Hubbry Logo
Sam VokesSam VokesMain
Open search
Sam Vokes
Community hub
Sam Vokes
logo
8 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Sam Vokes
Sam Vokes
Sam Vokes
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Samuel Michael Vokes (born 21 October 1989) is a professional footballer who plays as a striker for EFL League Two club Gillingham, and formerly for the Wales national team.

Key Information

Vokes began his professional career at AFC Bournemouth in League One, making his debut in 2006. His form there earned a move to Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers, where he helped them win promotion to the Premier League in his first season. In four seasons at Wolves, he played only 59 games, spending time on loan at six other clubs. In 2012, he transferred to Burnley, where he made 258 appearances and scored 62 goals, twice earning promotion to the Premier League. He signed for Stoke City in January 2019.

He has become an established member of the Wales national team, who he has also represented at under-21 level. Born and raised in England, Vokes is eligible to represent Wales through descendancy from his Welsh born grandfather.[4] He has earned over 60 caps since his debut in 2008, and was part of their team that reached the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2016.

Early life

[edit]

Vokes was born in Southampton and raised in Lymington, and attended Priestlands School in Pennington.[5][6] Vokes began playing in the Southampton Academy but was released when he was ten-years-old.[7] Vokes took a BTEC at Brockenhurst College and was taken on by Bournemouth's Academy.[8]

Club career

[edit]

AFC Bournemouth

[edit]

Vokes stepped up into AFC Bournemouth's first team on 5 December 2006 in a 2–0 victory over Nottingham Forest.[9] His first senior goal came in a 1–1 draw at Gillingham on 16 December.[10] The club gave him a three-and-a-half-year professional contract during the following month.[11] He made 14 appearances and scored four goals in his debut season as the Cherries finished in 18th spot.[12]

Vokes remained at Bournemouth during the 2007–08 season, despite being linked to several other clubs, including Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Everton and Celtic.[13] He also turned down Crewe Alexandra in January 2008 who had made a £200,000 bid.[14][15] Vokes was a bright spark in an otherwise tumultuous season for the Cherries as they were embroiled in a club ownership saga. His 12-goal tally could not prevent Bournemouth from being relegated to League Two.[16]

Wolverhampton Wanderers

[edit]

He eventually signed a four-year contract with Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers on 23 May 2008.[17] Vokes marked his debut for the club by coming off the bench to equalise in a 2–2 draw away to Plymouth Argyle on the opening day of the 2008–09 season.[18] With the goal-scoring form of Chris Iwelumo and Sylvan Ebanks-Blake firing the club to the top of the table – that they led for almost the entire season – Vokes was mostly only employed as a substitute. Nonetheless he contributed to eight goals to help the team win promotion to the Premier League as champions.[19]

To gain playing time, Vokes moved to League One side Leeds United in October 2009 on loan until the New Year,[20] making his Leeds debut in a 2–1 victory over Norwich City on 19 October. He scored once for the club against Bristol Rovers[21] but competition between Leeds strikers meant Vokes returned to Wolves when the deal ended.

Vokes went out on loan once more in August 2010 when he moved to Championship side Bristol City.[22] He endured a miserable stay, tearing his hamstring within minutes of making his debut in a match against Millwall and re-aggravating the injury in a reserve match in December.[23] He returned to Wolves when his loan expired in January having played just 13 minutes of first team football.[24]

Once again fit, he moved on a month-long loan to another Championship side, Sheffield United, in February 2011[25] and made his début the same evening in a 1–1 draw with Reading.[26] With their other attacking options regaining fitness, the Blades elected not to extend Vokes' loan period,[27] meaning he was instead signed up by promotion-chasing Norwich City on 23 March on an emergency loan for the rest of the season.[28] However, an injury to Wolves' leading goalscorer Kevin Doyle saw the club recall him after just four appearances for the Canaries, during which he scored once.[29] Back at Molineux, he made two substitute appearances for the team during the run-in as they narrowly avoided relegation on the final day despite losing 3–2 against Blackburn Rovers.[30]

During the 2011–12 season, he made four Premier League appearances for Wolves, but did not start a league match. In November 2011 he once more went out on loan to a Championship side, this time joining Burnley until 15 January.[31] He played nine times for Burnley, scoring twice and impressed manager Eddie Howe.[32]

On 30 January 2012, Vokes joined Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion on loan until the end of the season.[33] He scored on his full home debut in a 2–2 draw with Millwall on 14 February 2012. He scored three goals in total during his 14 appearances for the Seagulls.[34]

