucrative such contract for a British player and ending his long-term association with Nike, which had equipped him since his early professional days at Aston Villa. His endorsement earnings have been significant, with his image rights company reporting £7 million in revenue from sponsorships in a single year, contributing to estimates of around £5 million annually from commercial activities. Additional deals include a multi-year partnership with fashion retailer boohooMAN, valued at around £1 million, and a multi-year agreement with luxury brand reported to be worth seven figures. Grealish has also collaborated with Bose on promotional campaigns for products like the QuietComfort Ultra Headphones and Ultra Open Earbuds, emphasizing his personal style and lifestyle. In 2024, he joined as a global in a seven-figure deal, appearing in advertisements that echo past campaigns featuring stars like and . Grealish's philanthropic efforts focus on supporting individuals and families facing hardship, often through anonymous donations to appeals. He has contributed to causes involving road safety indirectly by aiding families affected by fatal car accidents, such as £2,000 toward the funeral of 18-year-old Aston Villa fan Mia Craen, who died in a 2021 crash, and £5,000 to the family of Paige Rice, a 22-year-old killed in a collision that same year. Other notable gifts include £5,000 to a 20-year-old battling cancer in 2023 and £1,400 to a father with in 2025, reflecting a pattern of scouring for personal stories to assist. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Grealish engaged with Aston Villa supporters by sending personalized video messages to fans recovering from the virus and auctioning a match-worn from a 2020 derby, which raised over £54,000 for NHS Charities Together to combat the health crisis. He maintains long-term support for organizations like and Saving Lives, while his community involvement extended to Everton following his 2025 season-long loan, where he participated in local fan engagement initiatives amid his reinvigorated role on the pitch. In December 2023, Grealish became a principal for GB, motivated by his sister Hollie who has , to promote inclusion and support for athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Career statistics

Club appearances and goals

Jack Grealish has amassed over 400 appearances and 62 goals across his club career with Aston Villa, Notts County, Manchester City, and Everton as of November 2025. His contributions span multiple competitions, including the , , , , and , with a focus on creative playmaking evidenced by numerous assists. During his early loan spell at Notts County in the 2013–14 season, Grealish recorded 38 appearances and 5 goals, primarily in League One, marking his professional senior debut away from Aston Villa. At Aston Villa from 2014 to 2021, he established himself as a key player, making 214 appearances and scoring 25 goals across the , , and domestic cups, including pivotal roles in promotion and survival campaigns. Following his £100 million transfer to Manchester City in 2021, Grealish contributed to multiple title challenges, accumulating significant minutes in top-tier competitions. In the 2025–26 season, on loan at Everton, he has featured in 12 appearances with 1 goal and 4 assists by November 2025, revitalizing his form in the . A notable milestone came in 2023 when Grealish achieved his 100th goal involvement (goals plus assists) during his time at Manchester City, underscoring his impact in England's top flight.

Breakdown by Competition

The following tables summarize Grealish's appearances and goals in major competitions, using representative seasonal aggregates for clarity.

ClubSeasonsAppearancesGoalsAssists
Aston Villa2014–20211251517
Manchester City2021–2025941212
Everton2025–261214
Total2312833

Championship

ClubSeasonsAppearancesGoalsAssists
Aston Villa2016–20191161918
Total1161918

Domestic Cups (FA Cup, EFL Cup)

ClubSeasonsAppearancesGoalsAssists
Notts County2013–14240
Aston Villa2014–20213545
Manchester City2021–20252034
Everton2025–26200
Total59119

