Theo Walcott

Theo Walcott was born in northwest London suburb Stanmore. The footballer began his career in local team Newbury and lifted the Peter Houseman Youth League Cup after a 4-2 win of his club over Down Grange Albion.

Theo amassed about 100 goals for Newbery during his first (and the last, as it turned out later) season. When the season ended, Walcott moved first to Swindon Town and then to Southampton.

In 2004/2005 he helped his team to make their way through to the FA Youth Cup final. On 18 October 2005, Theo made his debut for the first team in the match against Leeds United and scored a goal.

On 20 January 2006, the footballer signed for English side Arsenal. The transfer cost £5 million, but later rose to about £9 due to his appearances and achievements and Theo Walcott became the most expensive 16-year-old player in the history of England. On 7 February 2006, the player made his debut for the reserve team in the match against Portsmouth. On 17 March 2006, Theo signed a professional contract till 2008, according to which his salary was set at £1 million a year.

On 23 August 2006, Walcott became the youngest European footballer to ever play for Arsenal. Theo netted his first goal for the first team on 25 February in the Football League Cup match against Chelsea. The same year he was selected to the Three Lions squad for the World Cup in Germany, but did not take part in any of the matches.

Theo’s first (and second) Premier League goal came on 23 February 2008 in the match against Birmingham, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Walcott managed to fully reveal his talent in the 2010 World Cup, especially during the match against the Croatia national team. Theo contributed a hat trick in the away match and became the first footballer who managed to do that at such a young age.