Ashley Cole

Arsenal-raised left-back and an integral member of the unbeaten 2003–04 "Invincibles".

Ashley Cole is an English professional football coach and former player, widely regarded as one of the greatest left-backs in history. Born on 20 December 1980 in Stepney, London, he began his career at Arsenal, making his full debut in November 1999. Over seven seasons with the North London club, Cole made 228 appearances and scored nine goals. He was an integral member of the legendary 'Invincibles' team of the 2003–04 season, which completed the entire league campaign undefeated. His tenure at Arsenal included winning two Premier League titles and three FA Cups before his controversial transfer to rival Chelsea in August 2006.

Quick Facts

Born: 20 December 1980
Birthplace: Stepney, England
Height: 1.76 m / 5 ft 9 in
Position: Left-back
Total caps: 508
Total goals: 19

Lore & Background

Cole's journey with Arsenal began after joining his local club, which he had supported as a child. At age 18 on 30 November 1999, he made his first-team debut in the League Cup fourth round against Middlesbrough at the Riverside Stadium; the match ended 2–2 after extra time, with Arsenal losing 1–3 on penalties. Before fully establishing himself, he spent part of the 1999–2000 season on loan at Crystal Palace, playing 14 league matches and scoring one goal—a long-range half-volley against Blackburn Rovers.

His Premier League debut followed on 14 May 2000 against Newcastle United in an experimental side that lost 4–2. Cole seized his chance when established left-back Sylvinho suffered an injury in the autumn of the 2000–01 season, becoming first-choice and remaining there even after Sylvinho's recovery. He won the Premier League twice (2002 and 2004) and three FA Cups (2002, 2003, and 2005). In the 2005 final against Manchester United, he scored in the penalty shootout to secure the trophy despite being injured for much of the season.

Reader's Guide

Ashley Cole's time at Arsenal spanned from his debut in November 1999 until his departure in August 2006. During this period, he made 228 first-team appearances and scored nine goals. He was a pivotal figure in the 'Invincibles' squad of 2003–04, which went unbeaten in the Premier League. Cole also appeared in Arsenal's first UEFA Champions League final in 2006, where they lost 2–1 to Barcelona.

His playing style evolved from a loan spell at Crystal Palace, where he scored one goal in 14 matches, to becoming the undisputed first-choice left-back after Sylvinho's injury in 2000–01. He won two Premier League titles (2002, 2004) and three FA Cups (2002, 2003, 2005), scoring a crucial penalty in the latter final's shootout. His exit was marked by controversy; after a £75,000 fine for tapping-up, he moved to Chelsea on 31 August 2006 for a fee of £5 million, with William Gallas moving to Arsenal as part of the deal. Fans dubbed him 'Cashley,' and he was deliberately omitted from the 2006–07 team photograph.

Did You Know?

He was left out of Arsenal's 2006–07 team photograph following his controversial transfer to Chelsea.
Arsenal offered Cole wages of £55,000 per week before he moved to Chelsea, where his wage rose to £120,000 a week.