Jamie Carragher

Lore & Background

Carragher started his career at the Liverpool Academy, making his professional debut in the 1996–97 season under Roy Evans, and becoming a first-team starter the following season. Initially a full-back, he moved to centre-back under Rafael Benítez in 2004, where he found his best form. He made his 737th and final appearance for Liverpool on 19 May 2013. His honours include two FA Cups, three Football League Cups, two FA Charity/Community Shields, one UEFA Champions League, one UEFA Cup and two UEFA Super Cups. Internationally, he held the record for most caps at under-21 level, earned his senior debut in 1999, and represented England at Euro 2004, the 2006 World Cup, and the 2010 World Cup after a temporary return from retirement, finishing with 38 senior caps.

In Their Own Story

The rain over Anfield that night in May 2005 was not the dramatic, cinematic downpour the broadcast cameras wanted. It was a thin, cold drizzle that turned the touchline into a grey smear and made the players' boots slip on every turn. Carragher felt it in his ankle, a dull ache that had been growing all week. He said nothing. He never said anything.

At the top of the box, a through-ball sliced past the centre-backs. The striker was in, one-on-one, and the whole stadium held its breath. Carragher was not the nearest man. He was never the nearest man. But he was the one who read the pass three seconds before it was played, and by the time the ball arrived, he was already there, shoulder to the striker's hip, body angled to kill the shot. The ball deflected wide. The striker cursed. Carragher turned, jogged back to his line, and reset.

He did that forty-three times that night. No one counted. No one needed to. When the final whistle screamed and the white shirts collapsed into each other in the centre circle, he was the last one to join the pile, walking over slowly, hands on his hips, chest heaving. He looked up at the Kop. They were already singing. He did not smile. He just nodded, once, and let the noise wash over him like the rain off the roof.

Reader's Guide

Carragher is best known for his defensive versatility, initially playing full-back before becoming a stalwart centre-back. His career highlights include winning the 2005 UEFA Champions League, making vital interceptions in the final against AC Milan, and being named Liverpool Player of the Year multiple times. He is also noted for his one-club loyalty and his post-retirement role as a pundit for Sky Sports and CBS Sports.

Did You Know?

• Carragher was born with gastroschisis and required immediate surgery at Alder Hey Children's Hospital.
• He supported Everton as a child, and his middle names 'Lee' and 'Duncan' honor Everton manager Gordon Lee and player Duncan McKenzie.
• He scored his first league goal in nearly seven years in December 2006 against Fulham.
• Carragher set a club record for most European appearances (90) in 2007, surpassing Ian Callaghan.