Burnley

[edit]

On 31 July 2012, Vokes joined Championship side Burnley permanently signing a three-year contract for an undisclosed fee, believed to be £350,000.[35][36] On 2 December, Vokes scored an equalising goal for Burnley in the 89th minute against fierce rivals Blackburn Rovers a match which ended 1–1.[37] Despite this goal, Vokes struggled to establish himself in the first eleven and was used predominantly as a substitute.[38] This was mainly down to the form of top scorer Charlie Austin, with manager Sean Dyche often opting to partner Austin with fellow strikers Martin Paterson or Danny Ings, both being quicker and more mobile than Vokes.[39]

On the eve of the 2013–14 Championship season, Burnley agreed a deal with Queens Park Rangers for the transfer of Charlie Austin, who had attracted much attention from Premier League teams throughout the summer.[40] With Austin moving out of the club, this gave Vokes his long-awaited chance in the starting eleven, and he formed a striking partnership with Danny Ings and he finished the season with 21 goals in 44 matches helping the Clarets finished 2nd, gaining promotion to the Premier League.[41] He missed the run in after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament which kept him out until December 2014.[42] He marked his return from injury with a goal against Tottenham Hotspur in the FA Cup.[43] Vokes played 15 league matches in 2014–15 as Burnley suffered relegation back to the Championship.[44]

On 8 August 2015, on the opening day of the 2015–16 Championship season, Vokes scored his first league goal since returning from a knee injury for Burnley against former club Leeds United in a 1–1 draw.[45] Vokes signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract with Burnley in January 2016.[46] He scored 16 goals in 46 appearances as Burnley returned to the Premier League as Championship title winners.[47]

Vokes scored his first Premier League goal on 20 August 2016 at Turf Moor in a 2–0 win against Liverpool.[48] Vokes scored 12 goals in 36 games in 2016–17 helping the team avoid relegation, finishing in 16th.[49] Vokes scored twice in a 3–2 win away at champions Chelsea on the opening day of the 2017–18 season.[50] He made 32 appearances as Burnley had a successful campaign finishing in 7th, qualifying for the UEFA Europa League.[51] In the 2018–19 season, Vokes scored the club's first European goal in over half a century from close range for an equaliser away to Aberdeen.[52] Burnley went out to Greek side Olympiacos in the play-off round.[53] In October 2018 Vokes signed new contract at Turf Moor keeping him contract until 2021.[54] However, in January 2019 manager Sean Dyche said he would allow Vokes to leave in the club in the January transfer window.[55]

Stoke City

[edit]

Vokes joined Stoke City on 31 January 2019 on a three-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee.[56] He made his debut two days later against Hull City, and missed a penalty in a 2–0 defeat.[57] Vokes scored his first goal for Stoke on 23 February in a 1–1 draw with Aston Villa.[58] Vokes ended the 2018–19 season with three goals from 12 appearances.[59] Stoke made a poor start to the 2019–20 season failing to win any of the first ten matches under Nathan Jones.[60] Vokes scored in all three rounds of the EFL Cup in August and September but didn't score in the league until December.[61] He scored a dramatic 97th-minute winner against Sheffield Wednesday on boxing day which lifted the team off the bottom of the table.[62] The season extended into June due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Vokes played in all the remaining matches and scored against relegation rivals Barnsley on 4 July 2020.[63] He ended the campaign with eight goals from 40 appearances as Stoke avoided relegation and finished in 15th position.[64]

In the 2020–21 season, Vokes was used mainly as a substitute by Michael O'Neill, starting only five of his 30 league appearances as Stoke finished in mid-table.[65][66] His only goal during the campaign came in a 1–0 EFL Cup win away at Aston Villa on 1 October 2020.[67]

Wycombe Wanderers

[edit]

Vokes joined Wycombe Wanderers on 28 July 2021 for an undisclosed fee.[68] On 16 May 2022, ahead of the play-off final, Vokes signed a new one-year contract with the club.[69] On 24 April 2023 he said he had signed a new contract.[70]

On 20 May 2025, the club announced he would be leaving in June when his contract expired.[71]

Gillingham

[edit]

Following his departure from Wycombe, Vokes signed a one-year contract with EFL League Two club Gillingham, managed by his former Wycombe manager Gareth Ainsworth.[72]

International career

[edit]
Vokes making his Welsh debut against Iceland in 2008

Born and brought up in England, Vokes is eligible to represent Wales through a grandfather born in Colwyn Bay.[73][4] He did not know he was eligible for Wales until manager Brian Flynn called him up to the Welsh under-21 team,[73] and he made his debut against Northern Ireland on 6 February 2007. The seventeen-year-old made an instant impression by scoring after 36 seconds, a team record, in a 4–0 victory.[74] He remained in the team and featured in their European U-21 Championship qualifying campaign.

