 Bradley Wright-Phillips withNew York Red Bulls in 2014 | |||
| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Bradley Edward Wright-Phillips[1] | ||
| Date of birth | (1985-03-12)12 March 1985 (age 40) | ||
| Place of birth | Lewisham, England | ||
| Height | 5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)[2] | ||
| Position | Striker | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2001–2004 | Manchester City | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2004–2006 | Manchester City | 32 | (2) |
| 2006–2009 | Southampton | 111 | (22) |
| 2009–2011 | Plymouth Argyle | 32 | (17) |
| 2011–2013 | Charlton Athletic | 82 | (31) |
| 2013 | →Brentford (loan) | 15 | (5) |
| 2013–2019 | New York Red Bulls | 195 | (108) |
| 2020 | Los Angeles FC | 19 | (8) |
| 2021 | Columbus Crew | 21 | (1) |
| 2022 | New York Red Bulls | 0 | (0) |
| 2025 | Des Moines Menace | 0 | (0) |
| Total | 507 | (194) | |
| International career | |||
| 2005 | England U20 | 5 | (0) |
| * Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Bradley Edward Wright-Phillips (born 12 March 1985) is an Englishfootballpundit and former professional player who played as astriker. He is currently a studio host onMLS Season Pass.
Wright-Phillips is the son ofIan Wright and younger brother ofShaun Wright-Phillips.
He began his career withManchester City in thePremier League, before spending the remainder of his time in England withSouthampton,Plymouth Argyle,Charlton Athletic andBrentford. Wright-Phillips joined theNew York Red Bulls halfway through the2013 season, helping them to theSupporters' Shield, and in his first full season he equalled the league's record for most goals in a single campaign with 27. He is a two-timeMLS Golden Boot winner and currently holds the New York Red Bullsrecord for most goals scored. In 2018, he became the eleventh MLS player to score100 goals.
Internationally, Wright-Phillips earned fiveEngland U20 caps in 2005 and, after moving to North America, rejected the opportunity to representJamaica through his family background.
Wright-Phillips is the son of formerArsenal andEngland playerIan Wright. His half-brother,Shaun Wright-Phillips,[3][4] was his teammate at theNew York Red Bulls for two seasons. He grew up inBrockley, South London and attended the state schoolKelsey Park School inBeckenham and then moved toHaberdashers' Aske's Hatcham College nearby inNew Cross Gate.
Wright-Phillips was the top scorer for theManchester City reserve team in the 2003–04 season. On 6 December 2004, he scored his firstPremier League goal, four minutes after making his league debut as a substitute forJon Macken againstMiddlesbrough.[5] His only goal of the following season was the last in a 4–1 win overBirmingham City on 17 December 2005.[6]
After many frustrating appearances for Manchester City, with few goals, Wright-Phillips was sold to Championship teamSouthampton for £500,000 on 5 July 2006.[7] Half of the transfer fee was funded by a prize fromCoca-Cola won in a competition by a fan.[8] He made an immediate impact at Southampton, scoring on his debut againstDerby County atPride Park, and scoring an impressive goal againstWolverhampton Wanderers in a 2–0 win atSt. Mary's. He scored a total of 11 goals in the 2006–07 season. In 2007–08 he started the season with goals againstBurnley andQueens Park Rangers. He made a total of 120 appearances for the club, scoring 24 goals.
At the end of the 2008–09 season, following Southampton's relegation toLeague One, Wright-Phillips was released from his contract at the club. On 15 July 2009, he signed a two-year deal withPlymouth Argyle of the Championship.[9] After he recovered from a knee injury, Wright-Phillips made his debut for the club on 15 September 2009 againstWatford. The knee injury occurred once again, and he was sidelined for another long-term spell. In January 2010, Wright-Phillips made his long-awaited return for Argyle in theFA Cup againstNewcastle United. He made his first start for the club againstCoventry City in March 2010, and scored his first goal for Plymouth against Bristol City on 16 March 2010. On 11 December 2010, Wright-Phillips scored both goals againstExeter City in the Devon derby in a 2–0 Plymouth win, the second marked his 12th of the season.
