Mikey Moore
Mikey Steven Danny Moore (born 11 August 2007) is an English professional footballer who plays as a left winger for Rangers in the Scottish Premiership, on loan from Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur.[1][2][3] Born in Southwark, London, Moore joined Tottenham Hotspur's academy at the age of seven and rapidly progressed through the club's youth system, attending Strood Academy during his development.[2] He became the youngest player to feature for Tottenham's U21 side in the Premier League 2 since its inception in 2012, at age 15, making his debut against Manchester United in April 2023.[2][4] Moore contributed significantly to Tottenham's U18 team, helping them secure a double by winning both the Under-17 and Under-18 Premier League Cups in the 2022/23 season.[2] Moore made his senior debut for Tottenham in the Premier League against Manchester City on 14 May 2024, becoming the club's youngest-ever player in the competition at 16 years and 277 days old.[2] In the 2024/25 season, he scored his first competitive senior goal for the club in a UEFA Europa League knockout match against IF Elfsborg on 30 January 2025, and was an unused substitute in the final where Tottenham defeated Manchester United 1–0 in Bilbao.[2][5] Internationally, Moore has represented England at the under-15, under-16, under-17, and under-19 levels, showcasing his versatility and potential as a forward.[2][6] On 1 August 2025, Moore joined Rangers on a season-long loan for the 2025/26 campaign to gain first-team experience in competitive senior football.[3][7] As of November 2025, he has made 19 appearances for the club across all competitions, accumulating 922 minutes, scoring 1 goal, and providing 2 assists, with a passing accuracy of 78%.[3][8]Early life
Upbringing and family
Mikey Steven Danny Moore was born on 11 August 2007 in Southwark, a borough in South London, England. Raised in the heart of South London's football-passionate community, Moore developed a deep affinity for the sport from an early age, becoming a lifelong fan of Tottenham Hotspur. His childhood was shaped by the vibrant local culture in Southwark, where proximity to major clubs fostered a strong connection to grassroots and professional football.[9][10][11] Moore hails from a supportive family consisting of his parents and brothers, who have played a key role in nurturing his talent; his family are long-time supporters of Rangers F.C., which influenced his enthusiasm for the season-long loan to the club in July 2025. Public details about their background are limited beyond this affinity for the Scottish club. His ties to the Southwark area remained strong throughout his early years, embedding him in a community renowned for producing football prospects.[11][12]Education and early football influences
Moore attended Strood Academy in Rochester, Kent, where he balanced his academic responsibilities with the demands of youth football training. The school, part of the Leigh Academies Trust, provided a supportive environment that allowed him to pursue both education and sport, fostering his discipline and time management skills during his formative years. This dual commitment was crucial in his development, as he navigated coursework alongside regular sessions with Tottenham Hotspur's academy.[2][13] Born in Southwark, south London, Moore's early exposure to football was influenced by the vibrant local scene, igniting his passion for the game from a young age. He joined Tottenham Hotspur's academy in 2014 at the age of seven, transitioning from informal play to a structured professional youth system that emphasized technical skills and tactical awareness. This move marked the start of his organized football journey, where coaches identified his potential early on.[14][2] Within Spurs' youth setup, Moore experienced rapid progression as a schoolboy, training intensively while continuing his education at Strood Academy. His early academy years involved foundational drills, team drills, and matches that honed his abilities, building a strong base for future advancements without disrupting his schooling. This period shaped his understanding of professional football's rigors, blending classroom learning with on-pitch growth.[13][2]Club career
Tottenham Hotspur
Mikey Moore joined Tottenham Hotspur's academy at the age of seven and rapidly progressed through the youth ranks, showcasing exceptional talent as an attacking midfielder and winger. In June 2023, at age 15, he signed a scholarship contract that transitioned to schoolboy forms and would convert to professional terms upon turning 17, securing his long-term commitment to the club.[15] His youth performances were particularly notable in the 2023/24 season, where he recorded 14 goals and 8 assists for the Under-18s, demonstrating his flair and goal-scoring prowess. Earlier, Moore made his UEFA Youth League debut on 7 September 2022, aged 15, in a 3–0 group stage victory over Marseille, marking an early highlight in his European youth experience.[14][10] Moore's breakthrough to the first team came towards the end of the 2023/24 Premier League season. He made his senior debut on 14 May 2024, substituting in the final minutes of a 2–0 home defeat to Manchester City, becoming Tottenham's youngest-ever Premier League player at 16 years, nine months, and three days old—the youngest debutant since at least 2007. Over the following seasons, Moore integrated into the senior squad, accumulating 21 first-team appearances by August 2025, including contributions in the UEFA Europa League where he made his European senior debut in a 3–0 win over Qarabağ on 26 September 2024. Moore scored his first competitive senior goal for Tottenham on 30 January 2025, a last-gasp strike in a 3–0 Europa League win over IF Elfsborg, becoming the youngest Englishman to score in major European competition at 17 years and 172 days, breaking a 68-year-old record.[16][14][17][18][19] A standout moment was his first Premier League start on 27 October 2024 against Crystal Palace, aged 17 years and 77 days, making him the youngest starter for Spurs in the competition since Stephen Carr in 1993. Moore's development culminated in key achievements with Tottenham. He was a squad member during the club's successful 2024/25 UEFA Europa League campaign, which they won, providing depth and occasional minutes in the competition. On his 18th birthday, 11 August 2025, Moore signed a new long-term professional contract with the club, extending his stay beyond his initial terms. Shortly thereafter, he joined Rangers on loan for the 2025/26 season to gain further experience.[20][21][22]Loan to Rangers F.C.
