Kyle Walker
Kyle Walker is an English professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Burnley in the Premier League and the England national team.[1] Born on 28 May 1990 in Sheffield, England, Walker began his youth career as a striker at Sheffield United before transitioning to defence at age 16, making his senior debut for the club in 2008.[2] He joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2009 after a loan spell, spending the next eight years there and establishing himself as one of the league's premier attacking full-backs under manager Mauricio Pochettino, with loans to Queens Park Rangers and Aston Villa aiding his development.[3] In July 2017, Walker transferred to Manchester City for a then-British record £50 million fee for a defender, where he adapted to Pep Guardiola's possession-based system and became a versatile mainstay, often deploying as a right-sided centre-back in a back three.[4] During his eight seasons at the Etihad Stadium, he made over 300 appearances and won 17 major trophies, including six Premier League titles, one UEFA Champions League, two FA Cups, four EFL Cups, and the FIFA Club World Cup, contributing to the club's historic Treble in 2022–23.[5] Walker briefly joined AC Milan on loan in January 2025 before signing permanently with Burnley in July 2025, marking the end of his trophy-laden City tenure.[6] Internationally, Walker earned his first senior cap for England on 12 November 2011 in a 1–0 friendly loss to Spain, having previously excelled at youth levels including the UEFA European Under-19 Championship in 2009 and Under-21 Championship in 2011.[7] By November 2025, he had amassed 96 caps and scored one international goal, serving as a key defender under Gareth Southgate and subsequent managers.[7] Renowned for his exceptional pace—once clocked at 37.3 km/h—tactical intelligence, and physicality at 6 ft 0 in (183 cm), Walker played pivotal roles in England's run to the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the final of UEFA Euro 2020, earning widespread acclaim as one of the world's elite full-backs.[1] His career highlights also include reaching the 2019 UEFA Champions League final with City and being named in The Guardian's 100 best male footballers list in 2022.[8]Early years
Childhood and family background
Kyle Walker was born on 28 May 1990 in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England.[9] His father, Michael Walker, immigrated to England from Jamaica in his late teens and met his mother, Tracey Walker, soon after arriving in the country.[10] Walker grew up in the Sharrow area of Sheffield, on the Lansdowne council estate, a working-class neighborhood marked by socio-economic challenges.[11] The family faced financial difficulties, with Walker later recalling instances where his mother could not afford basic treats like ice cream for him and his siblings.[12] The family dynamics emphasized support and discipline, with Walker having two sisters who helped keep the household grounded amid hardships.[12] His father's approach was particularly influential, offering tough love through harsh post-match critiques that often left young Walker in tears but built his resilience and determination.[13] Tracey provided emotional care, balancing Michael's strictness, while the family as a whole prioritized Walker's potential in football from an early age. For his early education, Walker attended Porter Croft Infant and Junior School in Sheffield before moving to High Storrs School, where he was taught by physical education staff who noted his focus on sports over academics.[11] He left school at age 16 in 2006 to dedicate himself fully to football, forgoing any formal higher education.[14]Introduction to football and youth development
Kyle Walker joined Sheffield United's academy at the age of seven in 1997, having been scouted through his local youth club, Football Unites Racism Divides (FURD), where a coach named Paul Archer, who also served as a scout for the club, recommended him for a trial.[15][16] This early entry into organized football was supported by his family's encouragement, with his father notably vocal during matches, often engaging with academy staff to advocate for his son's progress.[17] Throughout his youth development, Walker progressed through Sheffield United's age-group teams, initially playing as a diminutive striker before transitioning to right-back at age 16 during a match against Nottingham Forest, where he was tasked with marking a speedy opponent after an injury to the regular player.[2] This switch highlighted his emerging defensive skills and exceptional speed, qualities that academy director Ron Reid praised as key to his adaptation, noting Walker's determination and ability to excel in the club's "Five Rs" training system focused on receiving, releasing, retaining, and running with the ball.[17] His performances in youth tournaments, including further FA Youth Cup appearances, earned him recognition as a promising talent despite his late physical development, with Reid advising him to consume large meals to build size and strength.[17] Walker signed a scholarship with Sheffield United around age 16, but faced uncertainty when he was nearly released due to his small stature and limited opportunities in reserve games, leading to moments of disillusionment where he considered quitting football altogether.[18] However, intervention from Reid and other academy staff convinced him to persist, solidifying his commitment and paving the way for integration into the senior setup by 2008, where his speed and defensive prowess continued to stand out in training and youth fixtures.[17]Club career
