Biography
Jermain Colin Defoe OBE, a retired English footballer and football manager, is widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s finest strikers. Born in London on 7 October 1982, he began his career with Charlton Athletic’s youth team before joining the West Ham United academy. Defoe made his senior debut for West Ham in 1999 and has since played for a number of top clubs, most notably Tottenham Hotspur, where he enjoyed his most successful spells.
Throughout his career, Defoe was renowned for his goalscoring ability, quick feet and sharp instincts in the penalty area. He scored over 160 Premier League goals and won 57 caps for England, scoring 20 goals. Defoe also had notable spells with Portsmouth, Sunderland and Rangers, where he won the Scottish Premiership.
Outside of football, Jermain Defoe is respected for his charitable efforts, particularly his close relationship with Bradley Lowery, a young Sunderland fan who touched the hearts of many in his fight against cancer. Defoe retired from professional football in 2022 and has since pursued coaching and commentary roles.
English football player and coach
Jermain Defoe |
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 Jermain Defoe: History ‧ Biography ‧ Photos |
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| Wiki Events & About Data | |
| Real name: | Jermain Colin Defoe |
| Stage name: | Jermain Defoe |
| Born: | October 7, 1982 (age 41) |
| Place of birth: | Beckton, London, UK |
| Nationality: | English |
| Education: | St. Joachim Elementary School |
| Height: | 1.75 minutes |
| Parents: | Jimmy Defoe and Sandra Defoe |
| Siblings: | Defoe’s Jade, Defoe’s Choice |
| Couple: | Charlotte Mears (split), Donna Tierney (married 2022) |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | Do not have |
| The children: | Jaden Defoe |
| Job: | Soccer Player • Coach |
| Net worth: | 20 million dollars (USD) |
Early life and education
Jermain Defoe was born on 7 October 1982 in Beckton, London, England. He is of Caribbean descent, his mother is from Saint Lucia and his father is from the Dominican Republic. Defoe grew up in a close-knit, Catholic family, which played a major role in his upbringing.
His parents, Jimmy Defoe and Sandra Defoe, supported his passion for football from a young age. Jermain is particularly close to his mother, who has been a significant influence throughout his life. He has one sibling, a younger sister named Chonte Defoe and an older brother named Jade Defoe (Esco), with whom he has a close bond.
Jermain Defoe attended St. Joachim Elementary School at Custom House, London, where he began to show his footballing talent. His skills on the pitch quickly earned him recognition, leading him to the youth academy at Charlton Athletic. From there, he moved to the academy of West Ham United, where he continued to develop his playing ability, paving the way for his professional career.
Career
Jermain Defoe’s football career is highly regarded as one of the most consistent and prolific strikers in English football. He began his professional career with West Ham United, making his debut in 1999 after rising through the club’s youth ranks. Defoe quickly established himself with his sharp goalscoring instincts, becoming a key player for the team.
In 2004, Defoe moved to Tottenham Hotspur, where he enjoyed the most successful period of his career. During his two spells with Spurs, he scored over 140 goals in all competitions, cementing his place as one of the club’s top scorers. His time at Tottenham saw him establish himself as a sharp finisher, renowned for his quick feet, pace and ability to score from almost anywhere on the pitch.
Jermain Defoe also played for Portsmouth, where he scored consistently, and Sunderland, where he became a fan favourite for his crucial goals, especially in relegation battles. In 2013, Defoe briefly joined Major League Soccer (MLS) with Toronto FC before returning to the Premier League with Sunderland.
Later in his career, Defoe joined Rangers in Scotland, playing a key role in helping the club win the 2020–21 Scottish Premier League title, ending Celtic’s nine-year dominance.
Defoe earned 57 international caps for England between 2004 and 2017, scoring 20 goals. He represented England at several major tournaments, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
Jermain Defoe’s career was also notable for its longevity. He continued to play at a high level well into his late 30s, displaying remarkable fitness and professionalism. After more than two decades at the highest level, he retired from professional football in March 2022.
Since retiring, Defoe has remained actively involved in the football community, taking on roles as a coach and commentator, continuing to contribute to the sport that shaped his life.
Social media
- Instagram: Jermain Defoe OBE (@iamjermaindefoe)
- Twitter: Jermain Defoe OBE (@IAmJermainDefoe)
Personal life
Jermain Defoe was previously married to Charlotte Mears, with whom he has a son named Jaden Defoe. The relationship was a major part of his life, but like many other famous marriages, it encountered difficulties which eventually led to their separation.
The tragic loss of his son Jaden had a profound impact on Defoe, inspiring him to become involved in charity work, particularly supporting bereaved parents. This tragic event revealed his strength and compassion beyond his achievements on the football pitch.
Since 2022, Jermain Defoe has been married to Donna Tierney. Their relationship is marked by mutual respect and understanding, and this has provided him with considerable support, especially in the later stages of his career.
At around 5 feet 9 inches tall, Defoe’s height may not be that impressive, but his goalscoring ability is certainly impressive.
Net worth
Jermain Defoe, synonymous with goal-scoring excellence in soccer, has built an estimated net worth of $20 million. This financial success is a result of his impressive career and his smart approach to managing his income and investments.
Defoe’s main source of income during his playing days came from his football wages. Clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur, Sunderland and Bournemouth paid him well for his consistent goal-scoring ability. His value was not just in his goals, as his reliability and professionalism made him a valuable asset to any team he played for.
Off the pitch, Defoe’s reputation has led to lucrative endorsement deals. Brands have recognised the appeal of working with a player known for his sportsmanship and dedication, leading to sponsorship deals ranging from sporting goods to personal care products. His image as a hard-working, family-oriented footballer has made him a desirable figure for advertisers.
After retiring from professional football, Defoe turned to the world of business. He invested heavily in property, demonstrating his foresight in diversifying his income. This entrepreneurial mindset has cemented his wealth, ensuring his financial stability long after his playing days.
Additionally, Defoe’s involvement in the media has provided another source of income. His work as a football commentator and guest appearances on various shows has kept him involved in the sport, allowing him to continue earning money even after his retirement.
