Jamie Redknapp
Jamie Frank Redknapp (born 25 June 1973) is an English former professional footballer who played as a central midfielder and later transitioned into a prominent television pundit.[1][2][3] Redknapp began his senior career at AFC Bournemouth before joining Liverpool in January 1991 for a transfer fee of £350,000, where he spent the majority of his playing days from 1991 to 2002.[4] During his time at Liverpool, he made 308 appearances and scored 41 goals across all competitions, captaining the side in the 1999–2000 season and contributing to major successes including the FA Cup in 1992, the Football League Cup in 1995, and the UEFA Super Cup in 2001.[4][5] His career was hampered by persistent knee injuries, particularly from 1999 onward, which limited his consistency and led to his departure from Anfield in 2002.[4] After leaving Liverpool, Redknapp signed with Tottenham Hotspur in 2002, where he played until 2005, making 49 appearances and scoring 4 goals while serving as club captain.[6] He concluded his playing career with a brief stint at Southampton in 2005, appearing in 17 matches and netting 1 goal, before retiring at age 31 due to ongoing injury issues.[6] Internationally, Redknapp earned 17 caps for the England national team between 1995 and 1999, scoring 1 goal, and was part of the squad that reached the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 1996.[2] In his post-playing career, Redknapp has established himself as a respected football analyst, working as a pundit for Sky Sports since 2005 and providing expert commentary on Premier League matches and other competitions.[3] He is the son of former footballer and manager Harry Redknapp and cousin to ex-player and manager Frank Lampard.[1]Early life
Family background
Jamie Redknapp was born on 25 June 1973 in Barton-on-Sea, Hampshire, England.[1] His father, Harry Redknapp, is a former professional footballer who later became a prominent manager, including stints at AFC Bournemouth and West Ham United.[1] His mother, Sandra Harris, married Harry in 1968 after meeting as teenagers in a local pub.[7] Redknapp has an older brother, Mark, who worked as a model and briefly attempted a football career that was halted by a severe ankle injury.[8] On his mother's side, he is the first cousin of former professional footballer Frank Lampard, whose mother, Patricia, was Sandra's twin sister.[9] Redknapp spent his early childhood in the Bournemouth area, where his family settled following his father's playing and coaching roles at AFC Bournemouth.[10] The family briefly relocated to Seattle, United States, when he was around four years old, as Harry took up a coaching position with the Seattle Sounders.[8] From a young age, he gained early exposure to professional football by frequently accompanying his father to training sessions and matches, sometimes skipping school, which fostered his deep interest in the sport.[8]Youth development
Jamie Redknapp began his football involvement in local youth teams around the Bournemouth area in Dorset and Hampshire, playing Sunday league matches while attending Twynham School in Christchurch.[11] Growing up in a footballing family, with his father Harry Redknapp having a professional playing career, he was immersed in the sport from an early age, often accompanying his father to training sessions and matches.[12] At the age of 14 in 1987, Redknapp joined Tottenham Hotspur's youth academy, drawn by the club's reputation and his family's connections in professional football.[13] During his two years there, he trained as a central midfielder under the academy coaches.[1] However, at age 16 in 1989, he left the academy after struggling with homesickness from being away from his Dorset roots and facing limited pathways to the first team.[13] Following his release from Tottenham, Redknapp trialed successfully with AFC Bournemouth's youth setup later in 1989, benefiting from his father's role as manager at the club.[13] He signed his first professional contract with Bournemouth at age 16 that year, marking the transition from youth to professional ranks.[14]Club career
AFC Bournemouth