On 24 January 2011, it was announced that Wright-Phillips was moving to fellow League One clubCharlton Athletic for an undisclosed fee.[10][11] He scored the only goal on his debut againstColchester United on 1 February 2011.[12] On 28 February 2012, he scored ahat-trick in a 4–0 win atChesterfield.[13] Wright-Phillips contributed 22 goals in 42 matches as Charlton Athletic won the2011–12 Football League One title. He was released by Charlton at the end of the2012–13 season.[14]
On 19 February 2013, he joinedBrentford on loan until the end of the season.[15] In his half season at the club he appeared in 15 league matches scoring five goals.
On 24 July 2013, Wright-Phillips joined theNew York Red Bulls.[16][17] Despite joining the club in the latter part of the season Wright-Phillips was a contributor in helping New York capture its first major title, theMLS Supporters' Shield, playing seven regular season games and scoring once, the concluding goal in a 2–0 win against theHouston Dynamo at theBBVA Compass Stadium.[18] On 6 November, he netted against the same opposition in theEastern Conference semifinal, but his team were eliminated from theplayoffs after extra time.[19]
On 23 April 2014, Wright-Phillips scored ahat-trick in a 4–0 win against the Dynamo.[20] He secured his second hat-trick for New York on 10 May during a 5–4 home loss to theChicago Fire. Of note, he scored the winner in a friendly against his father's former teamArsenal,[21] and the equaliser againstBayern Munich in the2014 MLS All-Star Game. Two days after the All-Star game, Red Bulls Sporting DirectorAndy Roxburgh claimed that Wright-Phillips' scoring exploits were producing international transfer interest in the player.[22] On 23 August 2014, he scored his 19th and 20th goals of the season in a 4–2 win againstMontreal Impact to surpassJuan Pablo Ángel's club record for goals scored in a single season,[23] and on 20 September he returned from a short-term injury to record his third hat trick of the2014 MLS season in a 4–1 win overSeattle Sounders FC.[24] On 26 October 2014 Wright-Phillips scored twice to equal the Major League Soccer season goal record of 27 goals as New York beatSporting Kansas City 2–0 in the league's regular-season finale.[25]
Wright-Phillips again scored twice for the Red Bulls in their first match of the2014 MLS Cup Playoffs, once again against Kansas City in a 2–1 victory.[26] He scored his third play-off goal against D.C. United in the first leg of the 2014 MLS Eastern Conference semi-final, helping New York to a 2–0 victory.[27] The Red Bulls got to the Eastern Conference Final against the New England Revolution. In the first leg Wright-Phillips recklessly encroached upon Revolution goalkeeperBobby Shuttleworth on a throw, earning his second yellow of the playoffs. He had to miss the second, do-or-die leg in Foxborough, where the Red Bulls' season ended with a 2–2 tie losing the series 3–2 on aggregate thus missing MLS Cup Final.[28]
Following his 2014 success, New York signed Wright-Phillips to adesignated player contract for 2015.[29] On 22 March 2015 Wright-Phillips scored his first goal of the season and assistedLloyd Sam on another in a 2–0 victory overrivalD.C. United atRed Bull Arena earning him MLS Player of the Week honors.[30] The following week Wright-Phillips was selected to the MLS Team of the Week for his performance in a 2–1 victory overColumbus Crew in which he scored his second goal of the season and assisted onMike Grella's game-winning goal.[31] On 10 May, he scored both goals as the Red Bulls won 2–1 at home againstNew York City FC in the firstHudson River derby between the two franchises,[32] and equalised in a 3–1 victory at the rivals'Yankee Stadium on 28 June.[33] On 11 July, he helped New York to a 4–1 victory overNew England Revolution, scoring twice during the match.[34]
On 1 August 2015, Wright-Phillips scored the opening goal in a 3–1 away victory overPhiladelphia Union. He was assisted on the goal by his brotherShaun who was making his debut for New York.[35] Eight days later he scored in his third New York derby of the season, opening a 2–0 home win.[36] On 30 August, Wright-Phillips scored two goals in helping New York to a 3–0 victory over D.C. United.[37] On 25 October Wright-Phillips scored the opening goal for New York in 2–1 victory over Chicago, helping Red Bulls clinch the 2015MLS Supporters' Shield.[38] In the second leg of the Conference semi-finals against D.C. United in the2015 MLS Cup Playoffs, Wright-Phillips scored the only goal of the game in added time, and his team advanced 2–0 on aggregate.[39]
On 24 April 2016, Wright-Phillips scored his first two goals of the season in helping New York come from behind to win 3–2 overOrlando City SC.[40] Wright-Phillips scored two goals and assisted on another in a 7–0 win over New York City FC atYankee Stadium on 21 May.[41]
