David James was born in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire and he grew up supporting Luton Town FC.  At the age of 16, he signed as a youth trainee with Luton’s rivals Watford FC. In his days as a youth player, he helped Watford win the FA Youth Cup. In 1988, he was selected to play in a cup game for the senior squad. His performances quickly earned him recognition, and he was named Watford’s Player of the Season in both 1990 and 1991.

David James | Liverpool FC

In 1992, David made a high-profile move to Liverpool, where he gained significant attention for his athleticism and shot-stopping ability. David rose to fame together with Liverpool teammates Steve McManaman, Jamie Redknapp, and Robbie Fowler, who were nicknamed the “Spice Boys”.

Although he had moments of inconsistency early in his Liverpool career, he solidified his reputation as one of the Premier League’s top goalkeepers. David earned the nickname “Calamity James” during his time with Liverpool due to some high-profile errors, but he rebounded strongly to establish himself as a top-tier player.

David made 277 appearances for Liverpool but in 1999 he was sold to Aston Villa for for £1.8 million.

David James | Later Career

David’s club career took him across several Premier League teams, including Aston Villa, West Ham United, Manchester City, and Portsmouth, where he experienced a renaissance. At Portsmouth, David helped the club win the 2008 FA Cup, a crowning achievement in his career. Notably, in 2010, he became the oldest goalkeeper to play in an FA Cup Final at the age of 39.

David’s final years as a player saw him moving abroad to play for ÍBV Vestmannaeyjar in Iceland and Kerala Blasters in India, where he was player/manager. His time in India was particularly significant, as he not only played for the club but also returned as head coach after retiring, contributing to the growth of football in the region.

David James | International Career

David had a significant international career, representing England at various levels, including the U21, B team, and senior squad. For several years, he had to play understudy for England’s regular keeper, David Seaman. When David Seaman was dropped after making a mistake in 2002, David became the new England number one.

In total, he earned 53 caps for the national team between 1997 and 2010, featuring in major tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship in 2004 and the FIFA World Cup in 2010. He was known for his leadership, athleticism, and ability to perform under pressure, although his England career also had its share of ups and downs.

David James | Charity Work

Beyond his football career, David has been deeply committed to charitable work, using his platform to support various causes. 

One of David’s most notable philanthropic endeavours is his involvement with Friends of Mulanje Orphans (FOMO), a charity based in Malawi that supports orphans by providing food, healthcare, education, and other essentials. David has been a long-time supporter of the charity, helping to raise money and awareness for their cause.

He has also worked with Utilita, an energy company that focuses on supporting people to become more energy-efficient, often collaborating with them on initiatives that help low-income families.

David James | Media Work

After retiring from professional football, James transitioned into punditry, offering expert analysis on television and radio. He has been a regular on various sports programs, including BBC, ITV, and BT Sport, where he provides insights based on his extensive experience in the game.

Known for his articulate and thoughtful commentary, David has carved out a successful second career as a pundit, where his deep understanding of the game and his candid personality resonate with viewers. He has covered major tournaments and matches, offering analysis that draws on both his highs and lows as a player.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book former England No.1, football pundit and philanthropist David James for your next event. Contact us.