British · Woolwich, London · Born 3 November 1963English striker who scored 387 career goals, became Arsenal's all-time leading scorer, and earned 33 England caps with 9 goals in a prolific career.
Ian Edward Wright was born in Woolwich, London in 1963. He played non-league football until Crystal Palace signed him aged 21. He moved to Arsenal in 1991 for £2.5 million and became the club's all-time leading scorer with 185 goals — a record that stood until Thierry Henry surpassed it in 2005. He was PFA Players' Player of the Year in 1992 and FWA Footballer of the Year in 1998. He won the FA Cup (1993), League Cup (1987 with Palace) and Cup Winners' Cup (1994) with Arsenal. He earned 33 England caps, scoring 9 goals. He was a vocal advocate against racism in football throughout his career. After retirement he became one of television's most popular football personalities — appearing on Match of the Day and hosting his own shows. He has been open about experiencing racism in football and about his difficult childhood. He was awarded an MBE in 2000. His late start as a professional footballer makes his goalscoring record all the more remarkable.
Arsenal's all-time leading goalscorer until overtaken by Thierry Henry
How They Played
Clinical finisher with pace and movement in the box, opportunistic goalscorer
Lasting Impact
Arsenal legend who transformed from non-league footballer to England international, inspiring late starters in football
Career Honours
- FA Cup 1993, 1998 (Arsenal)
- League Cup 1993
- Coppa delle Coppe 1994
- Premier League top scorer 1992, 1997
- FWA Footballer of Year 1992
- FA Cup 1993
- FA Cup 1998
- UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1994
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal Palace | 1985–1991 | 225 | 117 | #8 |
| Arsenal | 1991–1998 | 288 | 185 | — |
| Greenwich Borough | 1985–1985 | 0 | 0 | — |
| Burnley | 1998–1999 | 43 | 9 | — |
| Celtic | 1999–2000 | 10 | 2 | — |
| West Ham United | 1998–1998 | 6 | 0 | — |
| Nottingham Forest | 1998–1998 | 13 | 3 | — |
 Great Britain | — | 33 | 9 | — |
British Athletes