In his 100th appearance with the club on 28 May, a 3–0 home win overToronto FC, Wright-Phillips set an MLS record scoring a hat-trick in the first 27 minutes of the game; it was the fastest scored from the opening whistle in league history.[42] A week later, he was named as the Etihad Player of the Month for May; recording six goals and two assists in May.[43] With his 8th goal in 6 games against New York City FC; Wright-Phillips tiedJuan Pablo Ángel for club's most goals all-time with 62.[44] Wright-Phillips broke the all-time scoring record with his 63rd on 31 July against theChicago Fire[45][46] Two weeks later he scored two goals against theMontreal Impact in a 3–1 victory; breaking another team record with 59 league goals.[47] After scoring the second goal in a 2–2 draw againstD.C. United, Wright-Phillips broke an MLS record by scoring the most league goals over a three-year span with 62 spanning from the 2014–2016 seasons.[48] A record previously held byChris Wondolowski from 2010 to 2012. With his 20th league goal in 2016, Wright-Phillips became the first player in league history to record two 20-plus goal seasons.[49] On 23 October, Wright-Phillips captured his secondMLS Golden Boot title in three years, beating cross town rival,David Villa by one goal.[50]
On 22 February 2017, Wright-Phillips scored his firstCONCACAF Champions League goal for the club in a 1–1 draw againstVancouver Whitecaps FC in the quarterfinals. On 29 March, Wright-Phillips signed a new multi-yeardesignated player contract with the club.[51] On 18 June, Wright-Phillips scored two late goals to lead New York to a 2–0 victory overPhiladelphia Union.[52] On 13 July, Wright-Phillips scored his first2017 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup goal; a late winner to lead New York to a 1–0 victory overNew England Revolution, advancing to the semifinals of the cup.[53] One month later on 15 August, Wright-Phillips scored a brace againstFC Cincinnati, including a goal in the 101st minute to send New York to their firstOpen Cup final since2003.[54] With his 15th goal of the season on 9 September, Wright-Phillips joinedRobbie Keane as the only two players inMLS history to score 15 or more goals in four consecutive seasons.[55] On 5 November, Wright-Phillips scored his 100th career goal for theNew York Red Bulls in a 1–0 victory overToronto FC.[56]
On 1 March 2018, Wright-Phillips opened the scoring for New York in a 2–0 victory overOlimpia in theCONCACAF Champions League.[57] With the victory New York advanced to the Champions League Quarterfinals for the second time in club history. On 6 March he scored two goals to lead New York to a 2–0 victory in Mexico overClub Tijuana in the CONCACAF Champions League.[58] On 10 March 2018, he scored his first league goal in a 4–0 victory overPortland Timbers.[59] On 13 March 2018, Wright-Phillips assisted on all of New York's goals in a 3–1 victory overClub Tijuana in the CONCACAF Champions League, helping the club advance to semifinals of the Champions League for the first time.[60] On 5 May 2018, Wright-Phillips added to his tally of goals againstNew York City FC, scoring his club's second goal in a 4–0 victory.[61] On 25 July 2018, Wright-Phillips scored his100th MLS goal in a 1–0 victory overD.C. United, surpassingTaylor Twellman as the fastest player in MLS history to score 100 goals.[62][63] On 5 August, New York Red Bulls retired his No 99 jersey and announced that they will never issue it to another player after he retires.[64]
Wright-Phillips made 29 appearances in all competitions during the 2019 season: 24 in Major League Soccer, four in the CONCACAF Champions League and one in the MLS Cup Playoffs.[citation needed]
He left the Red Bulls in November 2019 on the expiry of his contract, after six years with the club. Wright-Phillips, a two-time Golden Boot winner, scored 126 goals in 240 appearances for the Red Bulls. The club's sporting director,Denis Hamlett, described Wright-Phillips as "one of the best forwards in MLS history".[65]
On 14 February 2020,Los Angeles FC announced the signing of Wright-Phillips ahead of the 2020 season.[66][67]
On 23 December 2020, it was announced that Wright-Phillips would join theColumbus Crew ahead of their 2021 season.[68] Wright-Phillips made his debut for Columbus in theCONCACAF Champions League tie againstReal Estelí. He scored his first goal for the team in the second leg of the tie in a 1–0 win for Columbus.[69] He further made his league debut for Columbus in a 0–0 draw against thePhiladelphia Union, coming on as a substitute forGyasi Zardes.[69] Following the 2021 season, Columbus opted to decline their contract option on Wright-Phillips.[70]