Sheffield United
Walker signed his first professional contract with boyhood club Sheffield United in the summer of 2008, aged 18, after progressing through the club's academy since the age of seven.[19] He made his senior debut two months after returning from a loan spell at Northampton Town, starting as right-back in a 4–1 FA Cup third-round win over Leyton Orient on 13 January 2009. Manager Kevin Blackwell praised the teenager's composure and defensive solidity in the match, where Walker contributed to a clean sheet after the interval despite an early concession. Over the remainder of the 2008–09 Championship season, the promising defender earned six first-team appearances across all competitions for the promotion-chasing Blades, who finished third and advanced to the play-offs. His league debut came on 25 April 2009 in a 1–0 victory against Swansea City, followed by a start in the final-day 0–0 draw with Crystal Palace.[20] Walker retained his place for the play-off semi-finals against Preston North End, starting both legs and delivering a key assist in the second leg on 11 May 2009 with a deep cross that Greg Halford headed in for a 1–0 win (2–1 aggregate), securing Sheffield United's place in the final. In the Championship play-off final at Wembley Stadium on 25 May 2009, he started against Burnley but could not prevent a 1–0 defeat, as Wade Elliott's early goal consigned the Blades to another season in the second tier. His performances highlighted his potential as an athletic, attacking right-back capable of contributing to both defense and build-up play.[21] In July 2009, amid Sheffield United's ongoing financial pressures following their 2007 relegation from the Premier League, Walker was transferred to Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed compensation fee determined by tribunal, as he was under the age of 23; the deal included a season-long loan back to the Blades for 2009–10.[22]Tottenham Hotspur
Walker joined Tottenham Hotspur from Sheffield United in July 2009 for an undisclosed fee as part of a double deal that also brought in teammate Kyle Naughton.[22] Initially viewed as a promising squad player, he was immediately loaned back to his former club Sheffield United until January 2010 to continue his development in the Championship. To gain further competitive experience, Walker was sent on loan to Queens Park Rangers in September 2010 for an initial one-month spell, which was extended until January 2011; during this period, he made 20 appearances in the Championship, showcasing his pace and defensive solidity.[23] Later that season, in January 2011, he moved on loan to Premier League side Aston Villa until the end of the campaign, where he featured in 18 matches, providing valuable top-flight exposure and helping him adapt to higher-intensity games.[24] Upon his permanent return to Tottenham for the 2011–12 season, Walker broke through under manager Harry Redknapp, establishing himself as a first-team regular at right-back and contributing 2 assists across all competitions in a campaign that saw Spurs finish fourth in the Premier League. His rapid progression continued into his peak years from 2014 to 2017, during which he became a cornerstone of the defense; notably, in the 2015–16 season, Walker played every single minute of Tottenham's 38 Premier League matches, underlining his reliability and endurance. In summer 2017, amid strong interest from Manchester City, Walker submitted a transfer request to facilitate his departure from Tottenham, where he was subsequently sold for an initial £45 million—potentially rising to £50 million with add-ons—marking a significant profit for the club on their long-term investment.[25]Manchester City
On 14 July 2017, Manchester City signed Kyle Walker from Tottenham Hotspur for an initial fee of £45 million, potentially rising to £50 million in add-ons, making him the most expensive British defender at the time and setting a world record for a defender.[26][27] The transfer reflected Walker's established reputation as a pacey and versatile right-back during his Tottenham tenure. Under manager Pep Guardiola, Walker quickly adapted to City's possession-based system, contributing to their 2017–18 EFL Cup victory with 45 appearances across all competitions in his debut season.[28] From 2017 to 2020, Walker was instrumental in City's domestic dominance, helping secure two consecutive Premier League titles in 2017–18 and 2018–19, the 2018–19 FA Cup, and two additional EFL Cups in 2018–19 and 2019–20.[29] His defensive reliability and overlapping runs provided balance to Guardiola's tactics, with Walker starting 33 Premier League matches in the 2018–19 title-winning campaign. Between 2020 and 2022, he played a key role in City's third and fourth Premier League triumphs in 2020–21 and 2021–22, often deploying as an inverted full-back who tucked into midfield during build-up play to aid central progression.