Jamie Redknapp made his senior debut for AFC Bournemouth at the age of 16 in 1989, becoming one of the club's youngest-ever players to feature for the first team, under the management of his father, Harry Redknapp.[15][16] As a trainee who had joined the club after turning down a professional contract with Tottenham Hotspur, Redknapp quickly integrated into the senior setup, training alongside established players while performing apprentice duties.[13] Over the next two seasons, Redknapp made 13 first-team appearances in all competitions, predominantly coming off the bench as a creative central midfielder known for his passing ability.[5] His opportunities were restricted by his youth and the presence of more seasoned squad members, with whom he faced initial challenges in earning respect in the dressing room.[13] Despite limited starts, Redknapp showed promise in his role, contributing to Bournemouth's efforts in the lower tiers of English football. The 1990–91 season marked Redknapp's most significant involvement at the club, as Bournemouth competed in the Third Division and mounted a promotion push before finishing 10th in the table with 70 points from 46 matches. In January 1991, his performances earned a high-profile transfer to Liverpool for an initial fee of £350,000—a record sum for a 17-year-old at the time—which later rose to £500,000 as part of the deal that also saw Alex Watson move to Bournemouth.[5][13] This move represented a breakthrough for the young midfielder, launching him into top-flight football after a formative spell on the south coast.Liverpool
Jamie Redknapp joined Liverpool from AFC Bournemouth in January 1991 for a fee of £350,000 under manager Kenny Dalglish, marking the final signing of Dalglish's first spell in charge; he was immediately loaned back to Bournemouth to complete the 1990–91 season.[4] Upon his return, Redknapp made his debut for the club on 23 October 1991 as a substitute in a UEFA Cup second-round match against Auxerre, becoming Liverpool's youngest-ever player in European competition at 18 years and 120 days old.[5] His first league appearance followed on 7 December 1991 against Norwich City, where he came off the bench and scored his debut goal for the Reds in a 1–1 draw.[4] Redknapp's breakthrough came during the 1994–95 season under Roy Evans, when he established himself as a dynamic central midfielder, making 48 appearances across all competitions and contributing 10 goals, including several in the Premier League.[5] This form was pivotal in Liverpool's run to the 1995 Football League Cup triumph, where he scored the opener in the first leg of the semi-final against Crystal Palace at Anfield (a 2–1 win) and started in the final victory over Bolton Wanderers at Wembley (2–1 after extra time).[17] Over his 11-year tenure, Redknapp amassed 308 appearances in all competitions (237 in the league) and scored 41 goals, often captaining the side intermittently from 1997 onward and officially appointed by Gérard Houllier in 1999.[4][5] He formed effective midfield partnerships with Steve McManaman, whose creativity complemented his passing range, and supported prolific forwards like Robbie Fowler through precise distribution.[18] However, Redknapp's career at Liverpool was increasingly hampered by injuries, most notably a serious knee ligament injury in early 1998 that sidelined him for much of the year and caused him to miss England's 1998 FIFA World Cup squad.[19] Recurring knee problems, including multiple surgeries, limited his involvement in the 2000–01 and 2001–02 seasons, reducing him to just eight appearances in his final year.[4] Despite these setbacks, Redknapp departed Anfield on a free transfer in April 2002 following the expiry of his contract, amid widespread fan appreciation for his loyalty and contributions during a transitional period under Houllier, before signing a four-year deal with Tottenham Hotspur.[20]Tottenham Hotspur
Jamie Redknapp joined Tottenham Hotspur on a free transfer from rivals Liverpool in April 2002, signing a four-year contract under manager Glenn Hoddle, who had pursued the midfielder despite his injury history.[21][22] The move brought Redknapp back to London roots and added Premier League experience to Tottenham's squad, with Hoddle highlighting his elegance, vision, and leadership as key assets for the team's midfield stability.[23][24] During the 2002–03 season, Redknapp featured in 17 league matches, scoring three goals and providing assists that contributed to Tottenham's 10th-place finish in the Premier League.[25] His debut came in a 2–2 draw against Arsenal on 17 August 2002, and he quickly established himself with precise passing and organizational skills in midfield, including a standout performance in the 3–2 derby victory over West Ham United on 15 September, where his influence helped secure the win amid heated exchanges.