Ollie Watkins, full name Oliver George Arthur Watkins, is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for Aston Villa and represents the England national team.
| Full name | Oliver George Arthur Watkins |
| Date of birth | December 30, 1995 |
| Age | 28 |
| Birthplace | Torquay, England |
| Position | Forward |
| Preferred foot | Right |
| Current club | Aston Villa |
| Shirt number | 11 |
| Height/wiegth | 1.80m/70kg |
Early Life
Born in Torbay Hospital in Torquay Devon, Ollie grew up in the charming town of Newton Abbot and attended South Dartmoor Community College in Ashburton . Watkins began playing grassroots football with the academy of Buckland Athletic at six years of age. Thereafter, Watkins joined neighbouring Newton Town F.C. for one season and he also represented the Devon County Football Association alongside Sam Gallagher.
Ollie Watkins was raised by his single mother Delsi-May, who is a professional singer. Delsi has been a professional singer since she was 18 and is well-known around south Devon. Going by the stage name Ruby Washington, she performs on cruise ships around the world, theatres, holiday parks, clubs, and hotels.
Growing up, Ollie had three brothers, Richie, Dale and Jordan, and his sister Charlotte.
Personal Life
Ollie Watkins is in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Ellie Alderson, with whom he shares a daughter. The couple frequently shares moments of their family life on social media.
Club Career
Born in Torquay, England, Ollie Watkins’ journey to football stardom is a story of perseverance, resilience, and sheer determination, from an early setback to rising through the ranks. In 2003, a nine-year-old Watkins faced rejection after an unsuccessful trial with Exeter City. However, two years later, the young footballer joined the club’s academy at the Under-11 level, determined to prove his worth. Progressing steadily, Watkins earned a scholarship deal in 2012, signaling the start of his professional journey.
By the 2013–14 season, Watkins had blossomed into a goal-scoring prodigy, netting an impressive 30 goals for Exeter’s Under-18 team. His efforts helped the team win the Football League Youth Alliance South West Conference title. Recognizing his potential, Exeter City offered him a two-year professional contract in April 2014.
Watkins’ senior debut came during the final League Two match of the 2013–14 season against Hartlepool United. Substituted in the 77th minute, he made an immediate impression as Exeter secured a 2–0 victory. The following season, Watkins began to establish himself as a rising star, frequently appearing on the substitute bench under manager Paul Tisdale .However, limited opportunities in the first team saw him loaned to Weston-super-Mare in December 2014 to gain valuable match experience.
Watkins’ loan move to Weston-super-Mare proved pivotal in his development. Initially joining the Conference South side for a month, the loan was extended until the end of the 2014–15 season. Watkins ended the season, scoring 10 goals in 25 appearances before returning to Exeter City.
After a quiet start to the 2015–16 season, Watkins exploded onto the scene in December, scoring in Exeter City’s FA Cup win over Port Vale. Then came March, a sensational month for Ollie, with four goals in six games earning him Football Football League Young Player of the Month and PFA Fans’ Player of the Month honors. His two-goal heroics in the Devon derby against Plymouth Argyle, including the Goal of the Season, sealed his status as a rising star. Watkins ended the season with 10 goals in 22 matches.
Watkins’ performances in the 2015-16 season saw him enter the 2016 – 17 an established member of the first team. He had an eventful season making 52 appearances, scoring 16 goals and contributing 13 assists. His first hatrick of his career came in a 4 -1 win over Newport County on 31 December 2016 and proceeded to win January League two player of the month award, on April 9, he was awarded the EFL young player of the year award.
In July 2017, Brentford signed Watkins for a reported £1.8 million. He quickly became indispensable, bagging 26 goals in the 2019–20 season and earning Championship Player of the Year honors after having signed a new four-year contract on August 2019. His standout performances made him one of England’s hottest young talents.
Watkins joined Aston Villa in 2020 for a record £28 million on a five-year contract. He announced himself with a perfect hat-trick in a historic 7–2 win over Liverpool. Over the seasons, Watkins has consistently delivered, becoming Villa’s top scorer in multiple campaigns. Notably, he set records in the 2023–24 season, scoring 19 non-penalty goals, earning the Premier League Playmaker of the Season award, and winning both Supporters’ and Players’ Player of the Season.
International Career
25 March 2021: Ollie Watkins’ England journey began when he debuted in a World Cup qualifier against San Marino. Coming off the bench, Watkins made an immediate impact, scoring his first international goal with his first shot in a 5–0 victory at Wembley.
October 2023: After a period out of the national setup, Watkins was recalled to the England squad in October 2023, marking his return with the winning goal in a 1–0 friendly victory against Australia. This re-established his place as a valuable attacking option for Gareth Southgate.
UEFA Euro 2024: Ollie Watkins’ defining England moment came in the UEFA Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands. Substituted in the 81st minute alongside Cole Palmer, he netted the dramatic winning goal in the 90th minute, securing England’s spot in the final.
Achievements
March 25 2021: Watkins made his debut for his country and has since been an integral part of the England national team, earning multiple caps and scoring important goals.
Euro 2024 Runner-Up: He Played a major role in the Euros 2024, leading England to the Championship finals, including a memorable strike against the Netherlands in the semi-final.
Endorsements
In addition to success on the field, he has also attracted several endorsement opportunities; collaborating with brands such as Ted Baker and Boots. he has also been associated with BYD, a leading electric manufacturer. Watkins was also known to be one of the major investors in Edit LDN, a British online sneaker and streetwear marketplace
Style of Play
Recognized as one of Europe’s best center-forwards, Ollie Watkins combines versatility, speed, work ethic, and clinical finishing. Though originally a number 10 inspired by Thierry Henry, he transitioned into a center-forward role at Brentford and now thrives as a number 9 under Unai Emery at Aston Villa, excelling in both scoring and creating goals.
Net Worth
Watkins’ estimated net worth is around €10 million, with an annual salary of €7.8 million as of 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions about Ollie Watkins
What is Ollie watkins nationality?
Ollie is English
Religion
There is no publicly disclosed information as regards his religious beliefs, keeping this aspect of his life private.
Age, How old is Ollie Watkins?
Born on December 30 1995, Ollie is 28 years old and his zodiac sign is Capricorn.
Height, Weight, and Body Features.
height: 1.80m
weight: 70kg
Distinctive features: Athletic build, sharp agility.
Girlfriend: Is He Single?
Ollie Watkins is in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Ellie Alderson, with whom he shares a daughter. The couple frequently shares moments of their family life on social media.
What is Ollie Watkins Stats (2024/2025 Season)
Premier League Appearances: 15
Goals: 7
Assists: 3
UEFA Champions League Appearances: 5
Goals: 0
Total Career Matches: 443
Total Goals: 166
Total Assists: 56
Social Media Handles
Instagram: @olliewatkins
Source: footygazette.com
