Eric Dier
Eric Dier is an English professional footballer who plays as a defender or defensive midfielder for Ligue 1 club AS Monaco and the England national team.[1][2] Born on 15 January 1994 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Dier rose through the youth ranks at Sporting CP in Portugal after moving there as a child, making his senior debut for the club in 2012 before transferring to Tottenham Hotspur in 2014 for £4 million, where he became a versatile mainstay with 365 appearances across all competitions.[1][3][4] In January 2024, he joined Bayern Munich on loan—later made permanent—where he made 48 appearances, scored three goals, and contributed to their 2024–25 Bundesliga title win, before moving to AS Monaco on a free transfer in July 2025 on a three-year contract until June 2028 with an option for a fourth year.[5][6][7] Dier, the grandson of Ted Croker—the former secretary of the Football Association—spent much of his early childhood in Portugal after his family relocated there in 2001 for personal and schooling reasons, joining Sporting CP's academy at age nine and becoming fluent in Portuguese.[1][3][8] Despite his time abroad, he represented England at youth levels, debuting for the under-18s in 2011 and featuring in the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup alongside future teammates Harry Kane and Ross Barkley.[1] At Sporting CP, he played 27 senior matches, primarily as a right-back, before his move to Tottenham, where under manager Mauricio Pochettino he transitioned to central defence and defensive midfield, earning praise for his tactical intelligence and physicality.[9][10] During his decade at Tottenham from 2014 to 2024, Dier was a key player in their most successful period, reaching the 2019 UEFA Champions League final and finishing as runners-up in the 2014–15 League Cup and 2020–21 EFL Cup, while occasionally captaining the side.[10][4] His versatility extended to even playing in goal during a 2020 Carabao Cup match against Chelsea, though he is primarily right-footed and stands at 1.91 metres (6 ft 3 in) tall.[11] At Bayern Munich, he adapted quickly to the Bundesliga, scoring three times in 48 appearances and helping secure the league title in 2024–25 amid injuries to other defenders, before seeking a new challenge at Monaco, where he has already scored in Ligue 1 against Le Havre and in the UEFA Champions League against Manchester City during the 2025–26 season.[12][2][13] Internationally, Dier opted to represent England despite eligibility for Portugal, making his senior debut in a 2015 friendly against France and earning 49 caps with three goals as of 2025.[3] He was part of England's squads for UEFA Euro 2016—where he scored in a 2–1 group-stage win over Wales—the 2018 FIFA World Cup, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, notably scoring the winning penalty in the 2018 round-of-16 shootout victory against Colombia, England's first World Cup shootout win.[1][4] After a period out of the national team from 2022, he expressed belief in his potential recall before his Bayern move, though he has not featured since the 2022 World Cup.[14]Early life
Family background
Eric Dier was born on 15 January 1994 in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, to English parents Jeremy and Louise Dier.[15][16] His father, Jeremy, is a former professional tennis player who represented Great Britain in the sport during the 1970s and 1980s.[17][18] Dier's mother, Louise, worked as the director of an international catering company.[19][20] He grew up in a close-knit family with five siblings, which included moving together as a unit during key life changes.[21][16] Additionally, Dier is the grandson of Ted Croker, the former secretary of the Football Association (FA) from 1973 to 1993.[22][21] In 2001, at the age of seven, Dier's family relocated from England to Portugal, initially settling in the Algarve region before moving to Lisbon, primarily due to his mother's professional role in organizing catering for the UEFA Euro 2004 tournament hosted in the country.[19][23][24] This relocation immersed the family in Portuguese culture, where Dier learned the language fluently and was exposed to the vibrant local football scene from an early age, shaping his multicultural upbringing.[25][24] The family's emphasis on unity during this transition highlighted their supportive dynamics, with Dier later reflecting on the move as a pivotal moment in his development.[26]Youth development
