Liverpool's flying winger who became the first British player to win the Champions League with a non-British club after joining Real Madrid.
Steven McManaman was born on 11 February 1972 in Bootle, Merseyside, England, and grew up as an Everton supporter despite joining bitter local rivals Liverpool's youth scheme, signing as a full professional in February 1990 during Kenny Dalglish's final season as manager. A gifted schoolboy cross-country runner, McManaman brought unusual stamina and dribbling ability to the winger position, making his senior debut that December as a substitute for Peter Beardsley. McManaman spent nine seasons establishing himself as one of Liverpool's most exciting attacking players, renowned for his ability to run at defenders and cut in from the flank, winning the League Cup and FA Cup during his time at Anfield. In 1999, he made the bold decision to join Real Madrid on a free transfer, a move that startled English football given his continued high standing at Liverpool. McManaman quickly proved his doubters wrong in Spain, becoming one of the most decorated English players ever to play abroad. He scored a spectacular volleyed goal in the 2000 Champions League final victory over Valencia, and won a second Champions League title in 2002, becoming the first English player to win the European Cup with a club outside England and the first Englishman to lift the trophy twice. McManaman earned 37 caps for England, representing his country at Euro 2000, before finishing his career with three seasons at Manchester City. He retired in 2005 and has since built a prominent career as a football broadcaster and pundit, drawing on a rare perspective as an Englishman who thrived at the very top of both English and Spanish football.
First English player to win the Champions League with a non-English club
How They Played
Pacey left winger with excellent dribbling skills, crossing ability and tactical intelligence
Lasting Impact
Pioneering English player who successfully adapted to Spanish football and became a key player at Real Madrid during their Galactico era
Career Honours
- Champions League 2000
- La Liga 2x
- FA Cup 2x
- League Cup 2x
- Champions League 2002
- La Liga 2001
- La Liga 2003
- FA Cup 1992
- FA Cup 2001
- League Cup 1995
- League Cup 2003
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Liverpool | 1990–1999 | 272 | 46 | #7 |
| Real Madrid | 1999–2003 | 94 | 8 | #7 |
| Manchester City | 2003–2005 | 35 | 0 | #7 |
 England | — | 37 | 3 | — |