English footballer Ross Barkley has made a name for himself as a premier league player and a significant figure in the English national football team. Starting out his career in 2008, the footballer has continued to grow from strength to strength through his numerous experiences on the pitch. Football for Ross is a way of life; he has shown this too through his immeasurable love for the sports. Apart from his career, there is so much more to know about Ross Barkley. Find out more interesting facts about him as you scroll through.
Ross Barkley’s Biography, Age
He was born on December 5, 1993, in Liverpool. Growing up, he exuded so much tenacity and was inclined to football. With encouragement from his father, he joined English club Everton at the age of 11. Enthused Barkley had his official involvement with the team delayed as a result of an injury he sustained in 2010. But the following year, after his recovery, he joined the team fully. After an amazing performance at the club, Barkley signed a four and a half year contract with Everton in 2011.
Afterward, he moved to Sheffield Wednesday on a one month loan which was later extended by the club who noted his skill. Ross Barkley returned again to his parent team, before moving out on another loan to Leeds United in January 2013. Towards the beginning of the 2013-14 season, he made a return to Everton. His first goal for the club was soon recorded in the clash with Norwich City that season.
Barkley also recorded his first FA Cup goal with Everton in January 2014 in a clash with Queens Park Rangers. Ross Barkley went on to record more significant achievements with the club and soon signed another contract with them for 2014 – 2018. He then went on to record many goals for the club from the 2015-16 season and the seasons that followed.
Following a severe hamstring injury, Ross Barkley’s days with Everton came to an end after the 2016-17 season. His next stint was with Premier League club, Chelsea. Ross signed a five and a half year contract with the club for a £15 million fee. After making his Premier League debut with Chelsea in the clash with AFC Bournemouth, he went on to score his first goal in a 3–0 win away to Southampton in October 2017.
Ross Barkley’s Family and Parents
Ross Barkley was born to his Nigerian father, Peter Effanga and his European mother Diane Barkley. His father, a Nigerian immigrant, works as an automobile engineer and his mother works as a homemaker. Ross chose to keep his mother’s last name as he never had a good relationship with his father. Moreso, he spent a greater part of his life with his mother. However, the strained relationship did not stop his father from encouraging his son to follow his passion which was football.
Body Measurements – Height, Weight
Ross Barkley has got good stamina that aids his exploits on the pitch, thanks to his skills and of course his physical attributes as well. He stands at a height of 6ft 1in (1.85m) which is just right for his kind of sports. Going with his height is a proportional weight of 87 kg and a moderately built athletic body.
Other Facts to Know about Ross Barkley
Having Nigerian roots also meant Ross was eligible to play for the Nigerian national team as much as he did England. But the footballer chose the latter alone and has made remarkable records there. Apart from the senior level, he has also represented the country at under-16, under-17, under-19, under-20, and under-21.
Ross Barkley has made a lot of money from his football career. According to reports, the talented player earns over £7,000,000 as his salary per year. This is excluding his endorsements and other personal endeavors. It can be recalled that Barkley’s mouthwatering deal with Chelsea in 2018 had drawn the interest of law enforcement officials. The Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, had reported the transfer to the Merseyside Police for investigative purposes. Fortunately for the player and his new club, no form of fraud was detected in the transaction.
Barkley is in a relationship with Zoe Riozzi. The two reportedly started dating in 2015. Riozzi, a school teacher and Ross are said to have grown up in the same neighborhood but only found their connection as adults.
