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Ryan Bertrand

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Ryan Dominic Bertrand (born 5 August 1989) is an English former professional footballer who played as a left-back.

Key Information

Bertrand began his youth career at Gillingham, before signing for Chelsea in July 2005. He graduated from Chelsea's youth system and was sent on loan to various clubs between 2006 and 2010. He made his full debut for Chelsea on in April 2011, six years after joining them, in a fixture against Birmingham City. In the 2011–12 season, Bertrand signed a new four-year contract with Chelsea and was made understudy to Ashley Cole. In May 2012, Bertrand became the first player to make his Champions League debut in the final, starting in an unfamiliar left wing role in front of Cole; Chelsea beat Bayern Munich 4–3 on penalties.

After going on loan to Southampton in the 2014–15 season, Bertrand signed permanently for them in 2015. During seven seasons with the club, he appeared 240 times. In 2021, he moved to Leicester City where he played infrequently during his two seasons with the club.

Bertrand is an England international, having also represented 'the Young Lions' at under-17, under-18, under-19, under-20, under-21 levels, as well as Great Britain at the 2012 Summer Olympics. He made his debut for the England senior team in August 2012 in a friendly against Italy, in a 2–1 win.

Early life

[edit]

Bertrand was born in Southwark, London.[4] He joined Gillingham aged nine, progressing through their youth system.[5] Bertrand attended The Robert Napier School in Gillingham, Kent.[6] He is of Dominican and Irish descent.[7]

Club career

[edit]

Chelsea

[edit]

Bertrand was signed by Chelsea in July 2005 from Gillingham for an initial £125,000, which was set by a tribunal and was subject to increases depending on progress.[8]

Loan spells

[edit]
Bertrand (right) playing for Norwich City in 2008

During the 2006–07 season, he was twice sent on loan to AFC Bournemouth, at the same time as Chelsea teammate Jack Cork.[9] He suffered a ruptured spleen in a youth team match against Arsenal that ruled him out of the later part of that season.[10][11][12]

In August 2007, Bertrand joined Oldham Athletic on loan until January 2008.[13]

On 4 January 2008, a matter of days after his spell at Oldham came to an end, Bertrand joined Norwich City on loan for the rest of the 2007–08 season.[14] He put in a number of impressive displays playing at both left-back and on the left wing, and admitted he would welcome a longer stay with the club.[citation needed] Bertrand became popular with the Carrow Road crowd earning him the nickname 'Plastic' in reference to the Belgian singer Plastic Bertrand.[15] On 4 July 2008, he rejoined the club on loan until January 2009, with an option to extend to the end of the season.[16]

On 17 July 2009, Bertrand joined Reading on a season-long loan.[17] He scored his first professional goal against Derby County on 10 March 2010.[18] He came third in the voting for Reading's player of the season, behind Gylfi Sigurðsson and Jimmy Kébé.[19]

On 5 August 2010, Bertrand signed on loan with Championship club Nottingham Forest in an initial six-month deal.[20] He made his debut for Forest as a substitute in a 1–0 away defeat against Burnley.[21] He was a regular for Forest for whom he made a total of 19 appearances.[22] Forest were interested in either extending Bertrand's loan spell for the rest of the season or to sign him permanently[23] but when his loan period expired on 3 January 2011 he returned to his parent club Chelsea.[24]

Return to Chelsea

[edit]

2010–11 season

[edit]
Bertrand playing for Chelsea in 2012

Bertrand made his Premier League debut on 20 April 2011, when he came on as substitute to replace Ashley Cole in a 3–1 win against Birmingham City.[25] Bertrand also made a goal, providing a cross which Florent Malouda headed past Birmingham goalkeeper Ben Foster.[26]

On 15 July 2011, Bertrand signed a new four-year contract with Chelsea.[27][28]

He was used as a back-up to Cole by Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti, as he remained with Chelsea and left-back Patrick van Aanholt went out on loan.[29] Six years after signing for Chelsea as a schoolboy, Bertrand made his first starting appearance, against Fulham in the League Cup. The match finished in favour of Chelsea, who won on penalties 4–3, as the match ended goalless.[30]

2011–12 season

[edit]

During the 2011–12 season, Bertrand played 90 minutes in Chelsea's 2–0 defeat against Liverpool in the League Cup.[31] He made his first league appearance of the season coming on as a late substitute for Ashley Cole against Everton, the match ended in a 2–0 defeat for Chelsea.[32] Bertrand was handed his first Premier League start against Wigan Athletic on 7 April, in which he produced an outstanding performance, as Chelsea won 2–1 and he was named fan's man of the match.[citation needed] He was again named man of the match in his third start, a 0–0 draw with Arsenal on 21 April.[33] On 5 May, Bertrand won the FA Cup with Chelsea, but he did not appear on the pitch in the win against Liverpool.[34]

Bertrand made his European debut in the 2012 UEFA Champions League Final against Bayern Munich on 19 May 2012, playing on the left of midfield,[35] becoming the first player in the Champions League era to make his debut in the final.[5] He was substituted with a knock after 70 minutes and replaced by Florent Malouda as Chelsea edged out Bayern 4–3 on penalties.[36]

2012–13 season

[edit]

Bertrand scored his first professional goal for Chelsea in the Community Shield match against Manchester City on 12 August 2012, which they went on to lose 3–2.[37] He started in the first league match of the season against Wigan Athletic playing as a winger.[citation needed] On 5 September 2012, Bertrand signed a new improved five-year contract with Chelsea.[38] On 25 September, he scored his second professional goal in a League Cup match against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Stamford Bridge, which Chelsea won 6–0.[39]

