John Barnes MBE

John Barnes MBE

John Charles Bryan Barnes MBE (born 7 November 1963) is an English former professional footballer and manager, who currently works as a commentator and pundit for ESPN and SuperSport. A fast, skillful left winger, Barnes had successful periods at Watford and Liverpool in the 1980s and 1990s, and won 79 caps for England. Born and initially raised in Jamaica, the son of a military officer from Trinidad and Tobago and a Jamaican mother, Barnes moved to London with his family when he was 12 years old. He joined Watford at the age of 17 in 1981 and over the next six years made 296 appearances for the club, scoring 85 goals. He made his debut for England in 1983 and four years later joined Liverpool for £900,000. Between 1987 and 1997 Barnes won the then top-flight First Division twice and the FA Cup twice with Liverpool, scoring 106 goals in 403 matches. By the time of his last appearance for England in 1995, he had played more times than any other black player. His brilliant solo goal against Brazil in the Maracana Stadium in 1984 marked his arrival at international level. His dazzling and intuitive play made him a firm favourite with the Kop at Anfield during his stay with Liverpool and in 1993/1994 John was installed as Liverpool club captain. Under the management of Graeme Souness and Roy Evans, John moved from playing on the wing to central midfield where his vision and passing ability established him at the centre of Liverpool's exciting young team.

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1963-11-07

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