Adam Johnson is an English former professional football player who was a winger. He was born on July 14, 1987. He was a product of the Middlesbrough junior academy and gained notoriety when, at the age of 17, he made his debut in a UEFA Cup encounter. In addition to his 120 Middlesbrough games, he also played on loan at Watford and Leeds United.
Johnson relocated to Manchester City in February 2010, winning the Premier League the following year and the FA Cup in 2011. In 2012, he signed a £10 million contract with Sunderland, his local team. Johnson represented England at several levels and was awarded 12 senior caps.
Adam Johnson Early life
Adam Johnson, the former English professional footballer, was born on July 14, 1987, in Sunderland, England. He grew up in Easington, a town in County Durham. Johnson’s early life involved a passion for football from a young age, and he began honing his skills in local youth teams.
As a youth player, Johnson joined Newcastle United’s academy. His talent quickly became evident, and he progressed through the ranks, showcasing his skills as a winger. However, despite his promising start at Newcastle, Johnson found more significant opportunities at Middlesbrough.
At Middlesbrough, Johnson continued his development, gaining valuable experience in the club’s youth setup and eventually breaking into the first team. His performances caught the attention of several top-tier clubs, leading to a move to Manchester City in the 2010-2011 season.
This transition marked a significant step in Johnson’s professional career, as he joined a club competing at the highest level in English football. Over the years, he continued to make a name for himself, contributing both domestically and in European competitions.
While his early life in football was marked by success and promise, Adam Johnson’s later years faced controversy and legal issues. In 2016, he was convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a minor and subsequently faced legal consequences, including imprisonment.
Adam Johnson Club career
Middlesbrough (2004–2010):
- Johnson began his professional career at Middlesbrough, making his first-team debut in 2004.
- He spent loan spells at Leeds United and Watford to gain more experience.
- Johnson became a key player for Middlesbrough, showcasing his skills as a winger.
Manchester City (2010–2012):
- In 2010, Johnson made a high-profile move to Manchester City for a reported fee of around £7 million.
- He contributed to City’s success during the 2010-2011 season, helping them win the FA Cup.
- Johnson played a role in Manchester City’s qualification for the UEFA Champions League.
Sunderland (2012–2016):
- In 2012, Johnson transferred to Sunderland for an undisclosed fee.
- He quickly became a key figure for Sunderland, known for his goal-scoring ability and creativity.
- Johnson played a crucial role in Sunderland’s successful battle against relegation in the 2013-2014 season.
Loan to Leeds United (2014):
- Johnson had a brief loan spell at Leeds United during the 2014-2015 season.
Retirement (2016):
- In 2016, Adam Johnson’s football career took a turn for the worse when he was charged with and later convicted of engaging in sexual activity with a minor.
- Following his conviction, Sunderland terminated his contract in March 2016.
International career of Adam Johnson
Adam Johnson had an international career representing England at various levels, including the senior national team. Here’s an overview of his international career:
- England U19 and U21:
- Johnson began his international journey with the England youth teams.
- He represented England at the U19 and U21 levels, showcasing his talent and earning recognition for his performances.
- Senior National Team (2010–2012):
- Adam Johnson earned his first call-up to the senior England national team in 2010.
- He made his senior international debut on August 11, 2010, in a friendly match against Mexico.
- Johnson was part of the England squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, making appearances as a substitute during the tournament.
- He continued to be part of the England setup in the subsequent years, earning caps in various international competitions and friendly matches.
- Euro 2012:
- Johnson was included in the England squad for the UEFA Euro 2012 tournament held in Poland and Ukraine.
- He made appearances in group stage matches but did not feature in the later stages of the tournament.
- Post-2012:
- After Euro 2012, Adam Johnson’s involvement with the England national team decreased.
- His last appearance for the senior national team came on September 11, 2012, in a World Cup qualifying match against Ukraine.
- Johnson did not feature in subsequent squads, and his international career at the senior level concluded.
