John Ruddy

John Thomas Gordon Ruddy was born on October 24, 1986, in St Ives, Cambridgeshire, England. He grew up in the town of nearby Warboys and showed an early interest in football, beginning his career as a goalkeeper in local youth teams before being scouted by professional clubs. His rise in football began through dedication and developing his skills as a young goalkeeper.

In May 2004, John Ruddy joined Cambridge United, marking the beginning of his professional football career. As a young goalkeeper, he impressed with his skills and potential, and quickly caught the attention of larger clubs. His performances in the lower leagues showcased his ability and laid the foundation for his future success in higher competitive leagues.

John Ruddy signed with Everton in July 2005, a significant step up to the Premier League from Cambridge United. Despite limited first-team opportunities, the move represented a major progression in his career, exposing him to top-level coaching and competition. At Everton, he continued to develop his skills and gain valuable experience, albeit primarily through loans to other clubs.

In July 2010, John Ruddy transferred to Norwich City, where he became a key figure in the team's efforts to gain promotion to the Premier League. His performances in goal were instrumental in Norwich City securing their place in the Premier League, showcasing his development as a top-flight goalkeeper and cementing his reputation as a reliable and talented player.

John Ruddy made his international debut for the England national team on August 15, 2012, in a friendly match against Italy. This marked a significant milestone in his career, demonstrating the level of skill and consistency he had achieved as a goalkeeper. His selection for the national team was a recognition of his performances at the club level and his potential to contribute to the national squad.

On November 25, 2012, John Ruddy achieved his first clean sheet in the Premier League during a match for Norwich City against Manchester United. His performance was crucial in securing a 1-0 victory for Norwich and showcased his capability at performing against top opposition. The clean sheet was celebrated as an example of his shot-stopping ability and composure under pressure.

John Ruddy's heroic performance on May 17, 2014, helped his team secure vital points in a crucial Premier League match. His penalty save was pivotal in the context of the game and underscored his importance to the team as a shot stopper. It highlighted his reflexes and decision-making ability, contributing significantly to his team's defensive record that season.

In May 2017, John Ruddy left Norwich City after seven successful years, during which he played an integral role in the club's achievements, including promotion to the Premier League. His departure marked the end of an era for the club as he was a fan favorite and had established a significant presence both on and off the field. Ruddy's commitment and performances left a lasting impact on Norwich City.

John Ruddy signed with Wolverhampton Wanderers in July 2017, embarking on a new chapter in his football career. His experience and leadership qualities were immediately recognized at Wolves, where he played a crucial role in the club's promotion to the Premier League in the 2017-2018 season. Ruddy's contributions were vital to the team's defensive strength and overall success that season.

John Ruddy added another accolade to his career on May 22, 2021, when Wolverhampton Wanderers secured the EFL Championship title. His steady presence as the goalkeeper throughout the season was a cornerstone of the team's success, and he was praised for his leadership and consistency. Winning the Championship was a testament to his dedication and professionalism on and off the pitch.

In June 2022, John Ruddy was released from Wolverhampton Wanderers, ending a five-year stint with the club. During his time at Wolves, he made a significant impact, contributing to their rise to the Premier League and their strong defensive record. His release marked the conclusion of an important chapter in his playing career, highlighting his role as a veteran goalkeeper with considerable experience.

John Ruddy signed with Birmingham City in July 2022, continuing his career in the EFL Championship. Joining Birmingham represented a new challenge and opportunity for Ruddy to apply his extensive experience and leadership in a different environment. His signing was seen as a positive strategic move by the club, aiming to bolster their goalkeeping department with his proven track record.