[30] This tactical evolution highlighted Walker's intelligence and stamina, as he featured in over 100 matches during this period.[31] The 2022–23 season marked a pinnacle for Walker, as City achieved a historic continental treble comprising the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League, with Walker starting all 13 Champions League matches and providing defensive solidity in the final against Inter Milan.[32] Following the treble, Walker was appointed Manchester City captain ahead of the 2023–24 season after İlkay Gündoğan’s departure, a role in which he occasionally deputized during international commitments and led the team to their sixth Premier League title that year.[33][34] In the 2023–25 period, Walker contributed to City's continued success, including the 2023 UEFA Super Cup and 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, but his starts declined as he approached age 35, with younger players like Rico Lewis emerging in the right-back position amid concerns over his pace against elite wingers.[35] This shift in form and personal challenges led to a loan move to AC Milan in January 2025, ending his City tenure after 319 appearances and 6 goals across all competitions.[36][37]Loan to AC Milan
In January 2025, Kyle Walker joined AC Milan on a season-long loan from Manchester City until the end of the 2024–25 campaign, with an option to buy, marking his first move abroad after a dip in form and limited starts at City earlier in the season, compounded by personal off-field challenges.[36][38][39] Walker made his debut for AC Milan on 2 February 2025, starting in a 1–1 Serie A draw against rivals Inter Milan in the Derby della Madonnina at the San Siro.[40] Over the second half of the season, he featured in 11 Serie A appearances, totaling 658 minutes, during which he provided one assist and contributed to a clean sheet in one match, while also making two additional outings in the Coppa Italia.[41] AC Milan finished the 2024–25 Serie A season in eighth place with 63 points, securing a mid-table position outside European qualification spots.[42][43] Walker's adaptation to Serie A highlighted his extensive defensive experience and leadership, with club legend Massimo Ambrosini praising his immediate stabilizing influence on Milan's backline, particularly in high-stakes matches like the derby.[44][45] However, at age 34, he faced criticism for a perceived decline in his renowned pace, which Italian media outlets described as limiting his effectiveness in the league's tactical demands, leading to a mixed overall impact during Milan's inconsistent campaign.[46][47][48] Upon returning to Manchester City in the summer of 2025, AC Milan declined to exercise the purchase option, ending Walker's brief Italian stint after just six months.[49][50] Reflecting on the move later that year, Walker described it as a "selfish" decision—the first in his career—regretting the disruption it caused to his family life, though he expressed no full remorse for fulfilling a long-held ambition to play abroad.[51][52][53]Burnley
In July 2025, Kyle Walker joined Burnley on a free transfer from Manchester City after his contract with the reigning Premier League champions expired, signing a two-year deal that runs until the summer of 2027.[54][55] The move came shortly after Burnley's promotion back to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs, with the club seeking experienced leadership to bolster their squad for the top-flight return.[56] At 35 years old, Walker expressed enthusiasm for extending his career in a familiar northern environment, highlighting the proximity to his family in Sheffield as a key factor in his decision to return closer to his roots after nearly a decade in southern-based clubs.[57][58] Walker made his competitive debut for Burnley on 17 August 2025 in a Premier League match against Manchester United at Old Trafford.[59] As of November 2025, he has featured in all 11 of the team's league fixtures, starting each game and accumulating 990 minutes on the pitch as one of the oldest players in the squad, with 1 assist. His consistent presence at right-back has provided defensive stability amid Burnley's challenging start to the season, where they sit near the relegation zone.[60] In addition to his on-field contributions, Walker has embraced a mentorship role, guiding younger defenders and injecting veteran experience into a squad blending promoted talent with new signings.[61][62] He has spoken about his desire to lead by example during the relegation battle, drawing on his extensive Premier League pedigree—over 400 appearances—to help instill resilience and tactical discipline in the team under manager Scott Parker.[63][64] This off-field influence has been particularly vital as Burnley navigates a tough fixture list, with Walker crediting the move for reigniting his passion at a stage when many peers consider winding down.[65]International career
Youth international career