[26] Drawing briefly on his Liverpool tenure for tactical acumen, Redknapp's leadership was evident as he mentored teammates and earned Opta Index's Player of the Month honors early in the campaign.[27] The 2003–04 season proved challenging, with a knee injury sidelining Redknapp for six months and restricting him to 17 appearances without goals, though he was appointed club captain by Hoddle, reflecting his enduring value despite the setbacks.[28][29] In 2004–05, he added 14 league outings and one goal before Tottenham mutually agreed to release him on a free transfer in January 2005, as prolonged recovery from injuries hindered his consistent involvement.[30] Overall, Redknapp made 49 appearances across all competitions for Tottenham, scoring four goals, in a stint marked by flashes of quality amid persistent fitness battles.[6]Southampton
Jamie Redknapp joined Southampton on a free transfer from Tottenham Hotspur on 4 January 2005, signing a six-month contract to aid the club's battle against relegation from the Premier League.[31] Reunited with his father, manager Harry Redknapp, he made his debut the following day in a 3–3 home draw against Fulham, coming off the bench in the second half.[30] Despite persistent injuries that limited his involvement, Redknapp featured in 17 matches during the 2004–05 season, including 16 league appearances, scoring 1 goal in the FA Cup.[32][33] As an experienced midfielder and former captain, Redknapp provided key leadership in the dressing room amid Southampton's ultimately unsuccessful fight to avoid the drop, offering guidance to younger players during a turbulent campaign that ended in relegation.[34] His presence was seen as a stabilizing influence under his father's management, drawing on his Premier League pedigree to support the team's efforts.[30] On 18 June 2005, just weeks after Southampton's relegation was confirmed, Redknapp announced his retirement at the age of 31, forced to end his playing career due to a chronic knee injury that had plagued him for years, exacerbated by issues originating from his time at Tottenham.[35] Medical advice warned that continuing could lead to severe long-term damage, prompting the decision despite his desire to play on.[36] Over his professional club career spanning Bournemouth, Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, and Southampton, Redknapp made 387 appearances and scored 46 goals across all competitions.[5][6][33] Following retirement, he quickly transitioned into a media role, beginning his work as a pundit.[37]International career
Youth internationals
Redknapp represented England at various youth levels, beginning with the Under-17 team in 1990, where he made a substitute appearance in a 1-3 friendly defeat to France at Wembley Stadium on 22 May.[38] At Under-19 level during the 1990–91 season, he earned one cap as a substitute in a 4-0 friendly victory over Trinidad & Tobago in Port of Spain on 25 March 1991.[39] Redknapp's most prominent youth international experience came with the Under-21 side between 1993 and 1994, where he accumulated 18 caps and scored 5 goals.[40] His debut occurred on 16 February 1993 in a 6-0 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying win against San Marino at Kenilworth Road, Luton, in which he scored once. He scored a penalty in a 3-0 friendly victory over the United States during the 1994 Toulon Tournament (2 June 1994). A standout performance came on 11 October 1994 in a 3-1 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying win over Austria in Kapfenberg, where Redknapp scored a hat-trick to secure the result. He contributed to England's successful campaigns in the Toulon Tournament, winning the title in both 1993 and 1994 as captain in the latter, defeating Portugal 2-0 in the final.[40][41] His consistent form at Liverpool during this period facilitated his progression to the senior England team in 1995.[40]Senior career