He was soon called up to the senior squad and made his debut in a 1–0 friendly win over Iceland on 28 May 2008, coming on as a substitute for Freddy Eastwood early into the second half.[75] Vokes scored his first senior international goal when he netted the winner in a 1–0 win over Azerbaijan in their opening 2010 World Cup qualifier on 6 September 2008, striking seven minutes before the end at the Millennium Stadium.[76]

In May 2016, Vokes was listed for the 29-man squad for a pre-Euro 2016 training camp,[77] and was retained for the tournament final squad.[78] On 1 July, he came on as a substitute and scored for Wales in a 3–1 win over Belgium at the finals, sealing the victory to take Wales to their first ever semi-final appearance at a major tournament.[79]

At the 2018 China Cup, where Wales finished as runners-up, Vokes scored twice in a 6–0 win over the hosts in the semi-finals on 22 March.[80]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of match played on 3 May 2025
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
AFC Bournemouth 2006–07[12] League One 13 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 14 4
2007–08[81] League One 41 12 1 0 1 0 2[a] 0 45 12
Total 54 16 2 0 1 0 2 0 59 16
Wolverhampton Wanderers 2008–09[82] Championship 36 6 2 2 1 0 — 39 8
2009–10[83] Premier League 5 0 3 0 1 0 — 9 0
2010–11[84] Premier League 2 0 2 0 0 0 — 4 0
2011–12[34] Premier League 4 0 0 0 3 1 — 7 1
Total 47 6 7 2 5 1 — 59 9
Leeds United (loan) 2009–10[83] League One 8 1 0 0 0 0 2[a] 0 10 1
Bristol City (loan) 2010–11[84] Championship 1 0 0 0 0 0 — 1 0
Sheffield United (loan) 2010–11[84] Championship 6 1 0 0 0 0 — 6 1
Norwich City (loan) 2010–11[84] Championship 4 1 0 0 0 0 — 4 1
Burnley (loan) 2011–12[34] Championship 9 2 0 0 0 0 — 9 2
Brighton & Hove Albion (loan) 2011–12[34] Championship 14 3 1 0 0 0 — 15 3
Burnley 2012–13[85] Championship 46 4 1 0 2 0 — 49 4
2013–14[86] Championship 39 20 1 1 4 0 — 44 21
2014–15[44] Premier League 15 0 2 1 0 0 — 17 1
2015–16[87] Championship 43 15 2 1 1 0 — 46 16
2016–17[49] Premier League 37 10 4 2 1 0 — 42 12
2017–18[51] Premier League 30 4 1 0 1 0 — 32 4
2018–19[59] Premier League 20 3 1 0 1 0 6[b] 1 28 4
Total 230 56 12 5 10 0 6 1 258 62
Stoke City 2018–19[59] Championship 12 3 0 0 0 0 — 12 3
2019–20[88] Championship 36 5 1 0 3 3 — 40 8
2020–21[65] Championship 30 0 1 0 3 1 — 34 1
Total 78 8 2 0 6 4 — 86 12
Wycombe Wanderers 2021–22[89] League One 43 16 2 0 2 0 3[c] 1 50 17
2022–23[90] League One 35 6 1 0 0 0 1[d] 0 37 6
2023–24[91] League One 40 4 0 0 2 0 6[d] 1 48 5
2024–25[92] League One 7 2 0 0 1 0 1[d] 0 9 2
Total 125 28 3 0 5 0 11 2 144 30
Gillingham 2025–26[93] League Two 6 1 0 0 0 0 — 6 1
Career total 582 123 27 7 27 5 21 2 657 137
  1. ^ a b Appearances in Football League Trophy
  2. ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa League
  3. ^ Appearances in League One play-offs
  4. ^ a b c Appearances in EFL Trophy

