Rio Ferdinand
Undoubtedly one of the greatest players of his generation. His clubs included West Ham United, Leeds United and Manchester United – where Rio won six Premier League titles, two League Cups, the UEFA Champions League (as captain) and the FIFA World Club Cup. He captained England, won 81 caps and played at two World Cups
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Billy Wingrove
One of the world’s best football freestylers and one half of the popular F2 freestyling duo. Our kids can’t get enough of Billy who has also worked with the David Beckham Football Academy, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United and alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. He’s even performed his tricks in front of the Queen. How many people can say that!
Anton Ferdinand
One of the most popular members of our coaching team, Anton has brought in a wealth of experience from 16 years in the game. Another one of our Ambassadors that made his pro debut as a teenager at West Ham United, the former defender also played for QPR, Sunderland, Reading and took in two spells in Turkey. Played regularly for England’s U21 squad
Joe Cole
A player that made his professional debut at 17, and was named West Ham United captain just four years later. Joe went on to become one of the most gifted players of his generation and won three Premier League titles, two FA Cups and played in the 2008 Champions League Final with Chelsea. The skilful midfielder won 56 caps for England.
Adebayo Akinfenwa
A hugely popular addition to the Football Escapes Ambassador roster, the former Wycombe Wanderers striker joined us at The Grove in August 2021. Known as “The Beast”, Adebayo has scored more than 200 career goals and is considered one of the best outside of the Premier League. Famed for his 101kg frame, he is arguably the world’s strongest footballer. A regular on Soccer AM.
Eman (SV2)
Eman better known as SV2 from his immensely popular YouTube channel, boosting over 3.25 million subscribers, is one the the UK’s most loved football content creators. Producing hilarious, fun football challenge videos, Eman’s infectious personality is key to his online success.
John O’Shea
A Manchester United fan favourite and Ireland national team captain, John O’Shea had an incredibly trophy-laden career. Five premier leagues, two league cups, the FA cup and even the UEFA Champions League, John was an integral part of the world dominant Manchester United side of the 2000’s. On the international stage, John represented his country 118 times, third most of all-time.
Big G
Another new addition to the Football Escapes Ambassador roster, with the 6’6 goalkeeper also joining us at The Grove in the summer of 2021. Big G is something of a YouTube sensation, garnering global attention while playing for the world’s best Sunday League team – SE Dons. Can also be seen saving penalties from ex-pros and celebrities on Soccer AM.
Eidur Gudjohnsen
A player that enjoyed a glittering 23-year career. At Chelsea, Eidur won two Premier League titles, while at Barcelona he would win both the La Liga and Champions League - alongside Lionel Messi. He played football all over the globe - including in Holland, Spain, France, Greece and China. Won 88 caps for Iceland and was part of their famous Euro 2016 squad.
Laura Rafferty
Northern Ireland international, who is currently on loan at Bristol City from Brighton & Hove Albion. The talented defender was once a free-scoring striker while at Southampton’s academy - with one spell yielding a staggering 50 goals in eight games. Made her senior breakthrough at Chelsea, before making her international debut in 2013.
Dan Magness
One of the original football freestylers, Dan Magness is the definition of a legend. Having learnt his craft in Guildford, UK, Dan went on to become one of the greatest football freestylers on the planet - setting numerous Guinness World Records such as famously keeping the ball in the air for 26 hours without dropping it! In 2012, he also walked from Wembley Stadium to Old Trafford whilst keeping the ball in the air the entire time.
Jody Morris
The former midfielder was a product of Chelsea’s academy. He would go on to spend seven seasons at Stamford Bridge, where he would win the UEFA Cup Winners Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FA Cup. Went on to play for five other clubs in making more than 300 first-team appearances. Was back at Chelsea as assistant manager – where he worked with the likes of Mason Mount and N’Golo Kante.
Bobby Zamora
Having worked his way up from Bristol Rovers and Brighton & Hove Albion, Bobby went on to play in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and Fulham – and win two caps for England. He could score goals (182 in total), but he was also known for his ability to create chances for others. He was a complete striker.
Mark Noble
A shining example to any young player. A West Ham United fan growing up, Mark rose through the club’s youth ranks and now stands as the Hammers’ captain and undisputed legend. A player that always leads by example; having made his debut at 17, he’s since became only the eighth player to make more than 400 PL appearances for one club.
Darren Bent
Darren Bent is a Premier League legendary striker. Renowned for his speed on the ball and lethal finishing ability, Darren terrorised Prem defences for 276 games netting an incredible 106 goals Premier League goals. Darren is one of just 34 members of the Premier League 100 club.
Gary Cahill
A serial winner in the professional game, Gary Cahill won plenty of trophies in his long career - of which he accumulated over 450 appearances for a number of clubs, including Chelsea, Bolton Wanderers and Crystal Palace. During his career, he won two Premier League titles, two FA Cups, one League Cup, the UEFA Europa League twice and even the UEFA Champions League.
