Vinnie Jones was born in 1965 in Watford, England, and grew up in Hertfordshire. His early life was marked by a passion for football, and he quickly made a name for himself in the sport. Vinnie’s talent and tenacity led him to play for non-league side Wealdstone, before his robust style earned him a move to Wimbledon FC in 1986.

It was here that Vinnie became a pivotal figure in the club’s notorious “Crazy Gang,” helping to secure their historic FA Cup win in 1988. His working-class background and determination shaped both his football career and his approach to life.

Vinnie Jones | Football Career

After playing for non-league Wealdstone and then Wimbledon, Vinnie’s football career also saw him play for Leeds United, Sheffield United, Chelsea, and Queens Park Rangers, amassing over 300 professional appearances. His reputation for toughness and charisma on the pitch set him apart as one of the sport’s most colourful characters.

He saw the greatest success with Wimbledon, where he won the 1988 FA Cup Final as part of the so-called ‘crazy gang’, and played over 200 times for the team. He also played for the Wales international team between 1994-1997.

Vinnie Jones | Film & TV

The tough demeanour he showed on the football pitch became his trademark on the big screen, and he is often cast as gangster characters in films.

His first major was in  role inLock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, followed by standout performances in as Snatch, Gone in 60 Seconds, Swordfish, and X-Men: The Last Stand.

In addition to his film work, Vinnie has appeared in numerous television series,  hosting his own documentary, Vinnie Jones: Russia’s Toughest which aired in over 170 countries,  Law & Order: Organized Crime and The Gentlemen (2024).

Vinnie  lives on a 2,000 farm in West Sussex which is the focus of his television series, Vinnie Jones in the Country on Discovery+. The show documents his work renovating the farm and his passion for the countryside. His love of birdwatching and country living were also the topic of a LADbible video.

He has appeared on a variety of British television programmes, including Celebrity Big Brother, The X Factor: Celebrity, and Piers Morgan’s Life Stories

Vinnie Jones | Books

Vinnie is also a published author with two deeply personal and revealing books. His first, Vinnie: The Autobiography (2006), is a no-holds-barred account of his life, charting his journey from a working-class upbringing in Watford to the heights of sporting glory with Wimbledon’s infamous “Crazy Gang,” and his seamless transition to the big screen. The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at his fearless approach to football, his experiences on set with big-name actors, and his reflections on the lessons he’s learned through life’s highs and lows.

However, it’s Vinnie’s second book, Lost Without You: Loving and Losing Tanya (2020), that truly reveals his emotional depth and resilience. Written as a tribute to his late wife Tanya, who passed away in 2019 after a long battle with cancer, the book is a moving and candid exploration of love, grief, and the strength to carry on. In it, Vinnie openly shares the devastating impact of Tanya’s illness and loss on his life, as well as the power of their shared love.

Vinnie Jones | Speaker

Vinnie is a powerful speaker with the unique experience of being a top footballer and a top actor. His speaking topics range from the world of sports to his Hollywood career and even about coping with grief, mental health and resilience; from his successes and his mistakes, how he has grown as a person and how his own experiences have influenced his professional career.  He has an infectious personality who provides fascinating and inspiring content from the most difficult moments of his life.

He is available for a range of engagements including after-dinner speaking and gest hosting, and will leave your audience stunned and unable to forget their evening.

Call +44 1753 439 289 or email Great British Speakers now to book ex-footballer and actor Vinnie Jones for your corporate event.

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