Dier joined Sporting CP's youth academy at the age of nine in 2003, following his family's relocation to Portugal two years earlier for his mother's work in event management tied to the 2004 UEFA European Championship.[19][27] His talent was quickly recognized by scouts, leading to his integration into the club's youth setup, where he began training regularly and demonstrated strong physical attributes and technical proficiency that accelerated his development through the age-group teams.[28] At Sporting CP, one of Portugal's premier youth academies renowned for producing talents like Cristiano Ronaldo and Luís Figo, Dier benefited from rigorous training under experienced coaches who emphasized tactical discipline and ball-playing ability from a young age.[19][24] He progressed through the under-9s to under-15s levels, competing in high-intensity youth leagues and tournaments that exposed him to advanced European football standards, honing his versatility across defensive and midfield roles.[29][30] During his youth career, Dier faced early decisions on international eligibility, qualifying for England through birth and family heritage, and for Portugal via long-term residency after moving there at age seven.[31][32] He ultimately committed to England, aligning with his British roots, and began representing their youth teams while still in Sporting's system.[24][33] Among his pre-professional highlights, Dier captained multiple Sporting CP youth squads, including the successful under-15 team, showcasing leadership in competitive fixtures and helping secure victories in domestic youth competitions.[29][30] He also gained international youth exposure through participation in tournaments across Europe, building on his club form to earn call-ups for England's under-19 and under-21 sides before turning professional.[28][34]Club career
Sporting CP
Dier, who had progressed through the Sporting CP youth academy since joining at age nine in 2003, signed his first professional contract with the club in April 2010.[19] Following an 18-month loan spell at Everton's academy from January 2011 to June 2012, where he developed further without making a senior appearance, Dier returned to Sporting CP and began featuring for the reserve team in the 2012–13 season.[35] He made his senior debut for the first team on 11 November 2012, starting as a right-back in a 1–0 Primeira Liga home victory over S.C. Braga, where he provided the assist for Ricky van Wolfswinkel's winning goal.[15] Over the course of that season, Dier transitioned primarily to the centre-back position, making 14 league appearances and scoring one goal, including his first senior goal in a 2–2 draw against Moreirense on 26 November 2012, while also featuring once in the Taça da Liga, helping Sporting finish seventh in the Primeira Liga.[36] In the 2013–14 season, Dier established himself as a regular starter in central defence, logging 14 Primeira Liga appearances without scoring, alongside three outings in the Taça da Liga where he netted once.[36] His consistent performances were integral to Sporting's improved campaign, as the team mounted a strong title challenge before finishing second in the league—their best position since 2002—and reaching the Taça da Liga semi-finals.[19] Dier's composure on the ball and defensive solidity during this period also hinted at his potential to adapt to midfield roles in the future. Overall, across both seasons, he accumulated 32 senior appearances in all competitions for Sporting CP, scoring two goals.[36] With his contract set to expire in 2015, Dier rejected an extension offer from Sporting in July 2014 to pursue opportunities in England, prompting tensions with the club who accused his representatives of unprofessional conduct.[19] On 2 August 2014, he completed a transfer to Tottenham Hotspur for a reported fee of £4 million on a five-year deal.[37]Tottenham Hotspur
Eric Dier joined Tottenham Hotspur from Sporting CP in August 2014 for a reported £4 million fee.[27] He made his competitive debut for the club on 16 August 2014, starting in a 1–0 Premier League away win against West Ham United, where he scored the winning goal in stoppage time.[38] His first appearance in the EFL Cup came on 24 September 2014, starting in a 3–1 home win over Nottingham Forest.[39] Dier also featured in his first Premier League start beyond his debut on 5 October 2014 during a 1–0 home defeat to Southampton. Over his decade at Tottenham from 2014 to 2024, Dier made 365 appearances across all competitions, scoring 13 goals.[40] Initially deployed primarily as a centre-back, he transitioned to a defensive midfield role under manager Mauricio Pochettino, showcasing his versatility that contributed to the team's tactical flexibility.