Marlon Harewood
Started out at Nottingham Forest, before going on to score 153 goals in 633 first-team appearances – playing for the likes of West Ham United, Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Guangzhou R&F. Was top scorer for the Hammers during the 2004/05 season, with 23 goals. Marlon is a popular member of the Football Escapes coaching team.
Ashley Williams
A seasoned defender who enjoyed a fantastic career in English football. He amassed more than 700 competitive appearances for the likes of Swansea (where he would lift the League Cup), Everton and Bristol City. Ashley also won 86 caps for Wales, 53 of which came wearing the captain’s armband. In fact, he would lead his country to the semi-final of UEFA Euro 2016.
Pablo Zabaleta
A Manchester City legend, with Zaba winning two Premier League titles, one FA Cup and two League Cups. Was a fans’ favourite, too, at West Ham United. Won more than 50 caps for Argentina and played alongside Lionel Messi at the 2014 World Cup. Recognised as one of the Premier League’s greatest-ever right-backs.
Steve Sidwell
A player that spent 18 years in the game, having initially come through the youth ranks at Arsenal. He would make his name, though, at Reading, form for who saw Jose Mourinho sign him for Chelsea. The midfielder would also enjoy time at Aston Villa, Fulham, Stoke City and Brighton in making more than 400 competitive appearances. Won caps for England at U20 and U21 level.
Jamie Knight
Another of the world’s top football freestylers. Jamie has performed his talents all over the world - included out on the pitch in the build up to the 2017 UEFA Champions League Final. Has also worked for Manchester City, Nike, Adidas and Red Bull. There’s seemingly nothing he can’t do with a football. A popular addition to any Football Escapes course.
Jimmy Bullard
A player that played 312 league games for six different teams - working his way up from non-league football right to the very top. His clubs included Wigan Athletic and Fulham, and was unlucky not to win an international cap having been called up three times by England. A popular figure on and off the pitch, Jimmy is also a co-host on Soccer AM.
Jack Wilshere
Widely considered one of the most gifted players of his generation, Wilshere made his breakthrough at Arsenal aged just 16. The attacking midfielder would make more than 190 appearances, winning two FA Cups and captaining the Gunners on occasion before joining West Ham United. Has also spent time at Bournemouth. Won 34 England caps and played at the 2014 World Cup and Euro 2016.
Glen Johnson
A Premier League title winner with Chelsea and an FA Cup winner with Portsmouth. Glen completed the hat-trick of domestic honours when winning the League Cup with Liverpool. His former clubs also include West Ham United and Stoke City. The defender won 54 caps for England and played at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups and Euro 2012.
Michael Owen
Scored 40 goals in 89 games for England, having made his international debut at just 18 and going on to play at three World Cups. Broke through at Liverpool, where he was named World Player of the Year in 2001. His former clubs include Real Madrid and Manchester United, where he won the Premier League.
Owen Hargreaves
Two-time Champions League winner with Manchester United and Bayern Munich, Owen Hargreaves had a trophy-laden career including four Bundesliga titles, three German Pokal cups and one Premier League title as well as the English Player of the Year award in 2006.
Theo Walcott
Theo Walcott is one of the best talents England has ever produced, known for his lighting speed and lethal finishes, Theo terrorised defences in the Premier League and Champions League throughout his 18-year professional career. An Arsenal legend, Theo made 270 appearances and netted 65 goals for the Gunners.
Aaron Lennon
A lightning-fast winger, Aaron enjoyed a career playing for multiple top Premier League clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Burnley, he's left defenders bewildered and fans on the edge of their seats. Lennon's speedy runs down the flank and dazzling dribbling skills have made him a fan favourite at his clubs.
Michael Dawson
A Tottenham Hotspur legend, Michael Dawson made over 250 appearances for Spurs during a nine year spell with the club - winning the League Cup in 2008. During the 2009-10 Premier League season, Michael helped Tottenham finish fourth place and qualify for their first UEFA Champions League campaign in twenty years - of which many dubbed as Michael’s finest season with the club.
Robbie Keane
An actual goal scoring legend. Robbie sits in the top bracket of both Premier League and international football in terms of goals scored - with 126 and 68 respectively. The Republic of Ireland hero played for 11 different clubs - including Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, Celtic and LA Galaxy. Retired in 2018 with a total of 393 career goals.
Glenn Murray
Having started his career at his local side Workington Reds, Glenn showed promise early in his career and successfully climbed the English league pyramid to the Premier League. A clinical finished, Glenn retired with over 200 goals to his name, and held the record of most goals scored in a Championship season with 30 in the 2012/13 season with Crystal Palace.
Wes Brown
Having spent the majority of his career at Manchester United, it’s fair to say that Wes knows a thing or two about the game. Having worked his way up from the academy, he would go on to win five Premier League titles, two Champions League titles and two FA Cups. He would also win 23 caps for England, representing his country at the 2002 World Cup.
