David James

Synopsis

An English footballer David James is a former goalkeeper, who played for the English national team and at the different English clubs. He also is the player-manager at Kerala Blasters FC in the Indian Super League. He is known for experimenting with his hairstyle. He is currently a regular pundit on BT Sport’s football coverage.

David James has played 572 top-level matches and had the record for most clean sheets in Premier League.  He was the first choice goalkeeper for the English team during Euro 2004 and 2010 World Cup. David was appointed as a member of the order of the British Empire for his services to football and charity.

Career Highlights

David James started his career from Watford in 1988. He appeared in 89 matches from the team from 1988 to 1992 and moved to Liverpool where he stayed for seven years appearing in 277 matches. David James was then sold to Aston Villa for 1.8 million pounds. He then moved to West Ham just after two years and 85 appearances with Villa.

In 2004, David James moved to the Premier League signing with Manchester City. With Man City, David James says, he improved his skills as a goalkeeper particularly saving the penalty kicks. Later in 2007, he moved to Portsmouth signing a two-year deal for pounds1.2 million. David James left Portsmouth after 2009-2010 seasons and became a free agent.

David James then signed a year contract with Bristol City in July 2010. He was released by Bristol City on 2012 and began training with Exeter City. He played for Bournemouth in 19 matches and signed a contract with Icelandic club IBV until the end of 2013 season in a joint player/coach capacity. Later that year, he announced retirement from playing and signed with Kerala Blasters FC for 2014 Indian Super League season as a player-manager.

David James played for the English national team since 1990 from under-21 age group. He is the first black footballer to represent English national team in the international matches. He has also been the oldest footballer in 2010 world cup being 39 years and 321 days old.

Early Life and Personal Life

Born on August 1, 1970, in Welwyn Garden City, England David James was born as David Benjamin James. He is 6 feet and four inches tall. He was born and raised in Welwyn Garden City. His interest in football came since he was a child. He attended Sir Frederic Osborn School. There is no information available on his parents.

James David is in a relationship. He is in living relationship with his partner Amanda Salmon. He was previously married to his long time dated girlfriend Tanya. He has four children with his former wife Tanya. The couple got divorced in 2005 and due to the divorce, James David went bankrupt.

Other involvement

David James has modeled for Giorgio Armani and H&M. He has founded David James Foundation Scholarship at the University of the Westminster, which funds a student from Malawi to study for master’s degree at the University of Westminster. He is also a global amba s sador for the Special Olympics. David James also writes a column for the newspaper The Observer regularly and donates the article to charity. David James is a kind hearted person.

Having earned a lot of money during his football career and being involved in other activities, he had an estimated net worth of 20million pounds prior to getting a divorce from his wife which left him bankrupt. His current salary is not known.