Jamie Redknapp earned his first senior cap for England on 6 September 1995, starting in a 0–0 friendly draw against Colombia at Wembley Stadium.[41] Under manager Terry Venables, he featured in the starting lineup for his debut, playing 75 minutes before being substituted.[41] Over the course of his international career, which spanned from 1995 to 1999, Redknapp accumulated 17 caps, including 12 starts and 5 substitute appearances, with a total of 1,037 minutes played.[42] His sole international goal came on 10 October 1999, a 66th-minute strike in a 2–1 friendly victory over Belgium at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.[43] Redknapp was included in England's squad for UEFA Euro 1996, hosted on home soil, where he made his only tournament appearance as a substitute.[42] He entered the Group A match against Scotland at halftime, replacing Stuart Pearce and playing 40 minutes in the 2–0 win at Wembley, contributing to a strong midfield performance that helped secure England's progression.[41] Although England advanced to the semi-finals, losing on penalties to Germany, Redknapp did not feature in subsequent knockout matches.[41] His limited involvement totaled 40 minutes across the tournament.[41] During the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign under Glenn Hoddle, Redknapp contributed with appearances in key qualifiers, showcasing his versatility as a central midfielder capable of dictating play and providing precise passing.[42] However, a serious knee injury sustained in April 1998 during a club match against Coventry City ruled him out of the finals in France, where England reached the round of 16.[5] Redknapp featured in both legs of the UEFA Euro 2000 playoff against Scotland, with his final cap coming on 17 November 1999 in a 0–1 defeat at Wembley. He was named in the provisional squad for Euro 2000 but withdrew due to ongoing injury concerns. Redknapp effectively retired from international duty that year, having been sidelined for major tournaments due to persistent fitness issues.[41][44]Post-playing career
Coaching roles
Following his retirement from professional football in 2005, Redknapp began pursuing coaching qualifications, including UEFA badges, as part of his transition into the sport's backroom staff. In December 2008, he took on a part-time role coaching Chelsea's reserve team two days a week, a position that allowed him to gain practical experience while continuing his studies for a UEFA A licence.[45][46] In May 2009, Redknapp was offered a part-time coaching position at Tottenham Hotspur, his former club, focusing on working with youth players, as his father Harry Redknapp assumed the managerial role there.[47] Despite this opportunity and expressions of interest in management, Redknapp did not pursue senior managerial positions, instead prioritizing a career in media analysis. He has since confirmed receiving offers for coaching roles but opted against full-time involvement in the field.[48]Media career
Following his retirement from professional football in 2005, Jamie Redknapp transitioned into broadcasting as a pundit for Sky Sports, debuting as a studio analyst on the network's Super Sunday coverage during the 2005–06 season.[49] He quickly established himself as a regular contributor, offering insights drawn from his playing experience at clubs like Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. By 2010, Redknapp had become a fixture on Sky Sports' weekend programming, particularly Super Sunday, where his tactical breakdowns of matches gained recognition among viewers for their depth and clarity.[50] In addition to television punditry, Redknapp ventured into publishing early in his media career. In November 2005, he co-launched Icon, a bi-monthly lifestyle magazine targeted at professional footballers, in partnership with his then-wife Louise Redknapp and former teammate Tim Sherwood; the publication blended football-related content with luxury lifestyle features such as travel and fashion.[51] Despite initial buzz, Icon faced challenges with subscriptions and advertising, leading to operational difficulties by 2008, after which it ceased publication.[52] Redknapp expanded into hosting roles with family-oriented entertainment shows on Sky One. In May 2020, he presented Redknapp's Home Fixture, a six-part series filmed during the COVID-19 lockdown, featuring conversations with his father Harry Redknapp and comedian Tom Davis on topics ranging from football to everyday life. The following year, in April 2021, he co-hosted Redknapp's Big Night Out, a sports-themed chat show alongside Harry Redknapp and Tom Davis, which ran for one series of six episodes and included celebrity guests discussing football and entertainment.[53] His written work includes notable books reflecting on his career and family legacy. In October 2020, Redknapp released his autobiography Me, Family and the Making of a Footballer, a personal account of his upbringing as the son of manager Harry Redknapp and his path to professional success. In October 2024, he co-authored A Family Obsession: What We Talk About When We Talk About Football with Harry Redknapp, a memoir exploring their shared passion for the sport through debates, anecdotes, and reflections on its evolution.