British · Whitchurch, England · Born 16 February 1982English striker who rose through lower leagues to represent England, scoring on debut with first touch against Scotland in 2013
Football at the highest level rewards technical mastery, physical conditioning and the mental fortitude to perform consistently across a long and unrelenting career. Career highlights included 30 Premier League goals, 11 England caps, Scored on England debut with first touch. What consistently distinguished Rickie was the ability to perform at the highest level over many seasons — competing with the very best while maintaining exceptional standards throughout a long career in football. Few athletes in football have combined consistency and peak performance as effectively, and across such an extended period, as Rickie managed throughout his career. Rickie Lambert's achievements in football were built on technical discipline, physical preparation and competitive commitment that allowed performance to be maintained at the very top across multiple seasons. The dedication required to perform consistently in football at international level defined every aspect of Rickie Lambert's approach to the sport.
Scoring on England debut with his first touch against Scotland
He was a delivery driver for Morrisons while playing non-league football — he reached the Premier League and England international level from those beginnings.
Did You Know?How They Played
Traditional target man with excellent heading ability and penalty expertise
Lasting Impact
Late bloomer who rose from lower leagues to England international at age 31
Career Honours
- 30 Premier League goals
- 11 England caps
- Scored on England debut with first touch
- League One 2011
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blackpool | 2000–2001 | — | — | 85 | #7 |
| Macclesfield Town | 2001–2002 | — | 25 | 3 | — |
| Stockport County | 2002–2006 | — | 137 | 21 | — |
| Rochdale | 2006–2007 | — | 48 | 19 | — |
| Bristol Rovers | 2007–2009 | — | 95 | 46 | — |
| Southampton | 2009–2014 | — | 235 | 117 | — |
| Liverpool | 2014–2015 | £4m | 36 | 3 | — |
| West Bromwich Albion | 2015–2016 | — | 22 | 8 | — |
| Cardiff City | 2016–2017 | — | 23 | 4 | — |
 Great Britain | — | — | 11 | 3 | — |
British Athletes