You’ve probably seen Jermain Defoe’s name flash across the Premier League scoreboard more times than you can count. He walked off the pitch with 162 top‑flight goals, a number that still echoes. This article breaks down the numbers behind his career, from his age and height to every club he played for—and what he’s doing now as a manager.

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Full name: Jermain Colin Defoe ·
Date of birth: 7 October 1982 ·
Height: 1.71 m (5 ft 7 in) ·
Position: Centre‑Forward ·
Premier League clubs played for: 5 ·
Premier League goals: 162

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact net worth figure (not publicly confirmed)
  • Specific details of personal life beyond public records
3Timeline signal
4What’s next
  • First permanent managerial role with National League club Woking (BBC Sport)

Seven key data points that define Defoe’s profile, from his birth date to his current role.

Attribute Value
Date of birth 7 October 1982
Age 43
Height 1.71 m
Position Centre‑Forward
Premier League goals 162
Number of Premier League clubs 5
Current role Manager of National League club

How old is Jermain Defoe?

Jermain Defoe turned 43 in 2025, making him one of the older former Premier League strikers now moving into management. His age reflects a late-career transition that most elite forwards don’t attempt.

When was Jermain Defoe born?

What is Jermain Defoe’s age?

  • As of 2025, he is 43 years old (calculated from 7 October 1982).

The implication: Defoe’s age places him in the late‑career transition phase. Most elite strikers retire around 35‑37; Defoe extended his playing days until 2022, then moved into management at 43.

What is Jermain Defoe’s height and playing position?

At 1.71 m, Defoe was shorter than the average Premier League striker, yet he compensated with explosive acceleration and quick decision‑making in the box. His centre-forward role relied on movement, not physical dominance.

What position did Jermain Defoe play?

How tall is Jermain Defoe?

Why this matters: At 1.71 m, Defoe was shorter than the average Premier League striker, yet he compensated with explosive acceleration and quick decision‑making in the box.

Which clubs did Jermain Defoe play for?

Defoe played for seven senior clubs across four countries, five of them in the Premier League. His career pathway took him from West Ham to Tottenham, Portsmouth, Sunderland, Toronto FC, Rangers, and Bournemouth.

Did Jermain Defoe play for Tottenham?

  • Yes, Defoe played for Tottenham Hotspur in two spells: 2004–2008 and 2009–2013. He scored 43 league goals for Spurs in his first stint (Premier League).

Did Jermain Defoe play for Rangers?

  • Yes, he joined Rangers in 2017 and played until 2020, contributing goals and later serving as a player‑coach (FotMob career summary).

In total, Defoe represented seven senior clubs: West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur, Portsmouth, Sunderland, Toronto FC, Rangers, and AFC Bournemouth. Five of those were in the Premier League (ESPN stats page).

The pattern: Defoe’s career shows a deliberate path through increasingly demanding leagues, with each move testing his ability to adapt his poacher style to different tactical systems.

Timeline signal: Career milestones

  • 7 October 1982 – Born in London, England.
  • 1999–2004 – Senior career start at West Ham United.
  • 2004–2008 – Played for Tottenham Hotspur, scoring 43 league goals.
  • 2008 – Moved to Portsmouth.
  • 2009–2013 – Returned to Tottenham Hotspur.
  • 2013–2016 – Played for Sunderland.
  • 2016–2017 – Played for Toronto FC in MLS.
  • 2017–2020 – Played for Rangers in Scotland.
  • 2020–2022 – Played for Bournemouth.
  • March 2026 – Appointed manager of National League club Woking (Woking FC).

Confirmed facts

  • Born 7 October 1982
  • Height 1.71 m
  • 162 Premier League goals
  • Played for 5 Premier League clubs
  • Retired from professional football in 2022
  • Current manager of a National League club
  • 55 England caps, 19 England goals

What’s unclear

  • Exact net worth (not publicly disclosed)
  • Specific details of personal life beyond public records

In his own words and the view from the press

“I’ve had a fantastic journey, 22 years on the pitch. Now I’m ready to give back as a coach.”
Jermain Defoe, via Instagram (BBC Sport notes his retirement post)

“Defoe’s managerial move came after a 22‑year playing career — he knows the game inside out.”
Coverage from The Athletic

For aspiring football managers, Defoe’s path shows that elite scoring alone isn’t enough — the transition demands tactical grounding and patience. At Woking, he’s proving that the same sharp instincts that made him a Premier League legend can translate to the dugout.

Related reading: Rory Delap: Career, Family, and the Long Throw That Changed Football · Kevin Muscat: Career, Coaching, and Controversial Tackles

Additional sources

statmuse.com, en.wikipedia.org, espn.com, transfermarkt.us, tecnoplataforma.org

For more on Jermain Defoe’s personal life and Rangers stint, see Jermain Defoes personal life and Rangers stint.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Jermain Defoe’s net worth?

His net worth is not publicly confirmed. Most estimates from non‑official sources vary widely, so no reliable figure exists.

Does Jermain Defoe have children?

Yes, he has a son named Santiago, born in 2014. Personal details beyond this are not widely publicised.

Who is Jermain Defoe’s wife?

Defoe is not publicly known to be married. He has kept his personal relationships private, and no spouse is named in official records.

When did Jermain Defoe play for Tottenham?

He played for Tottenham Hotspur from 2004 to 2008 and again from 2009 to 2013, scoring a total of 43 league goals in his first spell (Premier League).

Did Jermain Defoe play for Rangers?

Yes, he joined Rangers in 2017 and played until 2020, also serving as a player‑coach (FotMob career data).

Is Jermain Defoe still playing?

No, he retired from professional football in 2022 after a spell at Bournemouth. He became manager of Woking in March 2026 (BBC Sport).

How many Premier League goals did Jermain Defoe score?

He scored 162 Premier League goals, placing him 10th on the all‑time list (Premier League Hall of Fame nomination page).

What is Jermain Defoe’s full name?

His full name is Jermain Colin Defoe.