[54] Beyond broadcasting and books, Redknapp maintains an active presence in print and audio media. He serves as an editorial sports columnist for the Daily Mail, where he analyzes Premier League matches and player performances in weekly columns.[55] He has also made guest appearances on podcasts focused on football tactics, such as The Lockdown Tactics in 2020, where he discussed midfield strategies and team dynamics based on his on-pitch expertise.[56] As of November 2025, Redknapp remains a key pundit for Sky Sports, regularly providing analysis and commentary on Premier League fixtures, including Super Sunday, as well as international tournaments, continuing to emphasize tactical nuances in his contributions.[3]Personal life
Relationships and marriages
Jamie Redknapp met singer Louise Nurding in 1995 through mutual friend Robbie Williams while she was touring with Eternal, who were supporting Take That.[57] The couple became engaged during a holiday in Bermuda in June 1998 and married three days later on 29 June aboard a luxury yacht in a private ceremony attended by close family and friends.[58] Their union was highly publicized, with the pair frequently appearing together at events and in media features, establishing them as one of Britain's prominent celebrity couples during Redknapp's playing career.[59] After nearly two decades together, Redknapp and Louise announced their separation in October 2017, stating they had grown apart amicably.[60] A decree nisi was granted by a London family court on 29 December 2017, citing irreconcilable differences, with the divorce finalized in early 2018 following the mandatory six-week waiting period for the decree absolute.[60][61] Redknapp began a relationship with Swedish businesswoman Frida Andersson in 2020, with reports of their romance emerging in August that year.[62] The couple married in a low-key civil ceremony at Chelsea Register Office on 18 October 2021, surrounded by a small group of loved ones.[58] In a 2025 interview, Redknapp discussed the challenges of his post-divorce life, emphasizing the complexities of co-parenting within a blended family while maintaining a positive outlook on his current marriage.[63][64]Family and children
Jamie Redknapp has three sons. He shares his two eldest sons, Charley (full name Charles) and Beau, with his ex-wife Louise Redknapp. Charley was born on 27 July 2004,[65] while Beau was born on 10 November 2008.[66] With his current wife, Frida Andersson, Redknapp welcomed their first child together, son Raphael Anders Redknapp, on 24 November 2021.[67] Redknapp and Andersson form a blended family that includes seven children in total, combining Redknapp's three sons with Andersson's four children from a previous relationship. In October 2025 interviews, Redknapp discussed the challenges of this family dynamic, noting that co-parenting with his ex-wife has been effective but that blending families "isn't always easy," particularly in navigating the emotional adjustments for his older sons following his separation from Louise in 2017.[63] He revealed that when he informed Charley about Raphael's impending arrival, the teenager's initial reaction was negative—"it didn't go down well"—as his "world was turned upside down," though Beau was more accepting; over time, both sons have embraced their roles as big brothers to Raphael.[68] The Redknapp sons share a passion for sports, reflecting their father's football heritage, though their interests diverge. Beau, who turned 17 in November 2025, has pursued football actively, signing a scholarship with Brentford FC's academy in August 2024 to develop his skills in the sport.[69] In contrast, 21-year-old Charley has pursued rugby at the college level, currently playing for the University of Arizona rugby team and establishing himself as a promising player in the sport rather than football.[70] Redknapp has expressed pride in Charley's independence in choosing his path, despite early parental encouragement toward football.[71] The Redknapp family has been involved in philanthropy supporting children's causes, often tying into the legacy of Redknapp's father, Harry Redknapp, a longtime patron of organizations like Leukaemia Busters and Julia's House children's hospice. Jamie has actively supported charities such as Barnardo's—auctioning a personal stamp image with his father in 2010 to raise funds—and UNICEF, participating in Soccer Aid for UNICEF events to benefit children globally.[72][73] This family commitment extends to broader efforts, including Help a London Child, emphasizing education and welfare for young people.[73]Career statistics