On 1 April 2013, he came on as a replacement for Ashley Cole in the FA Cup quarter-final replay against Manchester United, which Chelsea went on to win 1–0.[40] It was revealed after the match that Cole would be sidelined for at least two weeks, leaving Bertrand as the clubs only recognised left-back.[41] He started the next match, the Europa League quarter-final first leg against Rubin Kazan at Stamford Bridge, putting in a strong performance as Chelsea ran out 3–1 winners.[42] On 7 April, Bertrand made his 50th Chelsea appearance in a 2–1 win against Sunderland.[43]

He started at left-back in the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on 14 April, which ended in a 2–1 defeat for Chelsea.[44] In the continued absence of Ashley Cole, Bertrand started and performed well in the next league match in the West London derby against Fulham at Craven Cottage on 17 April, which Chelsea comfortably won 3–0 thanks to a 30-yard strike from David Luiz and a brace from John Terry.[45]

Aston Villa (loan)

[edit]

On 17 January 2014, Bertrand joined Aston Villa on loan for the remainder of the 2013–14 season.[46] He made his debut the next day in a 2–2 draw with Liverpool.[47]

Southampton

[edit]

On 30 July 2014, Bertrand joined Southampton on loan for the 2014–15 season.[48] He made his competitive debut for the club on 17 August in their first match of the league season, playing the full 90 minutes of a 2–1 defeat away to Liverpool.[49] Bertrand scored for Southampton the first time on 27 September, opening a 2–1 home win against Queens Park Rangers.[50] His second goal for the club came on 26 December, in a 3–1 victory over Crystal Palace.[51] On 1 February 2015, he was given a straight red card at the end of a 1–0 home loss against Swansea City for a foul on Modou Barrow.[52]

On 2 February 2015, Bertrand completed a permanent move to Southampton, signing a 4+12-year deal for an undisclosed fee,[53] reported to be £10 million.[54] On 26 April, he was the only Southampton player named in the PFA Team of the Year.[55]

Bertrand scored his only goal of the 2015–16 season in the final match, a penalty in a 4–1 win over Crystal Palace.[56] On 12 July 2016, Bertrand signed a new five-year contract.[57]

On 12 May 2021, Southampton announced that Bertrand would leave the club when his contract expired in the summer.[58]

Leicester City

[edit]

On 15 July 2021, Bertrand joined Premier League club Leicester City on a free transfer, signing a two-year contract.[59][60] Bertrand made his debut for the club in Leicester's 1–0 triumph over reigning Premier League champions Manchester City in the Community Shield on 7 August 2021.[61]

On 5 June 2023, following the club's relegation from the Premier League, it was announced that Bertrand would be leaving the club upon the expiration of his contract at the end of the month.[62]

Bertrand announced his retirement from professional football on 18 June 2024.[63]

International career

[edit]

England youth

[edit]

Bertrand has represented England youth teams at under-17, under-18, under-19, under-20 and under-21 levels.[citation needed]

He was part of the U19 squad at the 2008 European Championship.[citation needed]

He was promoted to the U21s and called up for several 2009 European Championship qualifiers, but missed out of the squad for the final tournament.[citation needed] On 14 November, Stuart Pearce selected him at left-back for an under-21 match against Portugal at Wembley in Group 9 of the qualification process,[64] and helped the team keep first clean sheet since 29 June 2009.[citation needed] He was named in the England under-21 squad for the 2011 European Championship[65] and played all matches.[66][67][68]

Great Britain Olympic

[edit]

On 2 July 2012, Bertrand was named in Stuart Pearce's 18-man squad for the 2012 Summer Olympics.[69] He played his first match for Great Britain on 20 July 2012 in a friendly match against Brazil.[70] He played three matches during the Olympic tournament.[71]

Senior team

[edit]

On 10 August 2012, Bertrand was called up to the senior England team for the first time, for a friendly match against Italy.[72] He made his international debut coming on for Leighton Baines in the 78th minute and cleared a shot off the line minutes later from Manolo Gabbiadini which eventually led to England's winning goal as England won the match 2–1.[73]

On 11 September 2012, Bertrand came on after 73 minutes in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification match against Ukraine and crossed the ball that led to the penalty that Frank Lampard converted.[74] On 8 October 2012, Bertrand was called up to the England squad for two more qualifying matches, against San Marino and Poland.[75] However he missed both matches because of a virus.[76]

Bertrand came on as a substitute for England away to Italy on 3 March 2015 and he won his fourth full cap, starting for England against Republic of Ireland in Dublin on 7 June 2015.[77][78]

Bertrand was part of the squad for UEFA Euro 2016.[79] On 1 September 2017, Bertrand scored his first goal for England in a 4–0 World Cup qualifier win over Malta.[80]

Style of play

[edit]

Bertrand has been described as a modern-day full-back who gives assistance in attacking down the flanks, keeping and retaining possession as well as defending and reclaiming possession, making quick runs into the box and often does one-two's with his teammates.[citation needed] Bertrand was described by Glenn Roeder, his manager at Norwich, as a defender who "likes to bomb forward and is tenacious in the tackle when defending."[81] In a 2018 ESPN FC article about the state of left-backs in England, Michael Cox said that the "only real star is Ryan Bertrand, a truly excellent full-back defensively and offensively".[82]

Business ventures

[edit]

Bertrand is a founder of the fintech brokerage Silicon Markets which provides machine learning and algorithmic trading tools[83] for retail traders in the Foreign Exchange and CFD markets.[84]

Personal life

[edit]

