Ben Mee

Ben Mee was born on September 21, 1989, in Sale, England. He grew up to become a professional footballer, known for playing as a defender. His career began in Manchester City's youth academy, before making a name for himself with Burnley in the English Premier League. Mee has been recognized for his leadership skills, often serving as team captain.

In January 2008, Ben Mee joined Leicester City on loan from Manchester City. Although he was primarily part of Manchester City's youth setup, the loan move to Leicester provided him with his first taste of senior competitive football. In his time at Leicester, Mee made a number of appearances, helping him gain valuable experience and showcase his skills as a promising defender.

On July 14, 2011, Burnley FC announced the signing of Ben Mee on a loan deal from Manchester City. This move marked another critical point in Mee's development as a player, offering him a regular place in a competitive Championship side. Mee quickly established himself as a vital component of Burnley's defense and became known for his aerial ability and defensive fortitude.

Ben Mee's impressive performances during his loan spell at Burnley prompted the club to secure his services permanently. On January 17, 2012, Mee officially transferred from Manchester City to Burnley FC. This transition was seen as a significant step in Mee's career, as he became a staple of Burnley's defense, contributing consistently to the team's success.

On May 2, 2016, Ben Mee played a crucial role in Burnley FC's promotion to the English Premier League after a successful Championship season. Known for his defensive resilience and leadership qualities, Mee was instrumental in solidifying the backline, ensuring Burnley finished at the top of the Championship, thus securing their return to the top tier of English football.

Under the captaincy of Ben Mee, Burnley FC made history by qualifying for the UEFA Europa League during the 2017-2018 season. On May 12, 2018, Burnley secured 7th place in the Premier League, the club's highest finish since 1974. Mee's defensive leadership was a key factor in this accomplishment, leading a solid defensive line throughout the campaign.

Amid the Black Lives Matter movement, on June 22, 2020, Ben Mee delivered a powerful post-match statement condemning an incident where a banner with a racist message was flown over Etihad Stadium. He expressed deep disappointment and reiterated his support and that of his team for the anti-racism cause, highlighting the importance of equality and respect in football and society.

Burnley FC, with Ben Mee as captain, kicked off their Premier League 2021-22 season on August 14, 2021. Having been with the team for over a decade, Mee's leadership continued to be integral to Burnley's identity on the field. His experience and understanding of the league were vital for Burnley as they navigated the challenges of competing in one of the toughest football leagues in the world.

On May 22, 2022, Burnley FC was relegated from the Premier League after losing to Newcastle United in their final game. As team captain, Ben Mee was a figure of resilience and composure despite the disappointment. He expressed his determination for the team to regroup and return stronger, highlighting his ongoing commitment and leadership despite the setback.

On July 8, 2022, Ben Mee signed for Brentford FC after a long tenure at Burnley. The move marked a new chapter in Mee's career as he joined the London-based club competing in the Premier League. His wealth of experience was expected to boost Brentford's defensive capabilities as they aimed to establish themselves in the top flight.