Glen Johnson

Glen Johnson, born Glen McLeod Cooper Stephens on August 23, 1984, in Greenwich, London, is a former professional footballer who primarily played as a right-back. He began his football journey in the youth system of West Ham United from the age of nine, signing his first professional contract with the club in 2001. After a loan spell with Millwall, Johnson made his Premier League debut with West Ham in 2003. Johnson’s early career was shaped by overcoming personal challenges, including periods of homelessness with his mother and siblings, which he credits as motivation.

In 2003, Johnson made a significant move to Chelsea for a fee of £6 million, becoming the first signing under Roman Abramovich’s ownership. During his time at Chelsea, he contributed to the team’s success, winning the 2004–05 Premier League title and the 2005 League Cup. Following a loan spell, he joined Portsmouth permanently in 2007 for approximately £4 million, where he played a crucial role in their 2008 FA Cup victory. His performances at Portsmouth earned him a place in the PFA Team of the Year for 2008–09 and the BBC Goal of the Season award for a memorable strike against Hull City.

Johnson’s career continued to ascend with a transfer to Liverpool in 2009 for £17.5 million. Over six seasons at Anfield, he made 200 appearances, notably winning the 2012 League Cup. He was a key player during Liverpool’s near-title run in the 2013–14 Premier League season. Johnson also represented the England national team 54 times from 2003 to 2014, participating in the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cups and UEFA Euro 2012. He concluded his playing career with Stoke City from 2015 to 2018, making 64 appearances before announcing his retirement in 2019. Beyond football, Johnson has transitioned into business, co-founding Johnsons Real Estate in 2007.