Bertrand's son, Marcell Washington, joined the youth academy of Arsenal on 12 June 2025.[85]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
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
Chelsea 2006–07[86] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2007–08[87] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2010–11[88] Premier League 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2011–12[89] Premier League 7 0 4 0 3 0 1[a] 0 15 0
2012–13[90] Premier League 19 0 5 0 4 1 8[b] 0 2[c] 1 38 2
2013–14[91] Premier League 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Total 28 0 9 0 9 1 9 0 2 1 57 2
AFC Bournemouth (loan) 2006–07[86] League One 5 0 2 0 7 0
Oldham Athletic (loan) 2007–08[87] League One 21 0 1 0 2[d] 0 24 0
Norwich City (loan) 2007–08[87] Championship 18 0 2 0 20 0
2008–09[92] Championship 38 0 2 0 0 0 40 0
Total 56 0 4 0 0 0 60 0
Reading (loan) 2009–10[93] Championship 44 1 6 0 1 0 51 1
Nottingham Forest (loan) 2010–11[88] Championship 19 0 19 0
Aston Villa (loan) 2013–14[91] Premier League 16 0 16 0
Southampton 2014–15[94] Premier League 34 2 3 0 2 0 39 2
2015–16[95] Premier League 32 1 0 0 2 0 0 0 34 1
2016–17[96] Premier League 28 2 1 0 4 1 1[e] 0 34 3
2017–18[97] Premier League 35 0 5 0 0 0 40 0
2018–19[98] Premier League 24 1 0 0 0 0 24 1
2019–20[99] Premier League 32 1 2 0 1 0 35 1
2020–21[100] Premier League 29 0 4 0 1 0 34 0
Total 214 7 15 0 10 1 1 0 240 8
Leicester City 2021–22[101] Premier League 4 0 0 0 2 0 4[e] 0 1[f] 0 11 0
2022–23[102] Premier League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 4 0 0 0 2 0 4 0 1 0 11 0
Career total 407 8 36 0 23 2 14 0 5 1 485 11
  1. ^ Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League
  2. ^ Three appearances in UEFA Champions League, five appearances in UEFA Europa League
  3. ^ One appearance and one goal in FA Community Shield, one appearance in UEFA Super Cup
  4. ^ Appearance(s) in Football League Trophy
  5. ^ a b Appearance(s) in UEFA Europa League
  6. ^ Appearance in FA Community Shield

International

[edit]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
England[103] 2012 2 0
2013 0 0
2014 0 0
2015 5 0
2016 3 0
2017 9 1
Total 19 1
England score listed first, score column indicates score after each Bertrand goal.[103]
List of international goals scored by Ryan Bertrand
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition Ref.
1 1 September 2017 National Stadium, Ta' Qali, Malta 15  Malta 2–0 4–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification [104]

Honours

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Ryan Bertrand (born 5 August 1989) is an English former professional footballer who played primarily as a left-back throughout a career spanning over 15 years in the Premier League and other leagues.[1] He began his youth career at Gillingham before joining Chelsea's academy in 2005, where he developed into a versatile defender known for his pace, crossing ability, and defensive reliability.[2] Bertrand made his senior breakthrough at Chelsea, featuring in their 2012 UEFA Champions League-winning campaign, and later achieved success with the club in the 2013 UEFA Europa League.[3] After loan spells to clubs including Norwich City, Oldham Athletic, Reading, Aston Villa, Nottingham Forest, and Bournemouth between 2007 and 2014, Bertrand joined Southampton on loan in 2014 before signing permanently with the club in 2015, where he became a key player and club captain, amassing over 200 appearances in seven seasons.[1][4] In 2021, he joined Leicester City on a free transfer, though injuries limited him to just 11 senior appearances over two years before leaving the club in 2023 and announcing his retirement in June 2024 at age 34.[5][6] Across his club career, Bertrand recorded 262 Premier League appearances and 7 goals, contributing to a reputation as a dependable full-back in top-flight English football. On the international stage, Bertrand earned 7 caps for the England national team between 2012 and 2016, including selection for UEFA Euro 2012 (where he appeared as a substitute in the final) and UEFA Euro 2016.[3] He also represented Great Britain at the 2012 Summer Olympics, starting in their quarter-final run.[2] Post-retirement, Bertrand has entered football management and agency work, founding a player representation firm that includes clients such as Chelsea defender Levi Colwill.[7]

Early years

Childhood and family background

Ryan Bertrand was born on 5 August 1989 in Southwark, London, England.[8] He grew up on the Friary Estate in nearby Peckham, a working-class neighborhood in South London known for its vibrant, multicultural community.[9] This environment exposed him early to diverse cultural influences, shaping his perspective amid the challenges of urban life in the area.[9] Bertrand was raised primarily by his mother, Debbie, in a single-parent household alongside his older brother, Nathan.[9] His mother worked multiple jobs—often two or three simultaneously—to provide for the family, instilling in Bertrand a strong work ethic and appreciation for perseverance.[9] Nathan played a protective role, looking out for his younger brother during their upbringing in the tough surroundings of Peckham.[9] The family's later relocation to Kent marked a shift that would influence his early football opportunities.[9] From a young age, Bertrand's family supported his budding interest in sports, particularly football, which he pursued enthusiastically in local settings like an adventure playground he affectionately called "my little Wembley."[9] While football became his passion, the practical demands of his upbringing led him to take on summer jobs laying flooring starting at age 13, reflecting the grounded values emphasized by his mother.[9] This early blend of familial encouragement and real-world responsibilities laid the foundation for his disciplined approach to life and athletics.