[41] This shift was particularly evident in the 2015–16 season, where he recorded over 30 starts in the Premier League alone, helping Tottenham finish third and qualify for the Champions League.[42] Dier's tenure included several notable achievements, such as finishing as Premier League runners-up in 2016–17, behind Chelsea on goal difference.[43] He started in the 2015 EFL Cup final, which Tottenham lost 2–0 to Chelsea, and appeared as a substitute in the 2021 EFL Cup final, a 1–0 defeat to Manchester City.[44] In European competition, Dier played the full 90 minutes in the 2019 UEFA Champions League final, where Tottenham lost 2–0 to Liverpool. Dier occasionally captained Tottenham during the 2020–21 season, stepping in during Harry Kane's absences.[45] On 4 March 2020, following a 1–1 draw and penalty shootout loss to Norwich City in the FA Cup, Dier confronted a fan in the stands who had insulted his brother, leading to a four-match ban and £40,000 fine from the FA for misconduct.[46] His contract with Tottenham expired on 30 June 2024, allowing him to depart as a free agent after joining Bayern Munich on loan in January 2024.[47]Bayern Munich
Eric Dier joined Bayern Munich from Tottenham Hotspur on 11 January 2024, initially on loan until the end of the 2023–24 season with an option to make the move permanent, which was activated in March 2024 after he met the required appearance threshold.[48] The transfer, valued at €3.5 million including add-ons, addressed Bayern's defensive injury concerns at the time. Dier made his debut for the club on 24 January 2024, substituting in during a 1–0 Bundesliga victory over Union Berlin.[49] His prior experience in the high-intensity Premier League helped facilitate a swift adaptation to the Bundesliga's demands. In the 2024–25 season, Dier established himself as a reliable squad member, making 28 appearances across all competitions, including 21 in the Bundesliga, six in the UEFA Champions League, and one in the DFB-Pokal.[50] He started several key matches, such as Champions League fixtures and domestic cup ties, contributing to Bayern's defensive stability amid ongoing squad injuries to players like Dayot Upamecano and Hiroki Ito. During this period, Dier scored three goals in 48 appearances total for the club, with notable contributions including a goal in the Champions League quarter-final second leg against Inter Milan on 16 April 2025.[51] Dier's tenure culminated in Bayern's 2024–25 Bundesliga title victory, their 33rd league crown, which was clinched on 4 May 2025 following Bayer Leverkusen's 2–2 draw with SC Freiburg, securing the title with two matches remaining.[52] This marked Dier's first major club honour after a career spanning multiple leagues without prior silverware. His contract expired on 30 June 2025, after which he departed as a free agent to join AS Monaco on a three-year deal.[53][7]AS Monaco
On 1 July 2025, Eric Dier joined AS Monaco on a free transfer from Bayern Munich, signing a three-year contract until 30 June 2028.[53] His move to the Ligue 1 club followed the expiration of his Bayern contract, building on his recent Bundesliga experience where he had established himself as a reliable defender.[54] Dier made his competitive debut for Monaco on 16 August 2025 in a Ligue 1 home match against Le Havre, starting as a centre-back and scoring the second goal in a 3-1 victory.[13][55] By November 2025, he had made 6 appearances in the 2025–26 Ligue 1 season, including that goal on debut, while occasionally featuring as a right central midfielder to provide defensive cover and distribution from deeper positions.[56][57] Dier's adaptation to French football has been marked by his contributions to Monaco's strong early-season form, helping the team maintain defensive solidity during Champions League qualifiers and subsequent group stage matches.[58][59] His experience has been instrumental in organizing the backline, with notable performances including a late equalizing penalty against Manchester City in October 2025.[60] As of November 2025, Dier's market value stands at approximately €5.9 million, reflecting his steady performances in Ligue 1, while his weekly wage is reported at €66,346 gross.[61][62]International career
Youth career
