Ian Wright OBE
Striker · Arsenal · England
About Ian Wright OBE
Ian Wright OBE went from Sunday League football to Arsenal legend. After signing his first professional deal with Crystal Palace at 21, he moved to Arsenal in 1991 and surpassed Cliff Bastin's goalscoring record in September 1997. His career included England representation, major Arsenal honours and an OBE for football and charity.
Ian Wright OBE's story
From Sunday League to the Professional Game
Born in Woolwich, London on 3 November 1963, Ian Wright played Sunday League football and worked as a plasterer before earning a trial with Crystal Palace. He signed his first professional contract aged 21, showing that a late start need not determine a career's outcome.
Crystal Palace and the Road to Highbury
Wright became a prolific forward at Crystal Palace and scored twice in the dramatic 1990 FA Cup final against Manchester United. Arsenal signed him for a then club-record £2.5 million in 1991, and his energy and finishing made him a fan favourite.
179 ... Just Done It
On 13 September 1997 Wright scored a hat-trick against Bolton Wanderers to surpass Cliff Bastin's longstanding Arsenal record of 178 goals. He lifted his shirt to reveal a vest reading '179 JUST DONE IT' after his first goal, before realising he had merely equalled the record. Five minutes later he scored again to break it.
Silverware and England
Wright helped Arsenal win the 1997–98 Premier League and FA Cup Double. Earlier honours included the 1993 FA Cup and League Cup double and the 1994 European Cup Winners' Cup. He made 33 senior England appearances, scoring nine goals.
Voice, Community and Legacy
After retiring in 2000, Wright built a prominent career in broadcasting. He advocates for greater equality and opportunities in football, and was appointed OBE in the 2023 King's Birthday Honours for services to association football and charity.
Did you know?
- 🎂 Born on 3 November 1963 ... his 3 November 2026 feature marks his 63rd birthday.
- 👕 He revealed the '179 JUST DONE IT' vest one goal too early against Bolton in September 1997. Wright broke the record moments later and completed a hat-trick.
- 🏅 Appointed OBE in 2023 for services to football and charity; inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2022.
- 🏟️ Signed his first professional contract at age 21 after working as a plasterer and playing non-league football.
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