Youth football development

Bertrand began his organized football journey at the age of nine, joining the youth academy of Gillingham FC in 1998, where he developed his skills as a left-back over the next seven years.[2] His family provided crucial encouragement during these early years, supporting his passion despite the demands of balancing school and training.[9] In July 2005, at age 16, Bertrand transferred to Chelsea's academy for a compensation fee of £125,000, marking a significant step up from his part-time scholarship at Gillingham.[2][10] He quickly integrated into the club's youth setup, progressing through the under-16 and under-18 ranks, where he honed his defensive positioning and versatility on the left flank.[1] By early 2006, he had made his debut for Chelsea's reserve team in the Reserve League, showcasing his potential in competitive youth fixtures.[11] On 10 August 2006, shortly after turning 17, Bertrand signed his first professional contract with Chelsea, committing to the club until 2009 and transitioning from youth prospect to full-time professional.[2] This milestone came amid initial challenges, including adapting to the rigorous full-time training regimen and the cultural shift from Gillingham's more modest environment to Chelsea's high-pressure academy system.[9] Despite these hurdles, Bertrand's dedication helped him establish himself in the under-21 side, building a foundation for future opportunities.

Club career

Early career at Chelsea

Bertrand joined Chelsea's youth academy from Gillingham in July 2005 and was promoted to the first-team squad ahead of the 2006–07 season under manager José Mourinho, where he was assigned squad number 43.[12] Despite this step up, he did not make any competitive appearances that year, facing stiff competition for the left-back position from established players Ashley Cole and Wayne Bridge.[13] In the 2007–08 season, Bertrand remained part of the senior setup under new manager Avram Grant and was given squad number 21, but opportunities remained limited with no first-team outings in the Premier League or domestic cups.[14] The dominance of Cole as the primary left-back continued to restrict his pathway to regular involvement.[13] Throughout this early period, Bertrand benefited from daily training sessions with elite talents, absorbing lessons in professionalism and preparation from teammates like Frank Lampard, who often stayed after sessions to refine his finishing, and Ashley Cole, whose consistent work ethic belied any external criticism.[13] These experiences, though without match minutes, helped foster his development amid the high-pressure environment of Chelsea's title-challenging squad.

Loan spells

Bertrand's professional development at Chelsea was marked by several loan spells to lower-tier clubs, providing him with his initial senior experience. In November 2006, he joined AFC Bournemouth in League One on a short-term loan, making 7 appearances before returning in January 2007 for another brief stint, during which he suffered a ruptured spleen that sidelined him temporarily.[15] Later that year, in August 2007, he moved to Oldham Athletic on loan until January 2008, featuring in 24 League One matches and establishing himself as a reliable left-back.[15] Seeking greater exposure in the Championship, Bertrand joined Norwich City on loan in January 2008, where he made 10 appearances in the second half of the 2007–08 season.[16] Impressed by his performances, Norwich secured him for a full season-long loan in 2008–09, during which he became a regular, contributing to 60 appearances across both spells and helping the team reach the play-offs.[17] In July 2009, Bertrand was loaned to Reading for the 2009–10 Championship campaign, where he played 51 matches, scored his first professional goal in a 3–1 win over Derby County, and finished third in the club's Player of the Season voting.[18] His form under manager Steve Coppell showcased his defensive solidity and occasional forward runs from left-back. Bertrand's next move came in August 2010 with a six-month loan to Nottingham Forest in the Championship, where he made 19 appearances before being recalled to Chelsea in late November to cover for injuries in the first team.[2] Later, in January 2014, following a period of limited opportunities at Chelsea, he joined Aston Villa on loan until the end of the 2013–14 Premier League season, featuring in 16 matches and providing competition at left-back under manager Paul Lambert.[19] These varied loan experiences across League One, the Championship, and the Premier League were instrumental in Bertrand's growth, enhancing his versatility to operate effectively as a left-back or wing-back while building resilience against physical and competitive demands.[6]

Breakthrough and success at Chelsea

Bertrand returned to Chelsea's first team in early 2011 following a loan spell at Nottingham Forest, marking the beginning of his breakthrough at the club. He made his senior debut for Chelsea on 20 April 2011, coming on as a substitute in a 3-1 Premier League victory over Birmingham City at Stamford Bridge.[20] During the 2010–11 season, his involvement was limited to five appearances across all competitions, including outings in the FA Cup as he began to adapt to the senior squad under manager Carlo Ancelotti.[21] The 2011–12 season represented Bertrand's true emergence, with 16 appearances in all competitions as he served as understudy to Ashley Cole at left-back and occasionally deployed further forward. He featured in the League Cup campaign, starting in the third-round tie against Fulham and the quarter-final loss to Liverpool, while also contributing in the Premier League and FA Cup. Bertrand signed a new four-year contract in March 2012, reflecting his growing importance.[11] His standout moment came in the UEFA Champions League final on 19 May 2012 against Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena. Due to injuries and suspensions, Bertrand was selected to start on the left wing—his first European appearance—and played 73 minutes in the 1-1 draw that Chelsea won 4-3 on penalties, securing the club's first Champions League title. This feat made Bertrand the first player in history to debut in a Champions League final.[22][23] Although he did not feature in the FA Cup final victory over Liverpool, Bertrand's season-long contributions helped Chelsea achieve a historic double of the Champions League and FA Cup.[3] In the 2012–13 season, opportunities diminished under new manager Roberto Di Matteo, with Bertrand limited to five appearances before sustaining an injury that sidelined him for much of the campaign.[21] Despite reduced playing time, he remained part of the squad that won the Europa League, adding another European medal to his collection.[3]