In August 2025, Mikey Moore joined Rangers F.C. on a season-long loan from Tottenham Hotspur to gain first-team experience in the Scottish Premiership.[23] Moore initially struggled to adapt to the intense environment at Ibrox, which he described as a "crazy experience" in interviews. He later reflected on this early period as the toughest in his career, marked by limited starting opportunities under manager Russell Martin before a managerial change.[24] Moore's form improved under new manager Danny Röhl, culminating in his first goal for Rangers on 9 November 2025, a curled finish in a 3-0 win over Dundee at Dens Park. As of 18 November 2025, he has made 17 appearances across all competitions (9 in the league), accumulating 799 minutes, scoring 1 goal and providing 2 assists overall (1 goal and 1 assist in the league, with 5 starts and 414 minutes played), and a passing accuracy of 78%.[25][6][26][3] Amid speculation of an early return to Tottenham in January 2026, Moore dismissed the rumors in a November 2025 press conference, affirming his desire to remain and build on his progress at Rangers.[27] The loan has significantly aided Moore's development by exposing him to regular senior football in a demanding league, enhancing his physicality and tactical awareness through competitive minutes.[28]International career
Youth career with England
Moore began his international career with England's youth teams at the under-15 level, making his debut on 27 April 2022 in a 4-2 friendly victory over Italy, where he played 70 minutes as a central forward.[29] He quickly progressed to the under-16 squad later that year, debuting on 23 August 2022 in a 2-1 friendly loss to Italy, during which he scored in the 76th minute.[30] By the under-17 level, Moore earned his first call-up for the UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifiers in late 2023, featuring in all three group matches and scoring four goals across the campaign, including one in the 8-0 win over the Faroe Islands on 3 November 2023 and another in the 5-0 victory against Kosovo three days later.[31][32] Moore's form at the under-17 level culminated in his selection for the 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship in Cyprus, where he played a starring role for the Young Lions. In the group stage, he scored a brace in England's 4-0 opening win over France on 21 May 2024, including a solo effort to make it 3-0, and added a crucial goal in the 3-1 victory against Spain on 28 May 2024 that secured a quarter-final berth.[33][34] Overall, he netted four goals in three tournament matches, helping England reach the quarter-finals before a penalty shootout loss to Italy.[10] Advancing to the under-19 team, Moore received his first call-up in 2024 and made his debut on 7 September 2024 in a 1-1 friendly draw away to Croatia.[35] His scoring prowess shone through in subsequent appearances, including a goal and an assist in a 2025 friendly against Iceland. On 11 October 2025, Moore achieved a milestone by scoring his first international hat-trick for England under-19s in a 4-1 friendly win over Belgium at the Marbella Football Centre, netting in the 45th, 58th, and 65th minutes.[36][37] By November 2025, Moore had amassed over 40 appearances across England's youth teams, with 23 goals in total, demonstrating standout scoring form particularly at the under-17 and under-19 levels.[38]Interest from other national teams
Mikey Moore, born and raised in London, is eligible to represent England through his birthplace and upbringing, but also qualifies for Wales via a Welsh grandparent.[39][40] In September 2025, the Football Association of Wales (FAW) held talks with Moore to persuade him to switch his international allegiance from England, where he has already earned caps at the Under-19 level.[39][41] Wales manager Craig Bellamy was reportedly involved in the discussions, aiming to bolster the national team's attacking options with the highly rated Tottenham Hotspur loanee.[42] Despite the approach, Moore has remained committed to England, continuing to feature for their youth teams, including a recent appearance in UEFA Under-19 European Championship qualifiers in November 2025, with no formal application submitted to FIFA to change his allegiance as of that date.[43] Such interest from multiple national teams is common among dual-eligible players in modern football, particularly for promising talents like Moore, who could still earn a senior England call-up in the future given his rapid development at club level.[39]Playing style and reception
Technical attributes and playing style