Walker earned his first call-up to the England under-16 team in 2006, where he made his debut during the Victory Shield tournament.[66] He went on to represent England at under-17 and under-19 levels, accumulating appearances that highlighted his emerging talent as a defender. In particular, Walker featured prominently for the under-19 side during the 2009 European Under-19 qualifiers, earning 5 caps in those matches.[1] His under-19 debut came on 10 February 2009 in a 0–3 friendly defeat to Spain, and he totaled 7 caps at that level, including participation in the 2009 UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals, where England reached the final but lost 2–0 to Ukraine.[59][67] Walker made his under-21 debut on 3 March 2010 in a 1–2 loss to Greece as part of the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers, where he played a key role. He accumulated 7 caps at the under-21 level, including participation in the 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship finals.[59][68] Across all youth levels, Walker earned caps, often praised for his exceptional pace in defensive roles.[1]Senior international career
Kyle Walker made his senior international debut for England on 12 November 2011, coming on as a substitute in a 1–0 friendly victory over Spain at Wembley Stadium. Under manager Fabio Capello, the 21-year-old impressed in limited minutes, marking the beginning of his long association with the national team. His first start followed shortly after, in a 1–0 friendly win against Sweden on 15 November 2011. Between 2011 and 2020, Walker earned over 50 caps, establishing himself as a key defender despite missing Euro 2012 and the 2014 FIFA World Cup due to injuries.[69] He featured in his first major tournament at UEFA Euro 2016, where England exited in the round of 16 after a shock defeat to Iceland, with Walker starting all three group games. Walker was instrumental in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, starting all seven matches as England reached the semi-finals, their best performance since 1990, before losing to Croatia in extra time.[70] At UEFA Euro 2020 (held in 2021), he started every game as England advanced to the final, only to lose on penalties to Italy, earning Walker praise for his defensive solidity. From 2021 onward, Walker continued to be a mainstay, contributing to England's quarter-final run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they were eliminated by France. He served as vice-captain at UEFA Euro 2024, starting all matches as England again reached the final but fell 2–1 to Spain, with Walker named to the tournament's Team of the Tournament.[71] By mid-2025, Walker had accumulated 96 caps and one goal, scored against Ukraine in 2023, and captained the side in three matches following Euro 2024.[7] However, at age 35, he was omitted from Thomas Tuchel's England squad for the November 2025 internationals due to form at club level with Burnley, signaling a possible end to his international career.[72]Playing style and reception
Style of play
Kyle Walker primarily operates as a right-back, renowned for his explosive pace that enables him to cover the flank effectively and contribute to both defensive recoveries and attacking transitions.[2] His recorded top speed has exceeded 37 km/h in Premier League matches, allowing him to excel in recovery defending by quickly closing down opponents on the counter-attack. This athleticism is complemented by exceptional stamina, enabling him to maintain high-intensity runs throughout 90 minutes, a trait that has been pivotal in high-pressing systems.[73] In attack, Walker frequently makes overlapping runs to support wingers, delivering precise crosses into dangerous areas; he has registered over 50 assists across his club career, with 23 coming during his time at Manchester City alone.[74] His contributions extend to occasional goals, often from long-range strikes that leverage his powerful shooting from deep positions, adding an unpredictable element to his forward surges.[75] Defensively, Walker demonstrates solidity in one-on-one duels, winning around 52% of ground challenges and 56% of aerial duels in the 2025/26 season despite standing at 6 feet tall (183 cm), which allows him to compete effectively against varied forwards.[41] Under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, he adapted to a more disciplined role within a possession-based system, often providing width on the right to balance the team's inverted full-back tactics on the opposite flank, while occasionally shifting to central defense in emergencies to cover for injuries. As Walker has entered his mid-30s, some weaknesses have become more apparent, including occasional positional lapses that expose gaps behind him during transitions, particularly when his recovery speed is tested less frequently.[76] Additionally, a slight reduction in agility post-30 has led to challenges in quick directional changes, though his tactical awareness has helped mitigate these issues in recent seasons.[77]Reputation and legacy