Southampton tenure

Bertrand joined Southampton on a season-long loan from Chelsea on 30 July 2014, providing defensive reinforcement during a summer of significant squad changes for the club.[24] He quickly established himself as the first-choice left-back, making 34 appearances across all competitions in the 2014–15 season and contributing to Southampton's seventh-place finish in the Premier League, which secured qualification for the UEFA Europa League—the club's first European campaign in over eight years.[25] His performances during the loan period, including solid defensive displays and occasional forward surges, were instrumental in the team's transition under manager Ronald Koeman.[26] Impressed by Bertrand's impact, Southampton made the move permanent on 2 February 2015 for an initial fee of £10 million, with the deal structured over a four-and-a-half-year contract.[27] He extended his stay in July 2016 with a new five-year deal until 2021, reflecting his growing importance to the squad.[25] Over the subsequent seasons, Bertrand remained a consistent presence, featuring in 36 Premier League matches during the 2014–15 campaign overall and continuing to anchor the left flank. In the 2016–17 season, Bertrand played a key role in Southampton's run to the FA Cup final, appearing in five matches en route to the Wembley showdown, where the team lost 2–0 to Arsenal despite a spirited performance. The following year, 2018–19, saw him central to the club's survival efforts amid a tense relegation battle; Southampton finished 16th with 41 points, four above the drop zone, bolstered by Bertrand's 24 league appearances and his leadership in defensive organization. Across seven seasons from 2014 to 2021, he amassed 240 appearances in all competitions for Southampton, scoring eight goals and providing 17 assists, primarily from set pieces and overlaps.[28] Bertrand's tenure was marked by his reliability in maintaining defensive stability, often forming a cohesive backline that limited opposition chances, and he occasionally captained the side in the absence of regular leaders like Steven Davis, demonstrating his maturity and tactical awareness.[29] His contract expired at the end of the 2020–21 season, after which he departed as a free agent, concluding a period that solidified his status as a club stalwart during years of mid-table consolidation and cup progressions.[28]

Leicester City stint

Ryan Bertrand joined Leicester City on a free transfer from Southampton in July 2021, signing a two-year contract with an option for a third year.[30][31] The move reunited him with manager Brendan Rodgers, whom he had previously worked with in Chelsea's academy, and provided an opportunity to compete in European competitions following Leicester's qualification for the UEFA Europa League.[30] During the 2021–22 season, Bertrand made 11 appearances across all competitions, including the Community Shield victory over Manchester City in his debut on 7 August 2021.[5] His involvement was hampered early by a bout of COVID-19, which affected his conditioning, and he struggled to adapt fully to the team's dynamics under Rodgers, later reflecting that he "couldn’t get into my groove" despite initial promise.[5] In the 2022–23 season, Bertrand's playing time was limited to 0 appearances due to a persistent knee injury that required four operations, beginning with a meniscus tear sustained in late 2021.[5] The injury, compounded by lingering effects of Long COVID, prevented him from regaining form, and he made no further first-team outings after December 2021. Bertrand described the period as "a very tough time," noting the challenges of integrating into a squad undergoing defensive transitions while battling fitness issues.[5] Leicester City announced Bertrand's release in June 2023 upon the expiry of his contract, following the club's relegation from the Premier League.[5]

Retirement

After leaving Leicester City as a free agent in the summer of 2023, Ryan Bertrand remained without a club for nearly a year, during which ongoing injury concerns limited his opportunities to return to professional football.[6] On 18 June 2024, at the age of 34, Bertrand officially announced his retirement from the sport live on Sky Sports, stating, "It’s been a little while, but I get asked a lot of questions, ‘When are you coming back, what are you doing?’ So, just to make that official I am retiring and very much looking forward to the next steps."[32][17] The decision was influenced by persistent knee injuries that had hampered his playing time, particularly during his stint at Leicester where he underwent multiple surgeries on the same knee and dealt with long Covid symptoms, resulting in over 500 days sidelined in the 2021-22 season alone.[5][33] Bertrand also expressed a desire to pursue new challenges beyond playing, signaling a shift in focus after a career marked by resilience amid physical setbacks.[17] Over his professional career spanning more than 15 years, Bertrand amassed 262 appearances in the Premier League across stints with Chelsea, Southampton, and Leicester City, alongside over 200 matches in the Championship and numerous cup ties, totaling more than 480 competitive games.[34] In reflecting on his journey, Bertrand often cited the 2012 UEFA Champions League triumph with Chelsea—where he made his European debut starting in the final against Bayern Munich—as the pinnacle of his achievements, a moment that encapsulated the highs of his time at Stamford Bridge.[6][35]

International career

Youth and Olympic representation

Ryan Bertrand began his international youth career with England at the under-16 level in 2005, earning one cap during a period that marked his early progression through the national setup. He advanced to the under-17 team in 2006, where he made three appearances, before featuring for the under-19 side from 2007 to 2008 with ten caps, including matches in the European Under-19 Championship qualifiers. Bertrand's most prominent youth involvement came at under-21 level between 2009 and 2011, where he accumulated sixteen appearances, contributing to qualification campaigns such as the 2009 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, for which England reached the final but lost to Germany. Across these youth levels—U16, U17, U19, and U21—Bertrand totaled over 30 caps, gaining valuable experience as a left-back in competitive fixtures.[2] His strong performances in club loans, particularly at Norwich City, helped secure his place in the England U21 squad during key qualification phases. Bertrand's reliability in defense and occasional forward surges were highlighted in tournaments like the 2009 U21 Euros, where he provided depth to a team that showcased emerging talents. These youth internationals laid the foundation for his transition to more senior representative opportunities. In 2012, Bertrand was selected for the Great Britain men's football team at the London Olympics, coached by Stuart Pearce, where he served as a left-back in the squad. He made four appearances during the tournament: starting in the group stage victories over the United Arab Emirates (3-1) and Uruguay (1-0), as well as the 1-1 draw against Senegal, helping Great Britain top Group A. Bertrand also featured in the quarter-final against South Korea, which ended 1-1 after extra time and was decided by a 5-4 penalty shootout loss, marking Great Britain's exit from the competition. Additionally, he played in a pre-tournament friendly against Brazil on 20 July 2012, a 0-2 defeat that served as preparation for the Olympic campaign.[36][37]

