How much is Ian Wright's Net Worth?
In 2025, Ian Wright, the renowned former Arsenal and Crystal Palace striker turned media personality, has an estimated net worth exceeding £20 million. This considerable fortune has been built not just on his stellar football career, but more prominently through his successful roles as a television pundit and media figure.
In recent years, Wright has become the UK's highest-paid football pundit, with his company recording profits nearing £2.2 million in the latest financial year, and significant additional earnings from major advertising campaigns and sponsorships. His broad appeal and popularity across sporting and entertainment platforms have secured his position as one of the most prominent and wealthiest figures in British football media today.
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Name |
Ian Wright |
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Estimated Net Worth |
£20 million |
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Profession |
English media personality and former professional footballer |
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Date of Birth |
3 November 1963 |
Who is Ian Wright?
Ian Wright is a renowned English former professional footballer and current media personality, best known for his prolific career as a striker with Crystal Palace and Arsenal.
He rose to prominence at Crystal Palace, becoming their post-war record goalscorer before moving to Arsenal in 1991, where he scored 185 goals in 288 appearances and won major trophies, including the Premier League, two FA Cups, a League Cup, and a European Cup Winners' Cup.
He also earned 33 caps for the England national team, scoring 9 goals. After retiring from playing in 2000, Wright became a highly recognizable football pundit and media figure, known for his articulate insights and engaging presence on TV and radio.
He is also the father of former professional footballers Shaun Wright-Phillips and Bradley Wright-Phillips.
| Real Name | Ian Edward Wright |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | November 3, 1963 |
| Age | 61 years old (as of 2025) |
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (1.75m) |
| Weight | 160 lbs (73 kg) |
| Birth Place | Woolwich, London, England |
| Gender | Male |
| Profession | English media personality and former professional footballer |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Attended local schools in London; did not pursue formal higher education |
| @ianwright |
How did Ian Wright become famous?
Ian Wright became famous through his remarkable football career, starting with Crystal Palace, where he quickly established himself as a prolific goal scorer after signing professionally just before turning 22.
At Crystal Palace, he scored 117 goals in six seasons, helping the team earn promotion and making a dramatic impact in high-profile matches like the 1990 FA Cup Final. His performances earned him the title of “Player of the Century” at Crystal Palace.
His fame soared further after joining Arsenal in 1991 for a club-record fee, where he instantly became a fan favourite by scoring on his debut and consistently finishing as the club's top scorer over six consecutive seasons.
Wright's tally of 185 goals in 288 appearances made him Arsenal’s all-time leading scorer until Thierry Henry surpassed him, and he helped the club win major trophies including the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup.
His dynamic playing style, eye-catching goal celebrations, and charisma both on and off the pitch cemented his status as one of England’s most prominent footballers.
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How old is Ian Wright?
Ian Wright, the celebrated English former footballer and current media figure, was born on November 3, 1963. As of 2025, this makes him 61 years old.
Known for his prolific goal-scoring record at clubs like Crystal Palace and Arsenal, Wright enjoyed a football career spanning over a decade before transitioning into broadcasting and becoming one of the UK’s most recognizable sports personalities.
His age reflects not just the years since his legendary playing days but also the longevity of his influence in British sports and media.
How tall is Ian Wright?
Ian Wright, the legendary English footballer and well-known sports broadcaster, stands 5 feet 9 inches tall, which is approximately 1.75 meters. Throughout his illustrious career, both his physical attributes and skill contributed greatly to his reputation as one of the most dynamic and prolific strikers in English football history.
His height was well-suited for his energetic playing style and ability to make a significant impact on the pitch, despite sometimes being considered shorter than many of his contemporaries in professional football.
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Physical Attributes |
Measurements |
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Height |
5 feet 9 inches (1.75m) |
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Weight |
73 kg |
Ian Wright Nationality
Ian Wright is of British nationality, having been born and raised in England. As an Englishman, he represented England at the international level during his prolific football career, earning numerous caps for the national team.
His upbringing, football development, and subsequent rise to fame all took place within the United Kingdom, which has significantly shaped his identity both on and off the field.