Kyle Walker is widely regarded as one of England's premier right-backs of the 2010s and 2020s, celebrated for his exceptional pace, defensive reliability, and longevity in the Premier League.[78] As of November 2025, he has amassed 421 Premier League appearances, establishing himself as the competition's most-capped right-back in history.[74][79] His former manager at Manchester City, Pep Guardiola, has repeatedly lauded him as "one of the greatest full-backs ever," highlighting his consistency, injury resilience, and pivotal role in high-stakes matches, which allowed Guardiola to approach games with complete confidence in his defensive setup.[78][80] Walker's legacy is inextricably linked to Manchester City's era of dominance, where he contributed to five Premier League titles between 2018 and 2024, forming a cornerstone of their defensive structure under Guardiola.[35] His athleticism and ability to cover vast distances redefined the demands on modern full-backs, emphasizing recovery speed and positional versatility to counter elite attackers while supporting fluid attacking transitions—a blueprint that influenced subsequent players in the role.[81] This impact extended beyond club level, as his performances helped solidify England's defensive options during a golden period for the national team. At Burnley in the 2025/26 season, Walker has started all 11 matches as of November 2025, providing leadership and defensive stability to the newly promoted side.[41] In the wake of his 2025 move to Burnley on a two-year deal, reflections on Walker's career have underscored his adaptability and enduring professionalism at age 35, with Guardiola noting in September 2025 that his departure marked the end of an irreplaceable era at City while praising his ongoing contributions to the Premier League's competitive landscape.[56][82] Walker himself has expressed motivation in rebuilding at a newly promoted side, viewing the challenge as a return to the grit that defined his early career, even as he contemplates post-playing pursuits like management.[83][84]Personal life
Family and relationships
Walker has been in a long-term relationship with his childhood sweetheart Annie Kilner since their teenage years in Sheffield. The couple married in a private ceremony at Mottram Hall in Cheshire at the end of November 2021, following over a decade together.[85][86] Together, they have four sons: Roman (born 2013), Riaan (born 2016), Reign (born 2019), and Rezon (born April 2024). The name Rezon was chosen as a meaningful reference to their other children's names, symbolizing family unity.[87][88] The family has relocated several times in line with Walker's career, moving from London during his Tottenham Hotspur days to Manchester upon joining Manchester City in 2017, and then northward to Burnley in July 2025 to stay closer to their northern roots and provide a family-oriented environment.[89][90] Kilner has offered consistent support through these transitions, including a reconciliatory family holiday to Ibiza in July 2025. The couple shares interests in property investments, contributing to their joint financial stability and family security.[91][92]Public controversies
In December 2023, Manchester City defender Kyle Walker faced significant public scrutiny when model Lauryn Goodman revealed to his wife, Annie Kilner, that Walker was the father of her second child, daughter Kinara, born in June 2023. This disclosure followed the earlier birth of their son, Kairo, in April 2020, which had been kept private from Kilner during Walker's ongoing relationship with her. The revelation, sent via text on Boxing Day 2023, intensified media attention on Walker's personal life and led to widespread tabloid coverage of the affair.[93] The scandal prompted a temporary separation between Walker and Kilner in January 2024, after two years of marriage, with Kilner publicly announcing the split on Instagram amid the paternity confirmation.[94] Walker sought legal measures, including a high-profile court battle with Goodman over child maintenance in 2024, where restrictions were imposed on public disclosures related to the case, though media reporting continued.[95] The couple's turmoil escalated, with Kilner reportedly consulting lawyers for divorce proceedings in October 2024, citing irreparable trust issues.[96] By mid-2025, however, Walker and Kilner had reconciled, halting divorce talks and vacationing together in Ibiza in July, signaling efforts to rebuild their family.[97] The personal upheaval contributed to Walker's decision to join AC Milan on loan in January 2025, a move he later described as driven by a desire to escape intense media pressure in England.[98] In interviews, Walker acknowledged the "selfish" nature of the transfer amid his off-field challenges, noting it allowed him to focus on football away from the scrutiny.[99] He issued public apologies, including a January 2024 statement in The Sun expressing regret for "idiot choices" that betrayed his family, and in August 2025, he discussed the ongoing "crappiness" of personal life exposure in a Telegraph interview, emphasizing the toll of public judgment.[100][101] Broader media fallout persisted into 2025, with Goodman announcing plans for a tell-all autobiography detailing the affair and its aftermath, reportedly causing further strain for Walker and Kilner.[102] The controversies damaged Walker's public image, amplifying discussions of accountability for high-profile athletes, though specific impacts on his endorsement deals remained undisclosed in reports.[103]Career statistics and honours
Club statistics
Kyle Walker's club career statistics encompass appearances, goals, and assists across various competitions, primarily in the Premier League, with additional stints in the Championship, Serie A, domestic cups, and European tournaments.[104]Club Totals (All Competitions)