Dier earned his first international youth cap for the England under-18 team on 16 November 2011, featuring in a 1–1 friendly draw against Slovakia at the New Bucks Head in Telford, where he played the full 90 minutes as a centre-back.[34] This sole appearance at the under-18 level marked his entry into England's youth setup, following his development in Sporting CP's academy in Portugal.[63] Progressing to the under-19 team, Dier made eight appearances between May 2012 and February 2013, contributing to qualifying campaigns for the UEFA European Under-19 Championship.[63] His involvement included matches against teams such as Slovenia, Montenegro, and France, where he solidified his role in defense during a period that saw England reach the semi-finals of the 2012 UEFA European Under-19 Championship, though Dier joined the squad post-qualifiers.[34] Dier continued his ascent with three caps for the England under-20 team in 2013, including participation in the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup held in Turkey, where he debuted in a pre-tournament friendly against Uruguay.[63][1] At under-21 level, he debuted on 13 August 2013 in a 6–0 friendly victory over Scotland at Bramall Lane, starting in central defense and contributing to a dominant performance under interim manager Roy Hodgson.[64] Over the following two years, Dier accumulated nine caps through 2015, playing a key role in UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying matches against opponents like Lithuania, Wales, and Norway, helping secure qualification for the 2015 finals in the Czech Republic—though he was not selected for the tournament squad itself.[63][65] Despite spending much of his formative years in Portugal after moving there at age seven and developing through Sporting CP's youth system, Dier opted to represent England internationally, forgoing eligibility for Portugal—where he received approaches—and Brazil, via his Brazilian grandfather.[31] He later expressed no regrets over the decision, emphasizing his English roots and pride in earning youth honors for the Three Lions.[66]Senior career
Dier made his senior international debut for England on 13 November 2015, coming on as a substitute in the 63rd minute of a 2–0 friendly defeat to Spain at the Estadio de los Juegos Mediterráneos in Alicante.[67] He earned his first start three days later, on 17 November 2015, in a 2–0 friendly win over France at Wembley Stadium, where he partnered Jack Wilshere in midfield. These appearances marked the beginning of his integration into the England setup under manager Roy Hodgson, following his progression through the youth ranks.[68] Over the course of his senior career, Dier accumulated 49 caps between 2015 and 2022, scoring three goals—all from set pieces.[63] His first international goal came on 26 March 2016 in a 3–2 friendly victory over Germany at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, curling in a free kick from 25 yards in injury time. He added a second with a free kick in the 1–1 group stage draw against Russia on 11 June 2016 during UEFA Euro 2016, and completed his tally with another free kick in a 2–1 World Cup qualifying victory over Slovakia on 4 September 2017 at Wembley Stadium. Dier was included in England's squad for UEFA Euro 2016 in France, where he featured in all four matches as the team exited in the round of 16. He started the group stage opener against Russia on 11 June, scoring the equalizing free kick in a 1–1 draw, and also played against Wales, Slovakia, and Iceland. The following year, he contributed to England's qualification for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, starting in several matches before being selected for the tournament in Russia. There, Dier made three appearances in the group stage, starting against Panama and Belgium (where he captained the side in a 0–1 defeat), and coming on for the penalty shootout win over Colombia in the round of 16—scoring the decisive penalty to secure England's first World Cup shootout victory and helping the team finish fourth overall.[69] In the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League, Dier played a key role in the league phase before featuring in the third-place play-off at the 2019 Finals in Portugal, starting the 0–0 draw against Switzerland on 9 June 2019 that England won 6–5 on penalties, securing bronze. He was omitted from the England squad for UEFA Euro 2020 (held in 2021), with manager Gareth Southgate citing defensive depth and form as factors in the "difficult call."[70] Dier returned for World Cup qualifying and was named in the 2022 FIFA World Cup squad in Qatar, where he appeared in four games, substituting late in the group opener against Iran (6–2 win on 21 November). He started the group stage matches against the United States (0–0 draw on 25 November) and Wales (3–0 win on 29 November), the round of 16 victory over Senegal (3–0 on 4 December), and the quarter-final loss to France (1–2 on 10 December), his final international appearance to date. Dier was not selected for UEFA Euro 2024, with Southgate opting for other centre-backs amid ongoing competition; he has not earned a cap since 2022, focusing instead on club commitments at Tottenham Hotspur, Bayern Munich, and AS Monaco.[71]Playing style
