Irish · Liverpool, England · Born 18 September 1958Republic of Ireland legend and Liverpool striker who scored 330 professional goals — one of the most lethal penalty takers in football history.
John Aldridge won the First Division title and FA Cup with Liverpool in the late 1980s, forming a prolific strike partnership that helped the club to domestic dominance before a move to Real Sociedad in Spain. He earned 69 caps for the Republic of Ireland, playing at the 1990 World Cup under Jack Charlton, and later enjoyed a successful career as a manager and outspoken television pundit. Known for his prolific penalty-taking as well as open-play finishing, Aldridge remains one of the most efficient goalscorers of his generation relative to appearances made.
Being one of the most clinical penalty takers in football history
He scored 35 goals in just 44 games at Oxford — prompting Liverpool to pay £750,000 for him.
Did You Know?How They Played
Clinical finisher with exceptional penalty taking ability and strong aerial presence
Lasting Impact
Prolific goalscorer who represented Ireland with distinction despite being born in England
Career Honours
- First Division 1988 (Liverpool)
- FA Cup 1989
- 69 Republic of Ireland caps
- First Division 1988
| Club | Period | Fee | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oxford United | 1984–1987 | — | 114 | 72 | — |
| Liverpool | 1987–1989 | — | 104 | 63 | — |
| Real Sociedad | 1989–1991 | £1m | 75 | 40 | — |
| Tranmere Rovers | 1991–1998 | — | 284 | 174 | — |
| Newport County | 1979–1984 | — | 170 | 69 | #9 |
 Ireland | — | — | 69 | 19 | — |
Irish Athletes