Adam Johnson’s international career faced a decline following the 2012 period. It’s important to note that his professional and personal life took a significant turn after legal issues led to his imprisonment in 2016. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, Johnson had not made any international appearances since 2012. For the latest information on his life and career after this date, I recommend checking more recent sources.
Sexual crimes and conviction
- The former England footballer Adam Johnson has been jailed for six years for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old schoolgirl in a “calculated, considered and carefully orchestrated” abuse of his celebrity status.
- Johnson, 28, showed no emotion as he was imprisoned for kissing and sexually touching the teenage girl, whom prosecutors said he groomed in a “single-minded pursuit of his own sexual gratification”.
- Johnson, who has been stripped of his 12 England caps, admitted kissing and grooming the besotted fan on the first day of his trial and was later found guilty of a more serious child sexual assault.
- Sentencing him, the judge, Jonathan Rose, said he had abused his position of trust with a girl 12 years his junior in a way that had caused her “severe psychological harm”.
- It can now be disclosed that Johnson was also arrested for possessing extreme pornography – believed to be a bestiality video – on his laptop, after the judge lifted reporting restrictions.
- Johnson was arrested for possessing the video after detectives searched his laptop following his arrest over child sex offences on 2 March 2015. Police are understood to have have told Johnson he will face no further action over the video, which is said to have been “jokey” in nature.
Manchester City Move and Premier League Success
In February 2010, Adam Johnson completed a blockbuster transfer to Manchester City, joining the club in a deal worth £7 million. The move marked a significant milestone in Johnson’s career, as he traded the comforts of Middlesbrough for the glitz and glamour of the Premier League elite.
At Manchester City, Johnson found himself surrounded by world-class talent, competing for silverware on both domestic and European fronts. Despite stiff competition for places in the starting lineup, he quickly endeared himself to the City faithful with his dynamic playing style and penchant for the spectacular.
Johnson’s time at Manchester City was punctuated by memorable moments, including crucial goals in high-stakes fixtures and standout performances in the UEFA Champions League. He played a pivotal role in City’s title-winning campaign of 2011-2012, contributing valuable goals and assists as the club secured its first league title in 44 years.
Personal life of Adam Johnson
Adam Johnson was convicted of sexual activity with a minor in 2016 and sentenced to six years in prison. He was released in 2019 after serving three years of his sentence. The incident has been widely condemned, and Johnson has been banned from playing professional football in England for life.
Johnson’s conviction is a serious reminder of the importance of protecting children from sexual abuse. If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse, please know that you are not alone.
Adam Johnson’s personal life saw significant fluctuations, marked by various developments and changes in his familial and residential circumstances. Prior to his incarceration, he resided in Castle Eden, County Durham. During this time, he welcomed a daughter, born in January 2015, with his former partner Stacey Flounders. However, their relationship encountered turbulence, as Flounders revealed during Johnson’s trial in February 2016 that they had separated, citing his admission of infidelity with other women.
While serving his prison sentence in 2017, Johnson made the decision to sell his residence, Tollgate Lodge, for a substantial sum of £1.7 million. Interestingly, the property was purchased by the renowned Durham and England cricketer, Ben Stokes. Following his release from prison, Johnson returned to live in Castle Eden, residing in a seven-bedroom home that he had constructed during his time behind bars. Furthermore, he and Stacey Flounders expanded their family with the birth of a son in July 2021, signifying a new chapter in their personal journey.
Frequently Asked Question
Adam Johnson started his professional career at Middlesbrough and later moved to Manchester City in 2010. His career took a downturn when legal issues led to his suspension from Sunderland, ultimately resulting in the end of his professional football career.
Johnson played a crucial role in Manchester City’s 2011-2012 Premier League title-winning campaign. He was known for his pace, dribbling ability, and contributions in high-stakes matches. However, his achievements on the pitch are overshadowed by off-field controversies.
In 2016, Adam Johnson was arrested and later found guilty of one count of sexual activity with a minor and one count of grooming. He was sentenced to six years in prison, leading to the end of his professional football career.
