Ben Godfrey

Ben Godfrey was born in York, England, on January 15, 1998. Growing up in North Yorkshire, Ben began his football journey at a young age, joining the academies of York City and then Middlesbrough. His early exposure to the world of football set the foundation for his future professional career. Over the years, Ben showed significant promise as a defender, which would later lead to his career in the Premier League.

Ben Godfrey made his professional debut for York City on August 11, 2015, in a League Cup match against Bradford City. At the age of 17, Ben was given the opportunity to prove himself on the professional stage. Despite the team losing the match 2-0, his performance was noted, and it paved the way for his future moves in English football. This early exposure to professional play was crucial for Ben's development as a footballer.

On January 15, 2016, Ben Godfrey signed with Norwich City. This move to the Championship club was a significant step in his career, allowing him to develop further in a competitive environment. Ben's time at Norwich City saw him feature in various matches, contributing both defensively and offensively from his position. His performances here would eventually catch the eye of Premier League clubs, demonstrating his potential at a higher level of competition.

Ben Godfrey played a key role in Norwich City's successful 2018-2019 season, which culminated in the team's promotion to the Premier League on May 27, 2019. Playing as a central defender, Ben's contributions on the field were instrumental in securing victories throughout the season. The promotion marked Norwich City's return to the top tier of English football and was a milestone achievement for Ben and his teammates.

On October 5, 2020, Ben Godfrey transferred to Everton FC for a reported fee of £25 million. The move to the Premier League club represented a significant step in Ben's career, providing him with the opportunity to showcase his talents in one of the world's most competitive football leagues. At Everton, Ben aimed to establish himself as a key player in the defense and help the club achieve its domestic and European aspirations.

Ben Godfrey received his first call-up to the England national team on March 26, 2021, for the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. His inclusion in the squad was a testament to his impressive performances at Everton, where he had quickly become a key figure in the team's defense. Although he did not feature in the competitive matches, the experience and recognition were significant for his international career aspirations.

Ben Godfrey made his debut for the England national team on May 30, 2021, in a friendly match against Austria. The match was part of the preparations for the UEFA Euro 2020 tournament. Ben came on as a substitute in the second half, gaining valuable international experience. His debut was a proud moment for him and his family, marking his entry into international football with the national team.

On August 13, 2022, Ben Godfrey suffered a serious injury during Everton's Premier League match against Chelsea. The injury occurred early in the game and required immediate medical attention. Ben was stretchered off the field and later diagnosed with a fractured fibula, which ruled him out for several months. This setback was significant, impacting Everton's plans for the season and temporarily halting Ben's progression as a rising star in the Premier League.

Ben Godfrey made his return to competitive football on February 4, 2023, after recovering from a fractured fibula. He played in Everton's Premier League match against Arsenal, marking his first appearance since his injury. The return was met with applause from fans, highlighting Ben's resilience and determination to overcome adversity. His comeback was a positive sign for Everton, bolstering their defensive lineup for the remainder of the season.

Ben Godfrey was part of the starting lineup for Everton's opening match of the 2023-24 Premier League season against Fulham on August 12, 2023. His inclusion in the starting eleven demonstrated the confidence of the manager in his abilities despite the challenges he faced in the previous season. Ben's performance in the match was under close scrutiny as fans and analysts watched his progress following his recovery from injury.