What Happened to Theo Walcott? Where is Theo Walcott Now?
by Ayisha | Updated Aug 18, 2023
What Happened to Theo Walcott?
Theo Walcott, a renowned English footballer, officially announced his retirement from professional football at the age of 34. The forward has brought an end to his remarkable 18-year senior career, during which he showcased his talents across notable clubs like Southampton, Arsenal, and Everton, amassing over 560 appearances and scoring a total of 129 goals.
In a candid conversation on The Overlap podcast with Gary Neville, Walcott expressed mixed feelings about his retirement, describing it as a daunting step due to his deep-rooted connection with football since he was around 16 years old. He expressed a desire to explore new facets of life that he missed out on as a youngster, as his world had largely revolved around the sport.
Walcott's retirement marks the conclusion of a career filled with memorable accomplishments, including being named in the 2006 World Cup squad and holding records for England men's youngest player and youngest hat-trick scorer. Walcott's decision to retire was underscored by his recent contract expiration with Southampton.
Having also made a significant impact during his time at Arsenal, where he made over 200 appearances and scored more than 100 goals, he penned an emotional statement on Instagram to reflect on his journey. He expressed deep gratitude for the support he received throughout his career, from playing with friends in local parks to performing in grand stadiums on a global stage.
Walcott thanked the various coaches and managers who played crucial roles in his development, particularly highlighting Harry Redknapp for his early opportunities and Arsène Wenger for his belief in him when he joined Arsenal at just 16 years old. His career highlights encompass winning the FA Cup, representing England in 47 matches, and achieving a remarkable debut at the 2006 World Cup at the age of 17, etching his name in England's football history.
Where is Theo Walcott Now?
At present, Theo Walcott has officially retired from professional football at the age of 34. The former forward, known for his contributions to both Arsenal and the English national team, recently made this announcement. Walcott's remarkable career trajectory began with his involvement in Southampton's academy, followed by his pivotal move to Arsenal at just 16 years old in 2006.
Over the course of his 12-year association with Arsenal, he managed to score an impressive 108 goals in 397 appearances, earning accolades such as two FA Cup victories during the 2014-15 and 2016-17 seasons, as well as triumphs in the Community Shield in 2015 and 2017.
After his tenure at Arsenal, Walcott's journey led him to Everton in 2018, and he later experienced a brief return to Southampton on loan during the 2020-21 season before solidifying his position with the club. Expressing his gratitude, Walcott conveyed that putting on his football boots at the age of 10 marked the commencement of an extraordinary journey for him, from casual matches with friends to performing on global stages.
Although his competitive playing days have concluded, Walcott's legacy in football remains embedded, especially considering his role in becoming England's youngest senior player at the age of 17 and his deep appreciation for the support of mentors such as Harry Redknapp and Arsène Wenger.
Who is Theo Walcott?
Theo Walcott is a former English professional footballer known for his prominent career as a forward. Born on 16 March 1989 in Stanmore, England, Walcott rose to prominence through his involvement with the Southampton Academy before making a significant move to Arsenal in 2006 for a transfer fee of £5 million.
Standing at a height of 5 feet 9 inches (1.76 meters), Walcott's dynamic style of play was characterized by his remarkable speed and adept ball-crossing abilities, qualities that led his manager, Arsène Wenger, to predominantly deploy him on the wing for much of his career.
Throughout his football journey, Walcott represented England in several major tournaments, including the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2012, earning a total of 47 caps for the national team and scoring eight goals. His career trajectory also witnessed a positional shift, transitioning from a winger to a striker during the 2012-13 season, a move that saw him emerge as Arsenal's top scorer during that period, contributing more than 100 goals to the club's successes.
Notably, Walcott achieved significant records, such as becoming the youngest-ever senior player for the England team at 17 years and 75 days in 2006 and securing the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award in the same year. His contributions to the sport and his journey from a Southampton Academy product to a seasoned professional make Theo Walcott a notable figure in the realm of English football.
Is Theo Walcott Retired?
Yes, Theo Walcott has officially retired from professional football. The accomplished English footballer, aged 34, recently made the announcement to conclude his illustrious 18-year senior career in the sport. Throughout his journey, Walcott made significant contributions while representing distinguished clubs like Southampton, Arsenal, and Everton, accumulating over 560 appearances and a total of 129 goals.
In a candid conversation on The Overlap podcast with Gary Neville, Walcott expressed a mix of emotions about his retirement. He acknowledged the daunting aspect of this step, given that football had been a fundamental part of his life since the age of 16. Walcott articulated a desire to explore new dimensions of life that he had missed out on as a youngster, as his world had predominantly revolved around the sport.
His retirement decision was driven by the expiration of his contract with Southampton, marking the end of a career characterized by numerous accomplishments, including his presence in the 2006 World Cup squad and holding significant records within England's football history. He notably thanked mentors like Harry Redknapp and Arsène Wenger, who played pivotal roles in shaping his trajectory. Walcott's retirement leaves a lasting legacy in the world of football, highlighting his remarkable journey and impact on the sport.
Theo Walcott's Net Worth
The net worth of Theo Walcott, the former English professional footballer, reflects his substantial financial achievements throughout his illustrious career. Beginning his journey at Southampton and later spending a significant period of 12 years with Arsenal in London, Walcott's decision to move to Everton in 2018 has contributed significantly to his financial standing.
As of 2023, Theo Walcott's net worth is an impressive 79.7 million euros, equivalent to 70 million pounds. This highlights the fruits of his labor on the field, coupled with his commercial endeavors and sponsorships, solidifying his status as a financially successful figure within the realm of professional sports.
Furthermore, Walcott's market value, reflecting his standing in the footballing world, currently stands at 18.5 million euros (approximately 16.2 million pounds). This metric showcases the value that clubs and the industry as a whole attribute to his skills and experience, even as he approaches the latter stages of his career.
Walcott's remarkable journey, starting from Southampton's academy to becoming a seasoned professional, transitioning between notable clubs, and amassing a substantial net worth and market value, encapsulates his enduring impact on the footballing arena.
What Happened to Theo Walcott? - FAQs
Theo Walcott is a former English professional footballer known for his prominent career as a forward.
Theo Walcott officially retired from professional football at the age of 34.
Theo Walcott played for notable clubs such as Southampton, Arsenal, and Everton throughout his career.
Walcott was known for his dynamic speed and adept ball-crossing skills, which led to his deployment as a winger for much of his career under Arsène Wenger's management.
Walcott's net worth stands at €79.7 million, a testament to his successful career with notable clubs like Southampton, Arsenal, and Everton.