Versatility
Eric Dier has demonstrated remarkable versatility throughout his professional career, primarily operating as a centre-back in approximately 60% of his senior appearances, defensive midfielder in 30%, and occasionally as a right-back.[72] This positional flexibility has allowed him to adapt to various tactical systems across clubs, contributing to over 450 senior appearances in total.[72] During his early years at Sporting CP, Dier predominantly featured as a right-back, with some experience in central defence and defensive midfield across his 38 senior appearances.[72] At Tottenham Hotspur, this versatility became more pronounced under manager Mauricio Pochettino in the 2015–16 season, when Dier shifted to a defensive midfield role in a 4–2–3–1 formation, enabling deeper playmaking responsibilities while leveraging his defensive strengths to support transitions. He accumulated around 140 appearances as a defensive midfielder, over 190 as a centre-back, and about 30 at right-back during his Tottenham tenure.[72] At Bayern Munich, Dier adopted a hybrid role within a 3–4–2–1 system, fluidly covering both midfield and defensive duties to maintain balance in build-up play and pressing phases.[73] Following his transfer to AS Monaco in 2025, he has continued this adaptability, primarily as a centre-back but with occasional shifts to defensive midfield, praised by coaches for his tactical intelligence in facilitating smooth transitions between positions as of November 2025. At Monaco, he has contributed goals in Ligue 1 and the UEFA Champions League during the 2025–26 season.[74][72][13]Defensive attributes
Eric Dier stands out for his aerial prowess, utilizing his 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) frame to win approximately 72% of aerial duels throughout his career, a key asset in defensive clearances and set-piece situations.[61] This dominance was particularly evident during his time at Bayern Munich, where he contested around 5.4 aerial duels per game with a high success rate in the 2024–25 Bundesliga season.[75] Complementing this, Dier has averaged about 2.5 tackles per 90 minutes across his Premier League appearances, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposition play effectively, as seen in his 3.1 tackles per game average during the 2016–17 campaign.[76] His ball-playing skills from the back further bolster his defensive contributions, with an overall passing accuracy exceeding 85% in recent seasons, including precise long-range distributions that transition defense to attack.[77][78] Despite these strengths, Dier has faced criticism for his occasional lack of pace, which can expose him against quick wingers and result in positional lapses, notably during Tottenham Hotspur's challenging 2019–20 season when his form dipped significantly.[79][80] This vulnerability was highlighted in analyses of his early Bayern tenure, where his speed was deemed a potential mismatch for the Bundesliga's intensity.[81] Experts have drawn parallels between Dier and John Stones, praising both for their composure and passing range as ball-playing defenders capable of initiating attacks from deep positions.[82] A UEFA technical report from the 2018–19 UEFA Nations League described Dier as a key passer and reliable presence in England's defensive structure, emphasizing his role in organizing the backline during high-stakes matches.[83] Dier's defensive profile evolved notably at Bayern Munich, where focused adaptation to the league's demands led to enhanced recovery positioning and a reduction in errors to fewer than one per game on average during the 2024–25 title-winning campaign.[79][84] This improvement underscored his growth into a more consistent organizer, with his versatility allowing broader defensive coverage without compromising solidity.[77]Personal life
Family
