John Stones

John Stones was born on May 28, 1994, in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, England. He showed an early interest in football and began playing for local youth clubs before being scouted by Barnsley FC. His journey into professional football began as he joined the Barnsley Academy, where his talent was nurtured and he quickly rose through the ranks, making his professional debut at a young age.

John Stones made his first appearance for Barnsley FC's senior team on March 17, 2011, in a Championship match against Reading. Coming on as a substitute, Stones quickly displayed his defensive capabilities and composure on the ball, earning him a starting position in subsequent games. His debut marks the beginning of his professional career in English football, catching the attention of top-tier clubs.

In January 2013, John Stones transferred from Barnsley FC to Everton FC for a fee reported to be around £3 million. He signed a five-and-a-half-year contract with Everton and was given the number 26 shirt. Stones made his debut for Everton in a match against Chelsea and soon established himself as a key player under manager Roberto Martínez, contributing to the team's strong defensive performances.

John Stones earned his first cap for the England national team on May 30, 2014, in a friendly match against Peru. His performance was praised for his defensive awareness and composure on the ball. This match marked the beginning of Stones' international career, and he would go on to represent England in both UEFA European Championships and FIFA World Cups, becoming a mainstay in the national team defense.

In August 2016, John Stones transferred to Manchester City from Everton for a fee of £47.5 million, making him the second most expensive defender in history at the time. At Manchester City, he was given the number 24 shirt and became an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s squad. His arrival marked a significant step in strengthening City's defense, contributing to their domestic and international successes.

On March 1, 2017, John Stones was named Man of the Match in the EFL Cup final, in which Manchester City defeated Liverpool 3-1 at Wembley Stadium. Stones was praised for his outstanding defensive work throughout the match, contributing to City's first silverware under manager Pep Guardiola. His performance demonstrated his development and importance as a key player in City's defensive lineup.

John Stones was part of the Manchester City squad that won the Premier League title in the 2017-18 season. This triumph marked Stones' first league title with the club as City broke several records, including most points accrued in a single Premier League season. Stones' contributions to the team's defense were crucial, helping City secure the title with dominant performances across the season.

John Stones played a vital role in England's 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign, helping the team reach the quarter-finals. On July 7, 2018, England defeated Sweden 2-0 to secure their spot in the semi-finals. Stones' performances were commendable throughout the tournament, showcasing his strengths in defense and ball distribution, and he was key in maintaining a solid backline for England.

John Stones and Manchester City triumphed in the Carabao Cup during the 2019-20 season, with City securing the title by defeating Aston Villa 2-1 in the final at Wembley Stadium. Stones was instrumental in City's journey to the final, making pivotal contributions in crucial matches. His performances helped Manchester City continue their domestic dominance under Pep Guardiola's management.

On May 29, 2021, John Stones played in the UEFA Champions League final, where Manchester City faced Chelsea. Despite City's efforts and Stones' solid defensive play, they lost 1-0 to Chelsea. Playing alongside Ruben Dias, Stones was part of a defense that played a crucial role in City's run to the final. The match was a significant moment in Stones' career, representing City's first final in the competition.