Jonathan Woodgate

Jonathan Woodgate is a defender of Middlesbrough. He was born on 22 January 1980 in Nunthorpe, Middlesbrough, England.

Jonathan started to play football in the academy of local Nunthorpe Athletic, but soon joined the youth system of Marton. From 1993 till 1998, the player trained in the academy of Middlesbrough, from where he moved to Leeds United. It took Woodgate two years to give the final touch to the preparations for a senior start.

In 1998, Jonathan penned his first professional contract with ‘The Peacocks’ and proved to be a promising and skillful defender, who could be given an opportunity to take a place in the starting XI at once. The footballer took part in 104 fixtures and netted five goals for the club during five years.

From 2003 till 2004, Woodgate performed for Newcastle United and managed to draw the attention of various European teams. In the summer 2004, the player sealed a deal with Spanish side Real Madrid, but made only nine appearances during two seasons. In 2006, Jonathan was sent on loan to Middlesbrough, where he featured in 30 matches during one year. After the end of the footballer’s spell, ‘Smoggies’ decided to secure his services on permanent basis.

Woodgate added 16 games to his tally and transferred to Tottenham Hotspur, where he fired two goals in 49 fixtures during three seasons.

In 2011, the defender put pen to paper of a contract with Stoke City, but spent only one year with ‘The Potters’ and returned to Middlesbrough.

From 1997 till 2000, Jonathan took part in nine matches for the England national U-16, U-18 and U-21 squads. From 1999 till 2008, the footballer was capped eight times for the full ‘Three Lions’.