International

[edit]
As of match played 9 September 2019[94]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
Wales 2008 6 1
2009 8 1
2010 2 0
2011 3 2
2012 5 0
2013 6 1
2014 1 1
2015 6 0
2016 11 2
2017 8 0
2018 5 3
2019 3 0
Total 64 11
As of match played 11 October 2018. Wales score listed first, score column indicates score after each Vokes goal.[94]
International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition Ref
1 6 September 2008 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales 3  Azerbaijan 1–0 1–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification [95]
2 12 August 2009 Podgorica City Stadium, Podgorica, Montenegro 11  Montenegro 1–2 1–2 Friendly [96]
3 12 November 2011 Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales 19  Norway 3–1 4–1 [97]
4 4–1
5 6 February 2013 Liberty Stadium, Swansea, Wales 25  Austria 2–0 2–1 [98]
6 5 March 2014 Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales 31  Iceland 2–1 3–1 [99]
7 1 July 2016 Stade Pierre-Mauroy, Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France 43  Belgium 3–1 3–1 UEFA Euro 2016 [79]
8 5 September 2016 Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales 45  Moldova 1–0 4–0 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification [100]
9 22 March 2018 Guangxi Sports Center, Nanning, China 57  China 3–0 6–0 2018 China Cup [101]
10 4–0
11 11 October 2018 Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales 60  Spain 1–4 1–4 Friendly [102]

Honours

[edit]

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Burnley

Wycombe Wanderers

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Sam Vokes

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Samuel Michael Vokes (born 21 October 1989) is a Welsh professional footballer who plays as a striker for club Gillingham. Born in , , he holds dual citizenship through his English birth and Welsh grandparents, making him eligible to represent internationally. Vokes began his career in the youth system of , turning professional in 2006 and making his senior debut the following year before transferring to Wanderers in 2008 for a fee of £700,000. He enjoyed loan spells at various clubs, including Leeds United and Norwich City, prior to establishing himself at in 2012, where he scored 62 goals in 258 appearances and contributed to two promotions to the in 2014 and 2016, including the decisive goal in the latter campaign's final match against Queens Park Rangers. In January 2019, he joined Stoke City, followed by a move to Wycombe Wanderers in 2021, where he netted 30 goals in 144 appearances, before signing a one-year deal with Gillingham in June 2025. On the international stage, Vokes debuted for in 2008 and has accumulated 64 caps with 11 goals as of 2025, playing a pivotal role in the nation's historic run to the semi-finals of , highlighted by his late header that sealed a 3–1 quarter-final victory over . Standing at 1.86 metres (6 ft 1 in), Vokes is known for his aerial prowess and physical presence as a target man.

Background

Early life

Samuel Vokes was born on 21 October 1989 in , . He was raised in the nearby town of , , where he developed an early passion for football as a supporter of his local club, . Vokes' family background included a Welsh grandfather born in , which later provided him with eligibility to represent the national team. Vokes attended Priestlands School in , where he was remembered fondly by staff and students for his sporting talents and later celebrated as a local hero following his international achievements. He continued his education at , pursuing BTEC studies while balancing his growing interest in football. From a young age, Vokes showed promise in the but faced an early setback when he was rejected from Southampton's academy at the age of 10 after a trial. Undeterred, he later joined the academy at age 14, marking the beginning of his structured youth football development.

Youth career

Vokes joined AFC Bournemouth's academy at the age of 14, beginning his structured football development in the club's youth setup. While progressing through the youth ranks, he balanced academy training with academic studies, enrolling in a BTEC program in sport at near his hometown. He featured regularly for Bournemouth's under-18 and reserve teams, where he focused on building his physical presence and goal-scoring instincts as a forward under the tutelage of youth coach Joe Roach. In late 2006, shortly after completing his schooling, Vokes impressed enough to prompt manager Kevin Bond to pursue a professional deal for the 17-year-old prospect. He secured his first professional contract with in January , a three-and-a-half-year agreement that Roach described as richly earned based on his consistent performances in the .

Club career

AFC Bournemouth

Vokes progressed through 's youth academy before earning promotion to the senior squad during the 2006–07 League One season. He made his senior debut on 5 December 2006, coming on as a substitute in a 2–0 home victory against Nottingham Forest at . Vokes impressed in his , contributing to the clean sheet and showing promise as a target man despite his youth. His first senior goal followed shortly after, on 16 December 2006, when he equalized in a 1–1 away draw with Gillingham, helping secure a vital point in a mid-table scrap. In his debut 2006–07 campaign, Vokes featured in 13 league appearances, scoring 4 goals as Bournemouth finished 18th in League One, comfortably avoiding relegation by 7 points. The following season, 2007–08, he became a regular starter amid the club's ongoing ownership uncertainties and points deduction threat, which ultimately contributed to their struggles. Vokes netted 12 goals in 41 league outings, joint-top scorer alongside Jo Kuffour, with key strikes including a header in a 1–0 win over Carlisle United that briefly eased relegation fears. Despite his contributions, could not escape the drop, ending 21st and descending to League Two after a 2–1 defeat to Gillingham on the final day. His form during these testing relegation battles, marked by physical presence and finishing ability, drew attention from higher-division clubs. Overall, across his two senior seasons at from 2006 to 2008, Vokes made 54 league appearances and scored 16 goals. In May 2008, shortly after the season's end, he transferred to side Wanderers for an undisclosed fee, reported around £300,000, signing a four-year contract.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