Wright’s British roots remain a central part of his public persona, contributing to his enduring popularity as a football legend and respected media figure.
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Ian Wright Early Life
Childhood Struggles:
- Wright faced emotional and physical hardship at home, later revealing that he often tried to escape by kicking a tennis ball against walls outside, partially to avoid confrontations with his stepfather and to deal with anger and trauma.
- His home environment left him feeling isolated, and his mother at times expressed deep frustration, adding to the emotional burden he carried from a young age.
Education and Mentorship:
- As a child, Wright struggled in school, initially finding it difficult to concentrate and falling behind academically.
- This changed when he met his primary school teacher, Mr. Sydney Pigden, whom Wright calls the “first positive male figure” in his life.
- Mr. Pigden not only taught him to read and write, but also played a crucial role in nurturing his confidence, encouraging patience, and helping him better understand and manage his anger.
- Wright has credited Mr. Pigden for setting him on the right path, describing him as the greatest man in the world.
Early Steps in Football:
- Wright left school at age 14 and worked as a plasterer while holding onto his dream of playing professional football.
- He underwent trials with several clubs such as Southend United, Brighton & Hove Albion, Millwall, Leyton Orient, and Charlton Athletic but was not offered a professional contract.
- During his late teens, he played for amateur and non-league teams, including the Sunday league club Ten-em-Bee.
- At 19, Wright spent 32 days in Chelmsford Prison for unpaid driving fines a turning point, as he resolved to pursue football more seriously upon his release.
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Ian Wright Career
Career Highlights:
- Breakthrough at Crystal Palace: Wright began his professional career at Crystal Palace, where he became the club's top scorer for four consecutive seasons between 1985 and 1989, helping them achieve promotion to the First Division in 1989.
- Arsenal's All-Time Top Scorer (at the time): In 1991, Wright transferred to Arsenal for a then-record £2.5 million. He quickly became the club's all-time top scorer, a record later surpassed by Thierry Henry.
- Premier League and FA Cup Success: During his time at Arsenal, Wright won the Premier League title in the 1997–98 season, two FA Cups (1993 and 1998), and the Football League Cup in 1993.
- International Career: Wright earned 33 caps for the England national team, scoring 9 goals between 1991 and 1998.
- Premier League Hall of Fame Inductee: In 2022, Wright was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame, recognizing his outstanding contributions to English football.
- Post-Retirement Media Career: After retiring from football, Wright transitioned into a successful media career. He has been a prominent television and radio personality, known for his insightful commentary and engaging personality.
Ian Wright Achievement and Awards
Major Honours & Awards:
- Premier League Champion: 1997–98 with Arsenal.
- FA Cup Winner: 1993, 1998 with Arsenal.
- League Cup Winner: 1993 with Arsenal.
- European Cup Winners' Cup Winner: 1994 with Arsenal.
- UEFA Cup Winners' Cup Top Scorer: 1995 with 9 goals.
- Premier League Player of the Month: November 1996.
- Ballon d'Or Nominations: 1995, 1997.
- English Football Hall of Fame Inductee: 2005
- Premier League Hall of Fame Inductee: 2022
- PFA Merit Award: 2023
- Freedom of the City of London: 2023
- OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire): 2023 for services to football and charity.
- TV/Radio Pundit of the Year: 2020, 2022 by the Football Supporters' Association.
Ian Wright – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Ian Wright?
Ian Wright is a celebrated English former professional footballer and current media personality. He played for notable clubs such as Crystal Palace and Arsenal, becoming a legendary striker. After retiring, Wright became one of the UK’s most respected football pundits, appearing regularly on television and radio
2. What is Ian Wright’s net worth?
As of 2025, Ian Wright’s net worth is estimated to exceed £20 million, amassed from his football career and subsequent media work.
3. When and where was Ian Wright born?
He was born on November 3, 1963, in Woolwich, London, England.
4. What is Ian Wright’s nationality?
Ian Wright is British, having represented England at the international level during his football career.
5. How tall is Ian Wright?
Ian Wright stands 5 feet 9 inches tall, which is approximately 1.75 meters.
Image Credit: Ian Wright/Instagram