On 8 March 2022, Wright-Phillips announced his retirement from football.[71][72] On 9 March 2022, Wright-Phillips announced that he signed a one-day contract to retire as a New York Red Bull, following which he was appointed "Special Assistant to the Sporting Director".[73]
On 19 March 2025, Wright-Phillips played 65 minutes for theDes Moines Menace in a 2–1 win againstSporting Kansas City II in the2025 U.S. Open Cup.[74] Wright-Phillips also appeared in the 2-1 loss toUnion Omaha but was subbed off in the 15th minute after suffering an injury.[75]
Wright-Phillips represented England at U20 level. He was first called up in February 2005 and he made his debut as a half time substitute in a 2–0 friendly victory against Russia.[76] He was called up again that summer for the 2005Toulon Tournament where he played Tunisia,[77] South Korea[78] and the third-place playoff penalty shootout victory over Mexico.[79]
In addition to England, Wright-Phillips was eligible to representGrenada,Jamaica andTrinidad and Tobago through his heritage. In 2015, Grenada and Jamaica both approached Wright-Phillips about a transfer of allegiances but the player chose to concentrate on his club football.[80][81]
Wright-Phillips is married to Leann; the couple have three children.[82]
Wright-Phillips holds an active interest ingrime music and is affiliated withLewisham-based grime crewOGz having appeared onpirate radio sets with the group. In 2014, he clashed fellow footballerYannick Bolasie for the long running grime DVD seriesLord of the Mics.[83][84]
Wright-Phillips earned hisU.S. green card following the 2016 MLS season.[85]
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | League Cup | Continental | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Manchester City | 2004–05 | Premier League | 14 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 17 | 1 | ||
| 2005–06 | 18 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 23 | 1 | ||||
| Total | 32 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0 | — | — | 40 | 2 | ||||
| Southampton | 2006–07 | Championship | 39 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 3 | — | — | 44 | 11 | ||
| 2007–08 | 39 | 8 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 43 | 8 | ||||
| 2008–09 | 33 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 34 | 6 | ||||
| Total | 111 | 22 | 5 | 0 | 5 | 3 | — | — | 121 | 25 | ||||
| Plymouth Argyle | 2009–10 | Championship | 15 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | — | 16 | 4 | ||
| 2010–11 | League One | 17 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 2[a] | 0 | 21 | 13 | ||
| Total | 32 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | 37 | 17 | |||
| Charlton Athletic | 2010–11 | League One | 21 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 21 | 8 | |
| 2011–12 | 42 | 22 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 45 | 22 | |||
| 2012–13 | Championship | 19 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 21 | 1 | |||
| Total | 82 | 31 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | 87 | 31 | |||
| Brentford (loan) | 2012–13 | League One | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 2[a] | 0 | 17 | 5 | |
| Total | 15 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 2 | 0 | 17 | 5 | |||
| Club | Season | League | U.S. Open Cup | Playoffs | Continental | Other | Total | |||||||
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| New York Red Bulls | 2013 | MLS | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | — | — | 9 | 2 | ||
| 2014 | 32 | 27 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | — | 37 | 31 | |||
| 2015 | 34 | 17 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 1 | — | — | 40 | 18 | ||||
| 2016 | 34 | 24 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 0 | — | 40 | 25 | |||
| 2017 | 32 | 17 | 5 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | — | 42 | 24 | |||
| 2018 | 32 | 20 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 6 | 3 | — | 43 | 24 | |||
| 2019 | 24 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 4 | 0 | — | 29 | 2 | |||
| Total | 195 | 108 | 11 | 5 | 20 | 9 | 14 | 4 | — | 240 | 126 | |||
| Los Angeles FC | 2020 | MLS | 19[b] | 8 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2[c] | 1 | 21 | 9 | |
| Total | 19 | 8 | — | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 21 | 9 | |||
| Columbus Crew | 2021 | MLS | 21 | 1 | — | — | 4 | 1 | 1[d] | 0 | 26 | 2 | ||
| Total | 21 | 1 | — | — | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 26 | 2 | ||||
| Career total | 507 | 194 | 28 | 5 | 29 | 12 | 18 | 5 | 7 | 1 | 589 | 217 | ||
Charlton Athletic
New York Red Bulls
Columbus Crew
Individual