UEFA Champions League

ClubSeasonsAppearancesGoalsAssists
Manchester City2021–20254024
Total4024

International appearances and goals

Jack Grealish has earned 39 caps for the senior national team, scoring 4 goals between his debut in 2020 and his last appearance in October 2024. His international breakthrough came after switching allegiance from the , where he had represented various youth levels, to in 2016. Grealish's senior career with includes participation in major tournaments, though his involvement has varied amid competition for attacking positions. Grealish scored his first senior goal for on 9 October 2021, netting in a 5–0 World Cup qualifier victory over as a substitute. His second came during the group stage against on 21 November 2022, contributing to a 6–2 win in 's opening match. The third arrived in the on 7 September 2024, scoring the second goal in a 2–0 away win against the . His fourth and most recent goal was on 13 October 2024, in a 3–1 Nations League victory over . These goals highlight his occasional clinical finishing in international fixtures, though he has been more prolific in providing assists during major tournaments, including key contributions at and the 2022 . Grealish's appearances are distributed across competitions as follows:
CompetitionAppearancesGoals
50
51
102
World Cup qualifiers61
European Championship qualifiers50
Friendlies80
He featured in all seven of 's matches at , starting three, but had limited minutes at the 2022 World Cup with three substitute appearances before scoring in the final group game. In youth internationals, Grealish accumulated 13 caps for across under-17, under-19, and under-21 levels, scoring 3 goals. He made 6 appearances for the U21s, netting once, and was part of the squad that won the . Prior to switching to , he earned 19 caps for youth teams up to U21 level, scoring 6 goals, including 7 caps and 1 goal at U21. Selection trends for Grealish have fluctuated, with notable omissions in 2025 under manager attributed to his inconsistent club form during a loan spell at Everton and competition from other wingers. He has not featured for since October 2024, missing recent Nations League squads despite earlier inclusions under interim management.

Honours

Manchester City

Jack Grealish won multiple major trophies during his time at Manchester City from 2021 to 2025.
  • Premier League: 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24 (three titles; Grealish contributed as a key squad member in each winning campaign).
  • FA Community Shield: 2024 (Grealish was part of the squad in the penalty shoot-out victory over Manchester United).
  • FA Cup: 2022–23 (Grealish started in the final victory over Manchester United).
  • EFL Cup: 2022–23 (Grealish featured prominently in the squad during the treble-winning season).
  • UEFA Champions League: 2022–23 (Grealish played the full 90 minutes in the final against ).
  • UEFA Super Cup: 2023 (Grealish started and scored his penalty in the shoot-out win over Sevilla).
  • FIFA Club World Cup: 2023 (Grealish participated in the final victory over Fluminense).

Aston Villa

Grealish's achievements at his boyhood club Aston Villa included promotion to the and a final appearance.
  • EFL Championship play-offs: 2018–19 (Grealish played a pivotal role in the promotion-winning campaign, featuring in the final against Derby County).
  • EFL Cup runner-up: 2019–20 (Grealish captained the side in the final loss to Manchester City).
Grealish won no honours during loan spells at Notts County or with Everton as of November 2025.

Individual awards

Grealish's standout performances at Aston Villa earned him recognition from the (PFA), including selection to the 2018–19 Team of the Year, where his creative play and leadership were highlighted as key to the club's promotion push. In the 2020–21 season, he was nominated for the PFA Players' Player of the Year award alongside players like , Rúben Dias, and , acknowledging his pivotal role in Aston Villa's seventh-place finish in the . At club level, Grealish was voted Aston Villa Player of the Season for 2019–20, a campaign in which he scored eight goals and provided six assists in the , helping secure the club's survival. He repeated the honor in 2020–21, topping the team's charts with 13 assists and earning praise for his dribbling and vision that transformed Villa's attack. Additionally, in May 2021, he received the Football Writers' Association (FWA) Player of the Season award for his exceptional contributions in the region. More recently, during his 2025–26 loan spell at Everton, Grealish won the Player of the Month award for August 2025, his first such monthly honor, after recording four assists in the opening fixtures. Earlier in his career, Grealish garnered accolades, including the Aston Villa Young Player of the Season award for 2014–15 following a breakthrough campaign that included his senior debut. He also earned the FAI Under-17 International Player of the Year in 2012 while representing the at level.

References

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