Jack Grealish is an English professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder and winger for Manchester City and the England national team. Born in Birmingham in 1995, he emerged from Aston Villa’s academy system, becoming club captain and leading their Premier League promotion in 2019. Manchester City acquired him in August 2021 for a British record £100 million transfer fee, where he has since won three Premier League titles and the 2022-23 Champions League, establishing himself as one of football’s most expensive and technically skilled players.
Who exactly is Jack Grealish, and how did this Birmingham-born midfielder become one of the most recognizable figures in English football? Born on September 10, 1995, in Birmingham, England, Grealish emerged from Aston Villa’s academy system to establish himself as one of the Premier League‘s most distinctive players, known for his exceptional dribbling ability, creative passing, and characteristic low socks that have become his trademark on the pitch.
From Villa academy product to £100 million Manchester City star, Grealish’s journey epitomizes modern football’s transformation of local talent into global superstars.
Grealish, who stands 5’11” and weighs 170 pounds, began his professional journey by breaking into Aston Villa’s first team in 2014, gradually developing into the club’s most influential player. His Irish heritage initially led him to represent the Republic of Ireland at youth international levels, though he later switched allegiance to England’s senior team in 2020, becoming a regular fixture in the national squad setup.
The midfielder’s career reached a pivotal moment in 2019 when he was appointed Aston Villa captain, subsequently leading the club to Premier League promotion that same year. His exceptional 2019-20 campaign, during which he became Villa’s leading scorer with eight Premier League goals while setting a league record for most fouls won in a single season with 167, established him as one of England’s premier attacking talents.
Manchester City recognized Grealish’s potential by securing his services in August 2021 for a British record transfer fee of £100 million, making him one of the most expensive players in football history. Wearing the prestigious number 10 shirt at City, he has contributed to the club’s Premier League success while adapting his versatile skill set to operate as both an attacking midfielder and left winger under Pep Guardiola‘s tactical system. His achievements at City include winning three Premier League titles and the prestigious 2022-23 Champions League.
Grealish’s playing style centers on his renowned dribbling ability, technical skills, and capacity for drawing fouls, making him particularly effective in tight spaces and changes. His creative passing and ball retention capabilities allow him to influence tempo and create scoring opportunities for teammates, while his reputation for clutch performances has made him a valuable squad member for both club and country. He experienced personal tragedy early in life when his younger brother Keelan died of sudden infant death syndrome in April 2000.
Beyond football, Grealish maintains a high public profile through endorsements, fashion choices, and community outreach initiatives, though he has occasionally attracted disciplinary attention for off-pitch incidents. His international career includes participation in UEFA Euro 2020 and World Cup qualifiers, serving as a key creative option for England.
Recent statistics reflect his consistent contribution, with the 2024-25 season showing one goal and one assist across seven matches, maintaining a 91.0% pass accuracy rate while continuing to demonstrate the technical excellence that justified his record-breaking transfer fee.