Senior England team

Bertrand received his first call-up to the senior England national team in August 2012 for a friendly match against Italy, following his standout performances with Chelsea and Team GB at the Olympics. He made his debut in that game on 15 August 2012 at the Stade de Suisse in Bern, coming on as a late substitute in a 2–1 victory.[2] He earned his second cap as a substitute against Ukraine in a 1–1 World Cup qualifying draw on 11 September 2012. After a period without appearances, Bertrand returned in 2015, starting in friendlies such as against the Republic of Ireland (0–0 draw on 7 June 2015) and in qualifiers including against Estonia (2–0 win on 9 October 2015). His sole international goal came against Malta in a 4–0 World Cup qualifying victory on 1 September 2017.[38] Over the course of his senior career, Bertrand accumulated 19 caps between 2012 and 2017, with his last appearance in a 2017 World Cup qualifier against Slovakia. Despite consistent club form at Southampton, he faced stiff competition for the left-back position from established players like Leighton Baines and the emerging Luke Shaw, limiting his opportunities under managers Roy Hodgson and Gareth Southgate. He was included in England's squad for UEFA Euro 2016 and featured in the tournament, starting against Slovakia in a 0–0 group stage draw on 20 June 2016, though England exited in the round of 16.[6]

Playing style

Defensive attributes

Ryan Bertrand primarily operated as a left-back during his professional career, demonstrating versatility by occasionally filling in at right-back or as a wing-back in both three- and four-defender formations. This adaptability was evident in his deployments under managers like Ronald Koeman at Southampton, where he even featured on the left of a back three, showcasing his comfort in varied defensive setups.[39][40] Bertrand's defensive prowess was anchored in his strengths in one-on-one situations, where he excelled at containing wingers through composed and physical challenges, often emerging victorious in duels. He averaged around 2 tackles per game across his Premier League appearances, reflecting a tenacious approach to regaining possession without resorting to rash fouls. Positional awareness further bolstered his reliability, as he anticipated opponents' movements to position himself optimally, contributing to solid backline organization during his peak years at Chelsea and Southampton.[39][41][42] A standout attribute was Bertrand's recovery pace, which allowed him to rapidly track back and neutralize counter-attacks, particularly effective in teams employing high defensive lines like Southampton under Koeman. This speed, combined with his athleticism, helped mitigate vulnerabilities behind the defense and was refined through consistent starting roles at both Chelsea and Southampton.[42][40] Despite these strengths, Bertrand exhibited occasional lapses in concentration toward the end of his career at Leicester City, where errors in high-stakes matches, such as against Napoli in the Europa League, drew criticism for undermining defensive stability.[43]

Attacking contributions

Ryan Bertrand was noted for his proficiency in delivering crosses and making overlapping runs, which enhanced his teams' attacking options from the left flank. During his Premier League career, he averaged around 1.2 key passes per game, contributing to build-up play by providing dangerous balls into the final third.[44][45] His ability to overlap with wingers allowed for dynamic left-sided attacks, particularly evident in his overlapping runs that created space and delivery opportunities. Bertrand recorded 16 assists in 262 Premier League appearances, with a significant portion coming during his Southampton spell where he supported forwards like Sadio Mané through precise crosses. For instance, in a 2015 Capital One Cup match against Liverpool, he provided a headed assist to Mané just 40 seconds into the game via an early cross.[46] At Southampton overall, he tallied 17 assists across 240 appearances in all competitions, often aiding quick transitions into the attacking third.[47] He scored 7 goals in the Premier League, many of which stemmed from set-pieces or counter-attacks, such as his headed finish from a cross during a 2017 match against Chelsea.[48] These strikes underscored his threat from dead-ball situations and rapid breaks, with additional examples including a low-driven effort on the counter against Crystal Palace in 2014.[49] Throughout his career, Bertrand evolved from a versatile utility player during his loan spells and early Chelsea days into a dependable attacking contributor by his mid-career at Southampton, where his offensive output became a cornerstone of the team's play.[50] This development was facilitated in part by his defensive recoveries that frequently launched attacking phases.

Business ventures

Investments and entrepreneurial activities

Following his success with Chelsea in the 2012 Champions League final, Ryan Bertrand developed a keen interest in financial markets, building on an early fascination with London's financial district sparked by visits to Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs during his youth. At age 18, he began personal trading activities, which laid the foundation for his entrepreneurial pursuits amid his professional football career.[51] During his tenure at Southampton starting in 2015, Bertrand co-founded Silicon Markets, a fintech brokerage firm aimed at democratizing foreign exchange trading for retail investors through AI-driven tools and machine learning algorithms typically reserved for institutional traders. The venture, launched with business partners Louis Bell and Matthew Kirkham, sought to revolutionize amateur currency speculation by providing accessible, technology-enhanced platforms. Bertrand balanced this entrepreneurial role with his on-pitch duties, viewing it as a strategic approach to financial planning amid the uncertainties of a football career.[52][51][53] In 2016, Bertrand expanded his investments into digital media by co-founding FootiEmoji, an app developed with former teammates John Terry and José Fonte to offer football-themed emojis for fans and social media users. Though short-lived, the project highlighted his interest in leveraging his sports profile for tech-enabled consumer products.[51][52] After joining Leicester City in 2021 and retiring in 2024, Bertrand shifted his full attention to entrepreneurial endeavors, emphasizing diversified financial strategies learned from his trading background to sustain long-term business growth beyond football.[54]

