Jermaine Pennant

Jermaine Pennant is a former English professional footballer who made a lasting impact on the sport with his extraordinary talent as a winger. Over a career spanning two decades, he made over 350 league appearances for 15 different clubs, becoming a well-known figure in English and European football. As a presenter, host or speaker, Jermaine captivates audiences with his inspiring story of overcoming adversity, achieving success at the highest levels of football, and the personal challenges he faced off the pitch. 

Born in Nottingham, Jermaine's early life was shaped by his passion for football, a passion nurtured by his father, a semi-professional footballer. His talent was evident from a young age, leading to his signing with Notts County as a teenager. His impressive performances caught the attention of Arsenal, who signed him for a record £2 million at just 15 years old, the highest fee ever paid for a trainee at the time. His early years saw him win the FA Community Shield with Arsenal in 2004. After moving to Liverpool in 2006, he won another FA Community Shield and played a crucial role in the club's journey to the 2007 UEFA Champions League Final. He continued to make headlines with Stoke City, where he helped the team reach the 2011 FA Cup Final and later participated in their UEFA Europa League campaign. Post-retirement, Pennant has worked as a pundit, and can often be heard on talkSPORT.

Beyond his club successes, Jermaine’s resilience and perserverance in the face of personal and professional challenges has been a defining feature of his career. His autobiography, Mental: Bad Behaviour, Ugly Truths and the Beautiful Game, published in 2018, offers an unflinching look at his life, shedding light on his struggles and triumphs. Jermaine’s involvement in the choreography for the hit Apple TV series Ted Lassofurther illustrates his ongoing influence in the football world.

As a speaker, Pennant brings a wealth of experience and insights into overcoming adversity, mental health, and the realities of life in professional sports. His story resonates with audiences of all backgrounds, offering valuable lessons on resilience, determination, and the power of football to transform lives. Whether speaking about his journey from the streets of Nottingham to the biggest stages in football or discussing the importance of mental health and personal growth, Pennant’s presentations are both inspiring and thought-provoking.