Vokes joined Wolverhampton Wanderers from on 23 May 2008, signing a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee after impressing with 12 goals in League One during the 2007–08 season. The move came amid Bournemouth's financial difficulties, and Vokes, then 18, was seen as a promising addition to bolster the squad under manager . In his debut season of 2008–09, Vokes adapted quickly to the level, establishing himself as a key squad member in Wolves' successful promotion campaign. He made 37 appearances across all competitions, scoring 6 goals, including important contributions in league matches that helped the team secure the title and return to the after a six-year absence. McCarthy praised Vokes' physical presence and finishing ability, noting his role in providing depth alongside established forwards like Kevin Doyle and Andy Keogh. The following 2009–10 Premier League season proved challenging for Vokes, as he struggled for consistent playing time amid increased competition and the demands of top-flight football. Limited to 7 appearances across all competitions, mostly as a substitute, he failed to score, highlighting his adaptation difficulties to the higher level. A injury requiring in May 2010 further disrupted his progress, sidelining him during a crucial period and contributing to his subsequent loan spells away from Molineux, including stints at Leeds United, Norwich City, Sheffield United, Bristol City, and & Hove Albion. Over his four years at Wolves, Vokes made 47 first-team appearances and scored 6 goals in total before departing on loan to in November 2011, a move that became permanent the following July for an undisclosed fee.

Burnley

Vokes initially joined on loan from Wolverhampton Wanderers in November 2011, where he made nine appearances and scored two goals before returning to his parent club. In July 2012, he completed a permanent transfer to for a fee of £350,000 on a three-year . During the 2013–14 season, Vokes emerged as a key figure in Burnley's promotion push, scoring 20 league goals to help the team secure second place and automatic promotion to the . His consistent finishing and physical presence complemented the squad's defensive solidity under manager , marking a significant turnaround from his injury-affected spell at Wolves. Burnley's 2014–15 Premier League campaign ended in relegation, with Vokes managing just one goal in 17 appearances amid limited starts behind leading scorer . Returning to the , Vokes played a pivotal role in the 2015–16 title-winning season, netting 15 league goals in 43 matches as clinched promotion with a 1–0 victory over Queens Park Rangers, where he scored the decisive header. In the , Vokes contributed 10 goals and three assists in 36 appearances, helping secure 16th place and avoid relegation in a hard-fought survival battle. Over his full tenure from 2012 to 2019, he made 258 appearances and scored 62 goals across all competitions, establishing himself as a club stalwart. In January 2019, Vokes departed for Stoke City in a transfer reported at around £7 million.

Stoke City

Vokes joined Stoke City from on 31 January 2019 for an undisclosed fee, signing a three-and-a-half-year contract. The move reunited him with football, where his prior promotional successes with aided his adaptation to the demands of the division. During his tenure, Vokes served primarily as a squad player under managers Nathan Jones and Michael O'Neill, providing experience and depth in the forward line. He featured in 86 appearances across all competitions, scoring 12 goals between January 2019 and July 2021. Notable contributions included his debut goal in a 1-0 Carabao Cup victory over Athletic in August 2019 and a headed equaliser against Aston Villa in the later that month. Vokes' contract expired at the end of the 2020–21 season, and Stoke City chose not to renew it, leading to his release as a free agent. He subsequently signed for Wycombe Wanderers on 28 July 2021.