Mikey Moore primarily operates as a left winger, though his versatility allows him to play on either flank or as a forward in various formations. This adaptability stems from his time in Tottenham Hotspur's academy, where he has been deployed across attacking roles to maximize his skill set.[44] His technical attributes are highlighted by exceptional dribbling, close ball control, and rapid acceleration, enabling him to navigate tight spaces and challenge defenders in one-on-one duels effectively. As a right-footed player, Moore favors cutting inside from the left to utilize his stronger foot for shots and passes, complemented by sharp technique, first touch, and agility that facilitate quick directional changes. These qualities, combined with his pace and creativity, make him a dynamic presence in the final third.[44][45] Moore's playing style is direct and flair-driven, emphasizing attacking intent through unpredictable dribbling and smart off-the-ball movement to create opportunities. He thrives in transitional play, using his composure and playmaking ability to link with teammates while maintaining possession under pressure. This approach draws on futsal-influenced control in confined areas, allowing him to beat opponents with bursts of speed and inventive flair.[44][46] Areas for development include enhancing his physicality to better withstand the rigors of senior matches and refining his end product through more consistent goals and assists. These aspects are being addressed during his season-long loan to Rangers F.C., where increased game time is helping build his robustness and decision-making in competitive environments.[44][24]Comparisons and expert reception
Former Tottenham youth coaches have hailed Mikey Moore as a "special talent" with great technique and a throwback playing style, emphasizing his potential to break into the first team.[10] He is widely regarded as the most exciting academy prospect to emerge from Spurs since Harry Kane, due to his rapid progression and consistent performances in youth ranks.[46][11] Moore is frequently compared to Jack Grealish for his dribbling flair, excellent ball control when advancing, and distinctive short-socked appearance, with some observers dubbing him Spurs' own Grealish.[11] These analogies highlight his ability to glide past defenders with close control, though he is noted for lacking Grealish's physicality at this stage of his development.[11] Media attention surrounding Moore intensified in October 2024 when, at 17 years and 77 days old, he became the youngest player to start a Premier League match for Tottenham since Stephen Carr in 1993, marking a significant milestone in his breakthrough.[18] Earlier that year, following his senior debut against Manchester City on May 14, 2024, he was awarded Legacy Number 883, recognizing his place in the club's history as the 883rd player to feature competitively.[47] Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou has praised Moore as "outstanding" after his first senior start against Ferencvaros in October 2024, commending his composure under pressure, decision-making in tight spaces, and maturity beyond his years, while noting such rapid integration for a 17-year-old is rare outside of exceptions like Lamine Yamal.[48] Teammates including captain Son Heung-min have echoed this, describing him as a "fantastic boy" with "amazing quality" and top-player potential.[48] Experts have tipped Moore for a senior England breakthrough, citing his strong youth international record—including a brace at the 2024 UEFA European Under-17 Championship—and ongoing interest from other nations like Wales as evidence of his rising profile.[10][39] During his 2025/26 loan at Rangers, Moore initially faced challenges adapting to senior football in the Scottish Premiership, enduring a slow start under manager Russell Martin. However, following Philippe Clement's appointment, his form improved, culminating in his first goal for the club against Dundee on November 10, 2025. Former striker Kris Boyd compared Moore's style to Jack Grealish, noting his dribbling and potential impact. As of November 2025, observers have highlighted his revival, with Rangers fans increasingly appreciating his contributions.[49][50]Career statistics
Club statistics
Mikey Moore's senior club statistics, as of November 14, 2025, detail his contributions in appearances, goals, and assists across major competitions for Tottenham Hotspur and Rangers F.C..[26][6]| Season | Club | Competition | Apps | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | Tottenham Hotspur | Premier League | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023–24 | Tottenham Hotspur | EFL Cup | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023–24 | Tottenham Hotspur | FA Cup | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024–25 | Tottenham Hotspur | Premier League | 10 | 0 | 1 |
| 2024–25 | Tottenham Hotspur | Europa League | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| 2024–25 | Tottenham Hotspur | EFL Cup | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025–26 | Rangers F.C. | Scottish Premiership | 9 | 1 | 1 |
| 2025–26 | Rangers F.C. | UEFA Europa League | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| 2025–26 | Rangers F.C. | Scottish League Cup | 3 | 0 | 1 |
| 2025–26 | Rangers F.C. | Champions League Qual. | 1 | 0 | 0 |
International statistics
Moore has represented England at various youth international levels, earning caps from Under-15 to Under-19 teams. As of November 2025, he has accumulated 42 appearances and 28 goals across these age groups, with notable contributions including participation in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship in 2024, where he scored four goals, and a hat-trick in a friendly for the Under-19s against Belgium on 11 October 2025.[51][36] He has not yet earned any senior international caps. The following table summarizes his youth international appearances and goals by age group:| Age Group | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| U15 | 4 | 4 |
| U16 | 15 | 7 |
| U17 | 12 | 10 |
| U19 | 11 | 7 |
| Total | 42 | 28 |