Who is Jonny Evans? Jonny Evans is a name that resonates with football fans, especially those from Northern Ireland. Born on January 3, 1988, in Belfast, this talented centre-back has made a significant mark in the world of football. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, Evans began his professional journey at Manchester United, where he won three Premier League titles. His career includes loan spells at Royal Antwerp and Sunderland, as well as stints at West Bromwich Albion and Leicester City. With over 100 caps for the Northern Ireland national team, Evans is not just a player but a leader, both on and off the field.
Key Takeaways:
- Jonny Evans, a Northern Irish footballer, has had a remarkable career, winning three Premier League titles with Manchester United and playing over 100 matches for the Northern Ireland national team.
- Beyond football, Evans is known for his community work and was recognized as one of Erie's 40 Under 40 for his contributions to the community, making him a beacon of hope.
Early Life and Background
Jonny Evans, a name well-known in football, has a fascinating background that shaped his career. Let's dive into the early years of this Northern Irish footballer.
- Full Name and Birthdate: Jonathan Grant Evans was born on January 3, 1988, in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
- Early Life: Evans was a student at Belfast High School before being enrolled at Ashton-on-Mersey School in Sale, Greater Manchester, once he had been signed by Manchester United.
- Height and Position: Evans stands at 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 meters) and plays as a centre back.
- Family Background: Evans’s family has been supportive throughout his career. His brother, Robbie Evans, is also a footballer.
- Education: Evans holds nine GCSEs, all A* or A grades.
Club Career
Evans's journey through various clubs has been instrumental in his development as a top-tier defender.
- Club Career: Evans began his professional career at Manchester United, progressing through the club's academy.
- Loan Spells: To gain first-team experience, Evans went on loan to Royal Antwerp and Sunderland. His loan spells were crucial in his development as a player.
- Manchester United Debut: Evans made his Manchester United first-team debut in the 2007-08 League Cup.
- Premier League Titles: During his time at Manchester United, Evans won three Premier League titles (2008-09, 2010-11, and 2012-13).
- West Bromwich Albion: Evans played 89 matches and scored 5 goals for West Bromwich Albion from 2015 to 2018.
- Leicester City: He played 121 matches and scored 5 goals for Leicester City from 2018 to 2023.
- Manchester United Return: Evans rejoined Manchester United in 2023 and has played 19 matches without scoring any goals.
Loan Spells and Development
Loan spells are often crucial for young players. Evans's time away from Manchester United helped him grow significantly.
- Royal Antwerp: Evans played 11 matches and scored 2 goals during his loan spell in 2006-07.
- Sunderland: He played 33 matches and scored 1 goal during his loan spells in 2006-07 and 2007-08.
International Career
Evans's contributions to the Northern Ireland national team have been immense, making him one of the most capped players in their history.
- International Career: Evans has played over 100 matches for the Northern Ireland national team, making him one of the most capped players in Northern Irish history.
- UEFA Euro 2016: Evans was part of Northern Ireland's historic run to the round of 16 at UEFA Euro 2016, their first major tournament since the 1986 FIFA World Cup.
- International Goals: Evans has scored six goals for Northern Ireland, including his first international goal against Poland in 2009.
- Captaincy: In July 2017, Evans was confirmed as the permanent captain of West Bromwich Albion after Darren Fletcher's departure.
- 100th Cap Celebration: Evans celebrated his 100th cap for Northern Ireland with a special ceremony, where Pat Jennings, the record cap holder at the time, presented him with the cap.
Personal Life
Beyond the pitch, Evans has a rich personal life that includes family, education, and community work.
- Personal Life: Evans married Helen McConnell, an MUTV reporter, on June 1, 2013, at Clough Presbyterian Church. The couple has three children as of December 2019.
- Community Work: Evans is known for his community work, particularly in promoting football and education in his hometown of Belfast.