Talent scouting and advisory roles

Following his retirement from professional football in June 2024 after a brief stint at Leicester City, Ryan Bertrand announced his transition into talent representation and advisory work within the sport, leveraging his extensive experience as a player for clubs like Chelsea and Southampton, as well as his England international caps.[7] In late December 2024, Bertrand revealed his ambition to identify and nurture emerging talents akin to Sadio Mané, emphasizing a focus on scouting promising players from diverse backgrounds to bridge pathways into top-tier European football.[7] Bertrand co-founded and co-manages the football talent agency FA Sport alongside business partner Jordan Bell, which specializes in player representation, contract negotiations, and career development for young prospects.[54] The agency currently represents high-profile Premier League players such as Chelsea's Levi Colwill and Everton's Armando Broja, both of whom Bertrand has known from his playing days, facilitating collaborations with former teammates and academy products to scout and advise on talent pipelines.[7] Through FA Sport, Bertrand has extended his influence into club advisory capacities.[54] In a December 2024 interview with the Daily Mirror, Bertrand discussed his shift from on-pitch performer to executive advisor, highlighting the importance of using his network to mentor the next generation and disrupt traditional agency models by prioritizing long-term player welfare over short-term deals.[7] He expressed enthusiasm for potential liaison roles with governing bodies like the FA, though his primary focus remains on FA Sport's scouting initiatives aimed at unearthing undervalued talents globally.[55] By mid-2025, Bertrand continued to expand these efforts, as detailed in a July podcast appearance where he underscored the agency's role in fostering sustainable career transitions for athletes.[56]

Personal life

Family and relationships

Ryan Bertrand has been in a long-term relationship with model Mari Burch since at least the early 2010s. The couple became engaged in July 2019.[57][58] Together, they have two children: a daughter named Celina Rose, born prior to 2015, and a son, Marcell Washington, who joined Arsenal's youth academy in July 2025.[57][59][60] Bertrand and Burch maintain a relatively private family life, with the footballer occasionally sharing glimpses of family holidays and moments, such as matching Ferraris with his daughter in 2015, while avoiding extensive public details about their personal dynamics.[57][59] The family's relocations, including Bertrand's move from London-based Chelsea to Southampton in 2014 and later to Leicester in 2021, highlight the challenges of integrating professional career demands with raising young children.[9][61]

Interests and philanthropy

Bertrand has engaged in philanthropy focused on youth development and education through sports. He has collaborated with Football Beyond Borders, an organization that leverages football to empower disadvantaged young people by improving their literacy, confidence, and life skills. Bertrand personally participated in their sessions and shared updates on Instagram to amplify their reach, utilizing his platform of nearly 250,000 followers to inspire broader support for the cause.[62] A key aspect of his charitable efforts involves anti-racism advocacy, rooted in his South London upbringing. Bertrand has endorsed the Premier League's No Room For Racism campaign, drawing on his experience of racial abuse at age seven in Bermondsey to stress the need for ongoing education against subconscious biases. He has called for programs that foster empathy across races and religions, targeting both youth and parents to prevent the perpetuation of stereotypes.[63] Beyond philanthropy, Bertrand maintains personal interests in fashion and music. He admires the innovative approach of designer Virgil Abloh, often incorporating OFF-WHITE pieces into his wardrobe as a genuine expression of creative inspiration. His discussions on music reflect a deep, resonant passion, connecting it to broader cultural influences in his life.[64]

Career statistics

Club appearances and goals

Ryan Bertrand's club career statistics encompass appearances and goals across various competitions for multiple teams, including loans during his time at Chelsea. The following tables provide season-by-season breakdowns for his major clubs, incorporating domestic leagues, cups, and European competitions where applicable. Data includes appearances (apps) and goals (G), with totals per season and club. Assists are included where reliably recorded from primary sources. All statistics are verified up to his retirement announced on 18 June 2024, with no further appearances as of November 2025.[34][8]

Early Career and Loans (2006–2014)

During his formative years at Chelsea, Bertrand gained experience through loans to lower-tier clubs, making his first-team breakthrough in the 2011–12 season.
SeasonClub (Status)CompetitionAppsGAssists
2006–07Bournemouth (loan)League One500
2007–08Oldham Athletic (loan)League One2400
Norwich City (loan)Championship1600
EFL Cup100
FA Cup100
Total 2007–084200
2008–09Norwich City (loan)Championship4301
Total 2008–094301
2009–10Reading (loan)Championship3712
EFL Cup300
FA Cup100
Total 2009–104112
2010–11Nottingham Forest (loan)Championship1901
ChelseaPremier League100
EFL Cup100
Total 2010–112101
2011–12ChelseaPremier League1501
FA Cup210
EFL Cup100
UEFA Champions League601
UEFA Europa League100
Total 2011–122512
2012–13ChelseaPremier League2110
FA Cup200
EFL Cup100
UEFA Europa League300
Total 2012–132710
2013–14Aston Villa (loan)Premier League1600
Total 2013–141600
Chelsea Total (incl. loans from Chelsea)5722
Loan Clubs Total14314
Overall for early career and Chelsea period: 200 appearances, 3 goals, 6 assists across all competitions.[34][8]

Southampton (2014–2021)