Rachel Yankey
English football’s first female professional, and one of its most successful. Made her England debut at 17 and went on to win 129 caps. Rachel began and ended her career at Arsenal, either side of spells at Birmingham, Fulham and New Jersey Wildcats. She is a serial winner, having lifted 11 FA Cups, two WSL titles and one Champions League.
Jamie Redknapp
A highly respected midfielder in his playing days, Jamie began his career at Bournemouth before joining Liverpool as a 17 year-old. He not only go on to make more than 300 appearances for the Reds, but would also be named captain. Time was also spent at Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton, with Jamie winning 17 England caps in the process.
Harriet Pavlou
Brand new and already a huge hit with everyone, Harriet Pavlou is a world-famous football freestyler. Having shot to stardom in only a couple of years, Harriet impresses people with her talent everywhere she goes. She played in Soccer Aid 2021 alongside the likes of Jamie Redknapp, Wayne Rooney and the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt.
Robert Huth
A three-time Premier League winner. The first two came during a four-year spell at Chelsea, with the third with Leicester City’s famous 2016 Premier League triumph. The tough-tackling defender also played for Stoke City and Middlesbrough. Won 19 caps for Germany and was part of the squad that finished third at the 2006 World Cup.
Peter Crouch
A genuine Premier League legend, who retired with more than 100 topflight goals to his name. He played for seven PL clubs - including Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool - where he played in a Champions League Final - and Stoke City. Peter also hit 22 goals in 42 appearances for England. Now a respected media pundit and presenter.
Ledley King
A true one-club man, Ledley King has been hailed by many as one of the Premier League’s best-ever central defenders. He made a total of 323 competitive appearances for Tottenham Hotspur, as well as 21 international appearances for England - featuring at UEFA Euro 2004 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink
A prolific striker, Jimmy was known for his powerful shooting and incredible free-kick ability. Jimmy started his career in his native Holland before going on to become a superstar for Leeds United, netting 35 goals in just 79 games and picking up the Premier League Golden Boot in the 1998/1999 season. After a very impressive stint in Spain with Atletico Madrid, Jimmy joined Chelsea in 2000 where he established himself as a Blues legend and fan favourite, netting an amazing 87 goals and picking up a second Premier League Golden Boot during the 2000/2001 season.
Joleon Lescott
A two-time Premier League winner with Manchester City, where he also won the FA Cup and League Cup. Joleon also played for Wolverhampton Wanderers, Everton, West Bromwich Albion and Aston Villa. The former centre-back also won 26 caps for England and was part of the Three Lions squad for Euro 2012. He has a wealth of experience to bring to our camps.
Carlton Cole
Made his breakthrough at Chelsea, emerging from the Blues’ academy ranks, before establishing himself at West Ham United. It would be at Upton Park where the striker would win seven England caps and be recognised as a real fans’ favourite. Also played for Aston Villa and Celtic, as well as taking in spells abroad in the US and Indonesia.
Fara Williams
England’s record appearance holder, winning 172 caps and playing at four European Championships and three World Cups. Fara also represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics and played for Charlton, Chelsea, Everton, Liverpool, Arsenal and Reading during a 20-year-career. A technically gifted midfielder who was known for her set piece abilities.
Wes Morgan
The 2015/16 Premier League winning captain with Leicester, Wes Morgan accumulated over 750 professional appearances in his career with Nottingham Forest, Leicester & the Jamaican national team before retiring in 2021. He also captained Leicester to the English Championship title 2 years previous to winning the Premier League, an achievement not many can say they have done.
Martha Thomas
The Scotland international started her career in the US – winning a number of awards and accolades. Martha then moved to France where she impressed with Le Havre before joining West Ham United ahead of the 2019/20 WSL season. Was a big hit on her first involvement with Football Escapes, impressing with her skill and technique. Joined Man United in the 2021 summer.
Gareth Barry
Famed for his longevity in England’s top-flight division, Gareth has accumulated a huge amount of experience in professional football, making 653 appearances in the Premier League! He currently holds the record for most appearances in this league. During his long career, he played for the likes of Man City, Aston Villa, Everton and England.
Stewart Downing
A two-time League Cup winner, Stewart Downing is one of the newest members of the Football Escapes family. The former tricky winger played just shy of 600 professional appearances in England. Playing for the likes of Middlesbrough, Aston Villa, Liverpool and England. He also played in the 2006 UEFA Cup Final for Middlesbrough.
Danny Murphy
A player that made more than 600 club appearances and won nine caps for England during a 20-year career. He won the FA Cup and UEFA Cup at Liverpool, with his former clubs including Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham – who he captained to the 2010 Europa League Final. He features on TV regularly.
Stephen Carr
While at Tottenham Hotspur, Carr was recognised as one of the Premier League’s best right-backs – having made his debut at 17. He would play 270 times for the North London club, winning the League Cup in 1999. A trophy he would win again, while captaining Birmingham City in 2011 at Wembley. Also played for Newcastle United and won 44 caps for the Republic of Ireland.