Wycombe Wanderers

In July 2021, Sam Vokes joined Wycombe Wanderers on a free transfer from Stoke City, signing an initial one-year contract with an option for an additional year. The move marked a fresh start for the 31-year-old Welsh international striker, who brought Premier League and Championship experience to the League One side. Vokes quickly established himself as a key figure, drawing on his time at Stoke to maintain consistent form and leadership in attack. During the 2021–22 season, Vokes played a pivotal role in Wycombe's survival campaign, scoring 17 goals across all competitions to help the team finish 13th in League One and avoid relegation. His contributions included a debut goal against Cheltenham Town and crucial strikes that bolstered the Chairboys' attacking options under manager . Over his four-year tenure from 2021 to 2025, Vokes made 144 appearances and netted 30 goals, becoming a reliable presence in the forward line and earning fan appreciation for his physicality and hold-up play. In April 2023, Vokes extended his contract until June 2025, committing to the club amid their push for promotion. His resurgence continued into the 2024–25 season, where Wycombe reached the League One play-off semi-finals, showcasing improved form before a 1–0 aggregate defeat to Charlton Athletic ended their promotion hopes. Later that year, Vokes assisted the interim coaching staff in February 2025 following managerial changes, blending his playing and advisory roles. On 20 May 2025, the club announced his departure as his contract expired, concluding a productive spell that revitalized his career.

Gillingham

In June 2025, following the expiry of his contract with Wycombe Wanderers, Sam Vokes signed a one-year deal with Gillingham, reuniting him with manager from his time at Wycombe. Vokes made his debut for Gillingham on 21 August 2025 in a 1-1 draw against Chesterfield in the , coming on as a substitute. In the 2025–26 season, he has featured in 11 appearances up to early November 2025, scoring once and providing one assist. His sole goal came as a substitute in a 1-0 victory over Oldham Athletic on 31 August 2025, helping Gillingham to a temporary position at the top of the League Two table. The assist contributed to the team's attacking play in a subsequent match, underscoring his role in build-up sequences. As a 36-year-old striker, Vokes has been praised by Ainsworth for his leadership qualities, mentoring younger forwards like and fostering team cohesion in Gillingham's promotion push. His prior play-off experience at Wycombe has aided morale during challenging fixtures. Vokes' contract with Gillingham is set to run until June 2026.

International career

Youth international career

Born in , , Sam Vokes was eligible to represent at international level through his paternal grandfather, Mike Finch, who was born in . Vokes was unaware of this qualification until he received his first call-up to the Wales under-21 squad in early 2007. Vokes made his under-21 debut on 6 February 2007 against in , entering as a substitute and scoring after just 36 seconds to secure a 4–0 victory—the fastest goal in Welsh under-21 history. This performance marked an immediate impact and highlighted his potential as a striker. Between 2007 and 2010, Vokes featured in qualifiers for , contributing to the team's efforts in competitive matches against opponents including and . His goal-scoring form at youth level, supported by his emerging club career at , facilitated a smooth transition to the senior team, where he made his debut in a friendly against on 28 May 2008.

Senior international career

Vokes made his senior international debut for on 28 May 2008, substituting in a 1-0 friendly victory over in Reykjavik. He quickly made an impact, scoring his first goal for the national team just three months later on 6 September 2008, netting the 83rd-minute winner in a 1-0 qualifying triumph against at the . Over the next decade, Vokes became a reliable presence in the squad, earning 64 caps and scoring 11 goals between his debut and his final appearance in 2019. Vokes played a key role in Wales' successful UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaign, contributing to their first qualification for a major tournament in 58 years. His form earned him a place in the finals squad, where he featured in four matches during Wales' remarkable run to the semi-finals—their best performance in a major competition. A highlight was his 86th-minute header in the quarter-final against on 1 July 2016, which sealed a 3-1 comeback victory and propelled into the last four, where they fell 2-0 to . Vokes' aerial prowess and physicality proved vital during the tournament, often providing a focal point in attack alongside . Vokes also participated in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, appearing in several matches as finished second in their group and advanced to the play-off stage, though they were eliminated by . His international career concluded with his 64th on 9 September 2019, coming off the bench in a 1-0 friendly win over at .

Career statistics

Club

Sam Vokes has made over 660 appearances and scored 138 goals across all club competitions as of November 2025. The following tables provide a season-by-season breakdown of his club appearances and goals by club and competition. Data encompasses league matches, domestic cups (, ), playoffs, and other relevant competitions (e.g., Europa League qualifiers). Loans during his Wolverhampton Wanderers tenure are included under that club.

