FOOTBALL CAREER

Ian Wright came to professional football relatively late, having trials at Southend United and Brighton & Hove Albion. However, he wasn’t picked up and soon went off the rails, ending up spending 32 days in prison for failing to pay driving fines.

He originally started playing for amateur and semi-professional clubs including Ten-em-Bee, followed by Greenwich Borough. It was at Greenwich that he was scouted by Crystal Palace, with whom he signed at 21 years old. By his late 20’s, he had signed for Arsenal for a then-record fee. He then moved on and spent 15 months playing for West Ham United, before short spells at Nottingham Forest, Celtic, and Burnley, before retiring in 2000. Throughout his club career he scored 387 goals!

Alongside his club career, Ian also represented England on an international scale. Making his debut in 1991, he went on to have a career spanning eight years and 87 matches, earning himself 33 caps and nine goals.

His football career didn’t immediately end though, and he became Director of Football Strategy of Isthmian League team Ashford Town and a short-term first-team coach at Milton Keynes Dons.

MEDIA CAREER

Since retiring from playing, Ian has become a familiar face on our television screens, and voice on the radio waves.

He has appeared on programmes including The Graham Norton Show (2021), Good Morning Britain (2016-20), Michael McIntyre’s Big Show (2019), I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here (2019), and The Premier League Show (2016-18). He has also presented Moneyball (2021-23), Behind the Game (2023), and The Kelly & Wrighty Show (2022).

But he is best known for his punditry, appearing on Match of the Day (1993-2024), Monday Night Football (2024), and Football Focus (2013-22). He has covered football tournaments including the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cup, the UEFA men’s and women’s Euro, the Premier Leage, FA Cup, Champions League, and Europa League.

In 2020, he was named the TV/Radio Pundit of the Year by the Football Supporters’ Association, a feat he repeated in 2022 alongside Pundit of the Year at the Broadcast Sports Awards, and World Soccer’s Broadcaster of the Year.

Alongside television, Ian has appeared on a range of radio programmes, including The Right & Bright Show on BBC Radio 5, Talksport’s drivetime slot, Absolute Radio’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Football, Post-Match Analysis and Chat, and on BBC Radio 5’s 606 football phone-in show. Since 2020, Ian has co-hosted the ‘Wrighty’s House’ podcast on The Ringer FC, as well as appearing on the ‘Stick to Football’, and ‘Stadio’ podcasts.

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Ian is now a very popular keynote speaker, giving talks about his playing days and his experience in front and behind the television camera. A very humble man Ian will give you an insight into his life, the highs and lows the good and bad. If it’s a motivational speech you need for your company or club look no further than this guy.

SPEAKING TOPICS

– Understanding Pressure

– Performance

– Club Football

– International Football

– Punditry

– Drive and Determination

– Anti-Racism

– Diversity, Equality, Inclusion

Ian Wright is available to speak at events to help raise the profile of a cause or organisation. He also attends charity golf days, sportsman’s events and other hospitality occasions.

If your organisation needs a diversity and inclusion talk, stellar Black History Month speaker, Ian Wright is the perfect keynote or after dinner speaker.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book diversity and anti-racist champion Ian Wright MBE for your next live event or corporate video.

Contact us.