John Stones
John Stones is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Premier League club Manchester City and the England national team. Stones made his senior debut for England in May 2014 after previously being capped by England youth teams at under-19, under-20 and under-21 levels. He was chosen in England’s squads for UEFA Euro 2016, the 2018 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2020.
With a move to Barnsley’s first team at 17 years old, Stones got his first taste of professional football before sealing a move to Everton in 2013. But it was his transfer to Manchester City in 2016, under the managerial helm of Pep Guardiola, that solidified his status in English football. At Manchester City, he’s contributed significantly to multiple Premier League titles and domestic cups, showcasing an ability to play from the back, often touted as “a Guardiola-type defender.”
Over the years, John Stones has played alongside several influential footballers, contributing to a team dynamic that elevates individual performance. To name a few, he’s teamed up with Kevin De Bruyne, Sergio Agüero, Raheem Sterling, and Ilkay Gündogan at Manchester City. On the international front, he’s worked with the likes of Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson, Marcus Rashford, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, wearing the England jersey. Stones has also tested his mettle against football greats like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
Stones has been a vital part of Manchester City’s squad that secured Premier League titles in the 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 seasons, as well as contributing to the team’s FA Cup victory in 2019. On the international stage, he played a crucial role in England’s journey to the World Cup semi-finals in 2018, marking the country’s best performance in the tournament since 1990.