Gareth Barry

Aston Villa legend and Premier League ironman

Gareth Barry (born 23 February 1981) is an English former professional footballer who played as a defensive midfielder. He made a total of 653 Premier League appearances for Aston Villa, Manchester City, Everton, and West Bromwich Albion, the second most appearances in Premier League history. He also represented England at international level.

Quick Facts

Born: 23 February 1981
Birthplace: Hastings, England
Height: 1.85 m / 6 ft 1 in
Position: Defensive midfielder
Total caps: 682
Total goals: 55

Lore & Background

Barry moved to Aston Villa from Brighton & Hove Albion as a youngster, and spent 12 years at the club. He captained Aston Villa and is eighth in their all-time list of appearances, with 441 across all competitions, including 365 in the Premier League. He joined Manchester City for a fee of £12 million in June 2009, where he won the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League title the following season. After a season on loan, he joined Everton on a three-year contract in July 2014, and on its expiration he signed for West Bromwich Albion, where he played until his retirement in 2020.

Reader's Guide

Barry is a former England international, having won his first full cap in 2000 and captained the side in 2010 in a friendly against Egypt. He earned 53 caps in total, scoring three goals, and was included in England's squads at UEFA Euro 2000 and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.