The following table summarizes Walker's cumulative statistics by club, including all domestic leagues, cups, and continental matches.| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northampton Town (loan) | 2009 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Sheffield United | 2008–2010 | 15 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Tottenham Hotspur | 2009–2017 | 189 | 5 | 19 | 32 | 0 |
| Queens Park Rangers (loan) | 2012 | 26 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| Aston Villa (loan) | 2015–2016 | 20 | 0 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Manchester City | 2017–2025 | 315 | 7 | 30 | 28 | 1 |
| AC Milan (loan) | 2024–2025 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Burnley | 2025– | 11 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
Premier League Season-by-Season
Walker has primarily featured in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City, accumulating 406 appearances, 7 goals, and 34 assists in the competition. The table below details his performance per season, excluding loans in lower divisions.| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists | Yellow Cards | Red Cards |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009–10 | Tottenham | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2010–11 | Tottenham | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2011–12 | Tottenham | 37 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| 2012–13 | Tottenham | 36 | 0 | 4 | 5 | 0 |
| 2013–14 | Tottenham | 26 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 0 |
| 2014–15 | Tottenham | 15 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 2015–16 | Tottenham | 33 | 1 | 3 | 7 | 0 |
| 2016–17 | Tottenham | 33 | 0 | 5 | 8 | 0 |
| 2017–18 | Man City | 32 | 0 | 6 | 2 | 1 |
| 2018–19 | Man City | 33 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
| 2019–20 | Man City | 29 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 0 |
| 2020–21 | Man City | 24 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| 2021–22 | Man City | 20 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| 2022–23 | Man City | 27 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 2023–24 | Man City | 32 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| 2024–25 | Man City | 15 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| 2025–26 | Burnley | 11 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 0 |
Serie A and Other Leagues Season-by-Season
Walker's brief Serie A stint with AC Milan in 2024–25 saw 8 appearances in Serie A and 3 in Coppa Italia (total 11 apps all comps), 0 goals, and 0 assists, with 1 yellow card. In the Championship, he recorded 46 appearances, 0 goals, and 6 assists across loans to Queens Park Rangers (26/0/2) and Aston Villa (20/0/4), with 6 yellow cards and no reds. An early loan to Northampton Town in 2009 yielded 9 appearances, 0 goals, and 0 assists. Sheffield United appearances (League One, Championship, and cups) totaled 15/1/3.[104][105] For the 2025–26 Premier League season with Burnley, Walker has made 11 appearances, scored 0 goals, provided 1 assist, and received 2 yellow cards as of 20 November 2025.[104]Cups and European Competitions
Across domestic cups (FA Cup, EFL Cup, Coppa Italia) and European fixtures (UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League), Walker has 218 appearances, 6 goals, and 8 assists. Notable contributions include 86 Champions League appearances with Manchester City (1 goal, 1 assist) from 2017–2025 and 34 Europa League games with Tottenham (0 goals, 1 assist), primarily in 2016–17. In cups, he has 60 FA Cup appearances (3 goals, 3 assists), 35 EFL Cup appearances (2 goals, 3 assists), and 3 Coppa Italia games (0 goals, 0 assists).[104]Disciplinary Record
Throughout his club career, Walker has maintained a relatively clean record, accumulating 71 yellow cards and just 1 red card (sent off in a 2017–18 Premier League match for Manchester City). His yellow cards are distributed as 32 (Tottenham), 28 (Manchester City), and fewer elsewhere, reflecting disciplined play as a defender.[105]Milestones
Walker reached his 400th Premier League appearance on 5 October 2024, during a Manchester City match against Fulham, comprising 183 games for Tottenham and 217 for City at that point.International statistics
Walker has earned 96 caps for the England senior national team since his debut in 2011, scoring one goal.[106][1] In his youth international career, Walker accumulated 14 caps without scoring, comprising 7 appearances for the under-19 side and 7 for the under-21 team.[1] His last appearance came on 10 June 2025 in a friendly against Senegal, after which he was excluded from subsequent England squads selected by manager Thomas Tuchel, effectively ending his international career at age 35.[106][107] The following table summarizes Walker's senior international appearances and goals by major competition:| Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Friendlies | 22 | 0 |
| FIFA World Cup finals | 8 | 0 |
| UEFA European Championship finals | 16 | 0 |
| UEFA Nations League | 18 | 0 |
| World Cup qualifiers | 22 | 0 |
| European Championship qualifiers | 10 | 1 |