- Arrest and Prosecution: In December 2007, Evans was arrested in connection with an alleged rape at Manchester United's Christmas party hotel. However, he was not prosecuted for any offense.
Honors and Awards
Evans's career has been decorated with numerous honors and awards, reflecting his contributions to football.
- Honors and Awards: Evans was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2023 Birthday Honours for services to association football in Northern Ireland.
Career Statistics and Achievements
Evans's career statistics highlight his consistency and impact on the field.
- Career Statistics: Evans has played a total of 198 matches for Manchester United, scoring seven goals.
- Number and Position: Evans wears the number 35 jersey for Manchester United and plays as a centre back.
- Favorite Moment: Evans’s favorite moment in his career includes winning his first Premier League title with Manchester United and playing for Northern Ireland at UEFA Euro 2016.
Insights from Fellow Professionals
Evans's peers and mentors have often praised his dedication and work ethic.
- Idol and Inspiration: Evans has mentioned Darren Fletcher as one of his idols and inspirations. Fletcher was a key player during Evans’s time at Manchester United.
- Career Advice: Evans has given advice to young defenders, emphasizing the importance of hard work, dedication, and taking care of one's body to stay at the top level.
- Pineapple on Pizza Debate: Evans participated in a light-hearted debate about whether pineapple should go on pizza, reflecting his down-to-earth personality.
Injury Prevention and Longevity
Maintaining peak physical condition is crucial for any athlete, and Evans has shared his insights on this topic.
- Injury Prevention: Evans has highlighted the importance of injury prevention work in maintaining a professional career in football.
Community and Recognition
Evans's impact extends beyond football, touching lives through community work and recognition.
- Erie's 40 Under 40: In 2024, Evans was recognized as one of Erie's 40 Under 40 for his contributions to the community, including his work at the King's Rook Club and his efforts to make Erie a more inclusive place.
- Deonte Cooley Comparison: Cooley, another community figure, is described as "tireless" and unassuming, much like Evans, who goes out of his way to help others without seeking recognition.
- Brendan Daugherty’s Praise: Daugherty praises Evans for demonstrating hard work and kindness, qualities that have made him a beacon of hope in the community.
Collaborations and Projects
Evans's collaborations with other professionals have led to various successful projects.
- Ryan Dawley’s Achievements: Dawley has achieved significant success in musical theater, performing in various productions and winning an Emmy Award for his work on Chronicles.
- Personal Project: Dawley plans to host a podcast to raise awareness about Parkinson’s Disease, which he was diagnosed with in 2024.
- Audio Supervisor Role: Dawley serves as the audio supervisor for Chronicles, ensuring the high-quality sound of the acclaimed program.
Theatrical and Educational Contributions
Evans's contributions to theater and education have also been noteworthy.
- Theatrical Experience: Daugherty has extensive experience in theater, performing with various groups including the Erie Playhouse and Gannon University.
- Educational Background: Daugherty holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from Central High School and is pursuing a master's degree in organizational leadership at Mercyhurst University.
- Family Life: Daugherty is a father of two and a mentor to many, impacting thousands of students and volunteers through his work in theater and education.
- Nomadic Mindset: Ryan Dawley, a fellow performer, has described Evans as someone with a nomadic mindset, always looking for new challenges and opportunities.
Jonny Evans: A Remarkable Career
Jonny Evans has had an impressive journey in football. From his early days at Manchester United to his significant role in Northern Ireland's national team, Evans has shown dedication and skill. Winning three Premier League titles with Manchester United and playing over 100 matches for Northern Ireland are just a few highlights of his career. His leadership at West Bromwich Albion and his return to Manchester United in 2023 further showcase his resilience. Off the field, Evans is known for his community work and commitment to education. His personal life, including his marriage to Helen McConnell and being a father of three, adds another layer to his story. Jonny Evans isn't just a footballer; he's a role model and a dedicated community member. His contributions to football and beyond make him a standout figure in sports.
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