Eric Dier married South African model Anna Modler in a secret ceremony in the Cotswolds in June 2023, attended by close family members and several Tottenham Hotspur teammates.[85] The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter, in London in January 2024, shortly after Dier's transfer to Bayern Munich.[86][87] Dier maintains a close relationship with his five siblings, including his younger brother Patrick, with whom he has shared family experiences such as defending him during a fan altercation in 2020.[88][21] His parents, particularly his father Jeremy, a former professional tennis player, instilled a strong work ethic in Dier through their emphasis on discipline and resilience, influenced by early family relocations.[17][21] Following Dier's career moves, the family relocated to Munich in 2024 and to Monaco in 2025, with Modler providing support through her Instagram account (@anna.dier), where she shares glimpses of their family life.[89][90]Public image
Eric Dier has been involved in notable media incidents, including a 2020 confrontation with a Tottenham Hotspur fan following an FA Cup defeat to Norwich City, where he climbed into the stands after the supporter allegedly insulted his brother, resulting in a four-match ban and a £40,000 fine from the Football Association.[46][91] Dier expressed no regrets over the incident, emphasizing his commitment to defending his family, and later highlighted broader concerns about fan abuse, noting that it had become a "huge problem" severe enough to deter his family from attending away games.[88] In a 2020 interview, he also spoke openly about mental health challenges in football, crediting the COVID-19 lockdown with providing a mental reset after a demanding season, and has since participated in discussions on player wellbeing, such as criticizing congested fixture schedules as a threat to physical welfare.[92][93] Dier maintains a low-key public persona, often described as straightforward and loyal, traits he has attributed to his upbringing in Sporting CP's academy, where he emphasized respect and commitment.[88] This was evident in his handling of a private 2023 wedding to model Anna Modler in the Cotswolds, which he kept away from media scrutiny to preserve their intimacy, underscoring his preference for a discreet lifestyle despite his prominence in the sport.[94] On social media, Dier engages modestly via Instagram (@ericdier15), where he has over one million followers and shares content centered on family moments and professional milestones rather than overt self-promotion.[95] While not prominently involved in large-scale philanthropy, Dier has supported youth development through his Sporting CP alumni ties, returning to the club's academy in 2022 to speak with young players and coaches about his experiences.[96] In March 2025 interviews while at Bayern Munich, he discussed the challenges of fatherhood amid relocation, noting the adjustments his family faced moving to Germany, including taking his first steps as a parent in Munich's Englischer Garten rather than in England.[97][87]Career statistics
Club
| Club | Season | League | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sporting CP | 2012–13 | Primeira Liga | 0 | 0 |
| 2013–14 | Primeira Liga | 14 | 0 | |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 2014–15 | Premier League | 27 | 1 |
| 2015–16 | Premier League | 38 | 0 | |
| [2016–17 | Premier League](/page/2016–17_Premier_League) | 36 | 2 | |
| [2017–18 | Premier League](/page/2017–18_Premier_League) | 32 | 0 | |
| [2018–19 | Premier League](/page/2018–19_Premier_League) | 28 | 2 | |
| [2019–20 | Premier League](/page/2019–20_Premier_League) | 28 | 1 | |
| [2020–21 | Premier League](/page/2020–21_Premier_League) | 22 | 0 | |
| [2021–22 | Premier League](/page/2021–22_Premier_League) | 21 | 0 | |
| [2022–23 | Premier League](/page/2022–23_Premier_League) | 24 | 1 | |
| [2023–24 | Premier League](/page/2023–24_Premier_League) | 7 | 0 | |
| Bayern Munich | [2023–24 | Bundesliga](/page/2023–24_Bundesliga) | 7 | 0 |
| 2024–25 | Bundesliga | 21 | 1 | |
| AS Monaco | 2025–26 | Ligue 1 | 11 | 1 |
International
| Year | Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Friendlies | 1 | 0 |
| 2016 | Friendlies | 3 | 1 |
| UEFA Euro 2016 | 4 | 1 | |
| 2017 | World Cup qualifying | 5 | 0 |
| 2018 | Friendlies | 3 | 0 |
| World Cup 2018 | 4 | 0 | |
| UEFA Nations League 2018–19 | 3 | 0 | |
| 2019 | UEFA Nations League | 1 | 0 |
| Friendlies | 2 | 0 | |
| 2020 | Friendlies | 1 | 0 |
| UEFA Nations League 2020–21 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2021 | World Cup qualifying | 4 | 0 |
| Friendlies | 1 | 0 | |
| 2022 | Friendlies | 1 | 0 |
| UEFA Nations League 2022–23 | 3 | 0 | |
| World Cup 2022 | 3 | 0 | |
| Total | 49 | 3 |
Honours
Club
- Bundesliga: 2024–25 [Bayern Munich][51]