(2006–2008)

SeasonCompetitionAppearancesGoals
06/07League One134
10
07/08League One4112
10
10
League Two Playoffs20
Total5916

Wolverhampton Wanderers (2008–2012)

SeasonCompetitionAppearancesGoals
08/09366
22
10
09/1050
30
10
League One81
League Two Playoffs20
10/1120
112
20
11/12235
40
10
31
Total10417

Burnley (2012–2019)

SeasonCompetitionAppearancesGoals
12/13464
10
20
13/143920
11
40
14/15150
21
15/164315
21
10
16/173710
42
10
17/18304
10
10
18/19203
123
10
10
Europa League Qualifiers61
Total27165

Stoke City (2019–2021)

SeasonCompetitionAppearancesGoals
19/20365
10
32
Premier League 210
20/21300
10
31
Total758

Wycombe Wanderers (2021–2025)

SeasonCompetitionAppearancesGoals
21/22League One4316
20
20
League One Playoffs31
22/23League One356
10
10
23/24League One404
61
20
24/25League One72
00
10
10
Total14430

Gillingham (2025–present)

SeasonCompetitionAppearancesGoals
25/26League Two121
10
00
11
Total142
Career Total: 667 appearances, 138 goals.

Breakdown by Competition

CompetitionAppearancesGoals
11317
29360
League One12537
League Two121
League One/Two Playoffs163
265
284
Europa League Qualifiers61
92
Other (e.g., Premier League 2)10
Total667138
Vokes' statistics reflect contributions to three promotions during his career at Bournemouth, Wolves, and Burnley.

International

Vokes earned 64 caps for Wales at senior level between his debut in 2008 and his final appearance in 2019, during which he scored 11 goals. His international career included participation in UEFA Euro 2016, where Wales reached the semi-finals. The breakdown of his senior appearances by competition is as follows:
CompetitionAppearancesGoals
International Friendlies308
FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)222
80
41
00
Vokes' goals for came against 8 different opponents across friendlies and qualifiers:
DateOpponentResultCompetitionNotes
6 September 20081–02010 WCQ
12 August 20092–1Friendly
12 November 20114–1Friendly88', 89' (2 goals)
6 February 20132–1Friendly
5 March 20143–1Friendly
1 July 20163–1Quarter-final winner
5 September 20164–02018 WCQ
22 March 20186–0Friendly (China Cup)38', 58' (2 goals)
11 October 20181–4FriendlyConsolation goal
Prior to his senior debut, Vokes represented the U21 team, accumulating 14 caps and 4 goals from 2007 to 2010. He did not feature for after 2019, effectively retiring from international duty.

Honours

Club honours

During his time at Wanderers, Vokes contributed to the team's success in securing promotion to the by winning the in the 2008–09 season. Vokes played a key role in Burnley's promotions to the , first through victory in the in 2013–14, where he scored 22 goals during the campaign, and then as champions of the in 2015–16.

International honours

Vokes earned 64 caps for the Wales national team between 2008 and 2019, scoring 11 goals, during which the team achieved notable milestones without securing any major trophies. In the 2018 China Cup, an invitational tournament, Vokes scored twice in a 6–0 semi-final victory over the hosts , helping reach the final where they finished as runners-up after a 1–0 loss to . His most significant international honour came at , where reached the semi-finals—their best performance in a major tournament since —after advancing through the group stage and defeating and in the knockout rounds. ultimately lost 2–0 to in the semi-final, ending their campaign without silverware but marking a historic quarter-final advancement for the nation. Vokes contributed directly to this success by scoring the late winning header in the 3–1 quarter-final victory over , securing ' place in the semi-finals.

