Jermain Colin Defoe OBE is an English football coach and former professional player, renowned for his prolific goal-scoring career spanning over two decades. Born on 7 October 1982, Defoe has played for several clubs including Tottenham Hotspur, Portsmouth, Sunderland, and Rangers, and has represented the England national team in numerous international competitions.
Main Milestones
Birth
7 October 1982
Jermain Defoe was born on 7 October 1982, marking the beginning of a life that would be deeply intertwined with football.
Professional Debut
1999-2000
Defoe joined West Ham United's youth team at the age of 14 and made his professional debut in the 1999-2000 season, though he did not make any appearances in the Premier League that year.
Loan to AFC Bournemouth
2000-01
Defoe was loaned to AFC Bournemouth in the 2000-01 season, where he scored 18 goals in 29 appearances, showcasing his potential as a striker.
Move to Tottenham Hotspur
2003-04
Defoe moved to Tottenham Hotspur in January 2004, marking the start of a successful period in his career where he would become one of the club's top scorers.
England National Team Debut
2004
Defoe made his debut for the England national team in 2004, beginning a career that would see him make 57 appearances and score 20 goals for the country.
Prolific Season
2009-10
The 2009-10 season was particularly notable for Defoe, as he scored 24 goals for Tottenham Hotspur, including a hat-trick in a 5-1 win over Hull City and five goals in a 9-1 thrashing of Wigan.
Move to Toronto FC and Return to England
2014
Defoe moved to Toronto FC in Major League Soccer in 2014 but returned to England in January 2015 to sign for Sunderland, where he would spend several seasons and help the club avoid relegation.
Move to Rangers
2018
Defoe joined Scottish side Rangers in 2018, initially on loan, before making the move permanent. He played a crucial role in the club's 2020-21 league title win, the first league title of his career.
Return to Sunderland and Retirement
2021-22
Defoe returned to Sunderland in 2021 but announced his retirement from professional football in 2022, ending a career that spanned over 20 years and included numerous achievements.