Bertrand joined Southampton on loan in February 2014, making it permanent that summer. He became a regular left-back, contributing consistently in the Premier League and European ties.
SeasonCompetitionAppsGAssists
2013–14Premier League900
FA Cup100
Total 2013–141000
2014–15Premier League3422
FA Cup100
EFL Cup100
Total 2014–153622
2015–16Premier League3213
FA Cup100
EFL Cup300
UEFA Europa League602
Total 2015–164215
2016–17Premier League2823
FA Cup200
EFL Cup100
Total 2016–173123
2017–18Premier League3504
FA Cup100
EFL Cup200
Total 2017–183804
2018–19Premier League2410
FA Cup100
EFL Cup100
Total 2018–192610
2019–20Premier League3211
FA Cup200
EFL Cup100
Total 2019–203511
2020–21Premier League2901
Total 2020–212901
Southampton Total240316
Bertrand's tenure at Southampton saw him accumulate 240 appearances and 3 goals, with notable contributions in the 2015–16 UEFA Europa League campaign.[65]

Leicester City (2021–2023)

Bertrand signed with Leicester City as a free agent in July 2021, providing experienced depth at left-back before limited play led to his retirement.
SeasonCompetitionAppsGAssists
2021–22Premier League400
FA Cup100
EFL Cup100
UEFA Europa Conference League400
Total 2021–221000
2022–23FA Cup100
Premier League 2 (U21)100
Total 2022–23200
Leicester Total1200
At Leicester, Bertrand made 12 appearances without scoring, focusing on squad rotation and European qualification efforts in 2021–22.[8]

Career Totals

Across his professional club career, Bertrand recorded 486 appearances, 12 goals, and 27 assists in all competitions. Key breakdowns include:
CompetitionAppsGAssists
Premier League262716
Championship11916
FA Cup2110
EFL Cup1500
UEFA Europa League1002
UEFA Champions League601
UEFA Europa Conference League400
Other (incl. lower leagues, U21)4938
Total4861227
These figures highlight Bertrand's longevity as a defensive specialist, with the majority of his contributions in the Premier League.[1][8]

International appearances and goals

Bertrand amassed 30 appearances across England's youth international teams from under-17 to under-21 levels, scoring no goals.[66] He represented the Great Britain Olympic football team at the 2012 London Games, where he made 4 appearances without scoring.[67] The matches included group stage victories over Senegal (1–0 on 26 July) and the United Arab Emirates (3–1 on 1 August), a group stage win against Uruguay (1–0 on 29 July), and a quarter-final loss to Brazil (1–0 on 4 August).[37]
DateOpponentResultCompetition
26 July 2012Senegal1–0 WOlympics Group A
29 July 2012Uruguay1–0 WOlympics Group A
1 August 2012UAE3–1 WOlympics Group A
4 August 2012Brazil0–1 LOlympics QF
At senior level, Bertrand earned 19 caps for England between 2012 and 2017, scoring 1 goal during a 4–0 World Cup qualifier win over Malta on 1 September 2017.[68] His debut came as a substitute in a 2–1 friendly victory against Italy on 15 August 2012, and his final appearance was in a 0–0 friendly draw with Brazil on 14 November 2017.[2] The caps comprised 10 friendlies, 7 World Cup qualifiers, 1 European Championship qualifier, and 1 appearance at the UEFA Euro 2016 finals.[68]
Competition TypeAppearancesGoals
Friendlies100
World Cup Qualifiers71
Euro Qualifiers10
Euro Finals10
Total191
Opponents faced across his senior caps included Italy, Ukraine, San Marino, Norway, Switzerland, Scotland, France, Germany, Lithuania, Estonia, Slovenia, Malta, Slovakia, and Brazil.[69] In total, Bertrand recorded approximately 53 international appearances across all levels.[66][68][67]

Honours

Club achievements

During his time at Chelsea, Ryan Bertrand contributed to the club's success in major European competitions. He made his Champions League debut in the 2012 final, starting as a left winger in a 1–1 draw against Bayern Munich before Chelsea won on penalties to claim the 2011–12 UEFA Champions League title. Bertrand was also part of the squad that won the 2011–12 FA Cup, defeating Liverpool 2–1 in the final, though he did not feature in the match itself. At Southampton, Bertrand reached the 2016–17 EFL Cup final, where the team lost 3–2 to Manchester United after extra time; he started and played the full match. The club did not win any major trophies during his tenure from 2014 to 2021. With Leicester City, Bertrand debuted in the 2021 FA Community Shield, starting and playing 75 minutes in a 1–0 victory over Manchester City. He was part of the squad for the 2020–21 FA Cup-winning team but joined after the final and did not participate in the competition that season. Bertrand received no major individual awards during his club career, though his versatility as a left-back and contributions to team defenses were noted in squad selections for trophy-winning campaigns.

International achievements

Bertrand earned his first senior cap for England on 15 August 2012, starting in a 2–1 friendly victory over Italy at Wembley Stadium. He went on to accumulate 19 caps for the Three Lions between 2012 and 2017, primarily featuring as a left-back in qualifying campaigns and friendlies.[2][68] His international career included participation in the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying phase, where he made several appearances as England topped their group. Bertrand was selected for the finals squad in France, marking his only involvement in a major tournament; he started in the final group match, a 0–0 draw against Slovakia on 20 June 2016 at Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, helping secure England's progression to the knockout stages despite the goalless result. England were eliminated in the round of 16 by Iceland.[70][71] Bertrand scored his sole international goal on 1 September 2017, a powerful 25-yard drive in the 85th minute of a 4–0 FIFA World Cup qualifying win over Malta at Ta' Qali National Stadium, contributing to England's dominant performance in the match. Despite earning call-ups for 2014 and 2018 World Cup qualifiers, he was not included in the final squads for those tournaments.[72][73]

References

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