References

  1. https://www.transfermarkt.us/sam-vokes/profil/spieler/48078
  2. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/36196587
  3. https://www.transfermarkt.us/sam-vokes/leistungsdaten/spieler/48078
  4. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cwykjj97g9lo
  5. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/36613679
  6. https://www.thetimes.com/travel/destinations/uk-travel/sam-vokes-has-his-foot-in-the-door-zrh5x7tbltp
  7. https://www.shropshirestar.com/sport/football/wolverhampton-wanderers-fc/2022/12/01/when-dreams-came-true-for-former-wolves-striker-sam-vokes/
  8. https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/14597737.students-at-priestlands-school-roar-behind-ex-pupil-and-welsh-hero-sam-vokes/
  9. https://www.advertiserandtimes.co.uk/news/priestlands-international-star-vokes-signs-for-stoke-city-fc-9154010/
  10. https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/football/vokes-holds-no-grudges-against-southampton-2592835
  11. https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/1713072/2020/04/01/sam-vokes-interview-burnley-stoke/
  12. https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/burnley/11336270/Burnley-striker-Sam-Vokes-delighted-to-be-playing-more-than-Mr-Nice-Guy.html
  13. https://www.worldfootball.net/teams/afc-bournemouth-u18-h/10/
  14. https://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/sport/1080768.the-real-deal/
  15. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/b/bournemouth/6288497.stm
  16. http://www.ozwhitelufc.net.au/players_profiles/T-U-V/VokesSM.php
  17. https://fbref.com/en/players/1d6ac165/Sam-Vokes
  18. https://www.national-football-teams.com/club/702/2007_1/Afc_Bournemouth.html
  19. https://www.fotmob.com/players/46898/sam-vokes
  20. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/w/wolverhampton_wanderers/7416632.stm
  21. https://www.molineux.news/stats-and-facts/five-forgotten-players-who-have-played-for-wolves-and-bournemouth-including-120-game-midfielder-and-striker-now-playing-in-qatars-second-division/
  22. https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/2008/05/24/vokes-im-here-for-the-long-haul/
  23. https://www.wolves.co.uk/news/features/20200413-kightly-200809-squad-had-every-part-of-the-game/
  24. https://www.transfermarkt.com/sam-vokes/leistungsdatenverein/spieler/48078
  25. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/15793994
  26. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11708/7953459/vokes-leaves-wolves
  27. https://www.burnleyfootballclub.com/content/played-for-both-brighton-hove-albion-april-2024
  28. https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/football/former-burnley-striker-sam-vokes-finds-new-club-as-he-reunites-with-former-boss-5194263
  29. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/19061539
  30. https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/burnley-sam-vokes-agreement-with-wolves-was-a-bargain/
  31. https://www.espn.co.uk/football/stats/_/league/ENG.2/season/2015/english-league-championship
  32. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/36188531
  33. https://twitter.com/OptaJoe/status/866300000120299520
  34. https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/02/02/sean-dyche-explains-why-burnley-allowed-sam-vokes-leave-stoke-deadline-day
  35. https://www.stokecityfc.com/news/potters-capture-vokes
  36. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/47070349
  37. https://www.stokecityfc.com/news/first-word-sam-vokes
  38. https://www.stokecityfc.com/news/2021/july/Sam-completes-Wycombe-switch/
  39. https://www.wwfc.com/news/2021/july/sam-vokes-signs/
  40. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/58006044
  41. http://www.chairboys.co.uk/players/vokes_sam.htm
  42. https://www.wwfc.com/news/2023/april/19/super-sam-signs-up-for-2023-24-/
  43. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c62nmkx0rrnt
  44. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cgegg1e3j8yo
  45. https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/highwycombe/25181008.striker-sam-vokes-leave-wycombe-wanderers-summer/
  46. https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/sam-vokes-joins-gills
  47. https://www.kentonline.co.uk/medway/sport/why-sam-vokes-could-be-gillingham-s-most-important-signing-328843/
  48. https://www.espn.com/soccer/team/stats/_/id/389/gillingham
  49. https://www.gillinghamfootballclub.com/news/vokes-boys-did-us-proud
  50. https://footystats.org/players/wales/sam-vokes
  51. https://www.bucksfreepress.co.uk/highwycombe/25267902.gillingham-sign-wycombe-wanderers-striker-sam-vokes/
  52. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3672898/Welsh-soccer-heroes-born-England-Captain-Ashley-Williams-Hal-Robson-Kanu-Sam-Vokes-qualified-play-country-thanks-grandparents.html
  53. https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/1174643.vokes-an-instant-welsh-hit/
  54. https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/sport/football/local/1174643.vokes-an-instant-welsh-hit/
  55. https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/sam-vokes/4/
  56. https://www.ozwhitelufc.net.au/players_profiles/T-U-V/VokesSM.php
  57. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/26424511
  58. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/internationals/7590218.stm
  59. https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=25402
  60. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/33017520
  61. https://uknewspulse.co.uk/sam-vokes
  62. https://www.transfermarkt.com/sam-vokes/leistungsdatendetails/spieler/48078
  63. https://www.transfermarkt.com/sam-vokes/nationalmannschaft/spieler/48078
  64. http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_1/7978810.stm
  65. http://lloydburnsmanagement.com/project/sam-vokes/
  66. https://www.transfermarkt.com/sam-vokes/erfolge/spieler/48078
  67. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/43508944
  68. https://www.gov.wales/st-david-awards/wales-football-team
  69. https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuro/history/news/0253-0d81b0c19f08-954fdc458315-1000--remarkable-wales-shock-belgium-to-reach-euro-2016-semis/
  70. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-36731223
  71. https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-36691915
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.