Club statistics
Jamie Redknapp's club career, spanning from 1989 to 2005, saw him accumulate 395 appearances and 46 goals across four teams, with the majority of his contributions coming during his time at Liverpool.[5][74] His early professional experience at Bournemouth was limited but formative, where he made 21 appearances without scoring.[5][75] At Liverpool, Redknapp established himself as a key midfielder, registering 308 appearances and 41 goals in all competitions over 11 years.[5] He later added 49 appearances and 4 goals during a three-year stint at Tottenham Hotspur, followed by 17 appearances and 1 goal in his final season at Southampton.[74][76] In terms of competition breakdown, Redknapp's domestic league record stands at 314 appearances and 34 goals, primarily in the Premier League after his promotion from lower divisions.[77] He featured in 59 cup matches across the FA Cup and League Cup, scoring 9 goals, while his European outings totaled 22 appearances and 3 goals, including UEFA Cup campaigns with Liverpool.[77][5] The following table summarizes Redknapp's appearances and goals by club:| Club | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Bournemouth | 21 | 0 |
| Liverpool | 308 | 41 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 49 | 4 |
| Southampton | 17 | 1 |
| Total | 395 | 46 |
| Season | Club(s) | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989–90 | Bournemouth | 7 | 0 |
| 1990–91 | Bournemouth | 14 | 0 |
| 1991–92 | Liverpool | 10 | 1 |
| 1992–93 | Liverpool | 40 | 3 |
| 1993–94 | Liverpool | 41 | 4 |
| 1994–95 | Liverpool | 55 | 6 |
| 1995–96 | Liverpool | 33 | 4 |
| 1996–97 | Liverpool | 32 | 3 |
| 1997–98 | Liverpool | 26 | 5 |
| 1998–99 | Liverpool | 40 | 10 |
| 1999–00 | Liverpool | 23 | 3 |
| 2000–01 | Liverpool | 0 | 0 |
| 2001–02 | Liverpool | 8 | 2 |
| 2002–03 | Tottenham Hotspur | 19 | 3 |
| 2003–04 | Tottenham Hotspur | 18 | 1 |
| 2004–05 | Tottenham Hotspur / Southampton | 32 | 1 |
| Total | 395 | 46 |
International statistics
Jamie Redknapp represented England at senior international level between 1995 and 1999, earning 17 caps and scoring 1 goal during his time with the national team.[2][41] He made his debut in a 0–0 friendly draw against Colombia on 6 September 1995 at Wembley Stadium, starting the match before being substituted after 75 minutes.[41] His international career included appearances in major tournaments, with England reaching the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 1996, where Redknapp featured as a substitute in the 2–0 group stage victory over Scotland on 15 June 1996.[2] In the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, he made 1 appearance in a 2–0 home win against Georgia on 30 April 1997.[79] Redknapp's sole senior international goal came in a 2–1 friendly victory over Belgium on 10 October 1999 at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, where he scored a long-range strike in the 84th minute to secure the winning margin after entering as a substitute.[80] Of his 17 caps, 12 were starts and 5 as substitutes, primarily in midfield, with England recording 9 wins, 5 draws, and 3 losses in those matches.[41] He also featured in 6 UEFA Euro 2000 qualifying matches, contributing to England's qualification for the tournament despite his career being hampered by injuries that limited further opportunities.[2] At youth level, Redknapp accumulated 3 caps for the England U16 team, 5 caps for the U18 side, and 13 caps for the U21 team between 1990 and 1994, scoring 2 goals at U21 level. He captained the U21 team to victory in the Toulon Tournament in both 1993 and 1994.[41] The following table summarizes Redknapp's senior international appearances by year and opponent:| Year | Opponent | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Colombia | 1 | 0 |
| 1995 | Norway | 1 | 0 |
| 1995 | Switzerland | 1 | 0 |
| 1996 | China PR | 1 | 0 |
| 1996 | Scotland (Euro 1996) | 1 | 0 |
| 1997 | Mexico | 1 | 0 |
| 1997 | Georgia (WCQ) | 1 | 0 |
| 1997 | South Africa | 1 | 0 |
| 1998 | Sweden (Euro 2000Q) | 1 | 0 |
| 1998 | Bulgaria (Euro 2000Q) | 1 | 0 |
| 1999 | France | 1 | 0 |
| 1999 | Poland (Euro 2000Q) | 1 | 0 |
| 1999 | Hungary | 1 | 0 |
| 1999 | Bulgaria (Euro 2000Q) | 1 | 0 |
| 1999 | Belgium | 1 | 1 |
| 1999 | Scotland (Euro 2000Q) | 2 | 0 |