MEDIA PERSONALITY
Ian Wright
Since Winning the EMMA Award
Ian Wright is a British Media Personality and Former Professional Footballer. After retiring from professional football in 2000, Ian Wright was awarded an OBE (Order of the British Empire) in 2023 and Freeman of the City of London that same year. Ian quickly became a fixture on British television, providing expert analysis on BBC’s Match of the Day alongside other major football broadcasts.
Ian has also appeared on reality TV shows like “I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here!” and hosted various entertainment programs showcasing his charismatic personality beyond football.In a 2008 fan poll, he was selected as one of the 50 Greatest Arsenal players. Ian’s influence extends to social issues. He has spoken out on racism and mental health, earning respect for his honesty and advocacy. Ian’s contributions to football and media have cemented his status as a beloved figure in British culture.
Background (Before 2004)
Born in Woolwich to Jamaican parents, Ian Wright is an English television and radio personality and former professional footballer. Until age 21, he played for the Lewisham-based amateur Sunday league club Ten-em-Bee and became the top scorer in the London and Kent Border Sunday League. Ian joined Greenwich Borough in 1985 before moving to Crystal Palace for 6 years. During his time there, he became the club’s record post-war goalscorer with 117 goals during 253 appearances and was named their “Player of the Century.”
Ian was also inducted into their Centenary XI. Wright’s most successful period was with Arsenal from 1991 to 1998, during which time he scored a staggering 185 goals in 288 appearances and won the Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Cup Winners Cup, League Cup, and Golden Boot. Ian also joined the England squad in 1991 and led the team to participate in the 1992 Euro Finals against Sweden (Sweden won 2-1). During his eight years with the England team, he made 33 appearances and scored nine goals.
