SAFE HANDS
How old is former Arsenal goalkeeper David Seaman? Plus what position is he playing in Soccer Aid 2024
Plus what he's done since he retired from the pitch
FORMER England goalkeeper David Seaman has had a stellar career on and off the pitch.
Now, he's part of Soccer Aid 2024's lineup, joining a host of sporting stars.
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Who is David Seaman?
Seaman was born in Rotherham, Yorkshire, in 1963.
After joining his boyhood club Leeds United as a youngster in 1981, the young goalie was released without playing for the senior side the following year.
However, after signing for Peterborough United, Seaman quickly rose up the divisions of English football, playing for Birmingham City and Queens Park Rangers before landing his big move to Arsenal in 1990.
It was with QPR where he won the first of his 75 England caps in a friendly away to Saudi Arabia in 1988 which finished 1-1.
Seaman enjoyed an illustrious career with Arsenal winning three league titles including two Premier League titles under manager Arsene Wenger.
However, his most infamous moment in a Gunners shirt came in the 1995 Cup Winners’ Cup final when the goalie was humiliated by a 40-yard lobbed goal by Real Zaragoza’s Nayim.
His reputation for high-pressure mistakes was cemented in the 2002 World Cup when he was again lobbed by Brazil star Ronaldinho – which sent England crashing out of the competition at the quarter-final stage.
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Seaman, known for his ponytail and moustache while playing, left Arsenal in 2003 and finished his professional career with Manchester City where he enjoyed one last season.
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When did David Seaman retire from football?
Seaman retired from professional football in January 2004.
His final club was Manchester City, where he played briefly before retiring due to a recurring shoulder injury.
I’ve not missed it one bit. Not even a millimetre
David Seaman
Since retiring at 40 years old, he has been coaching the Gunners’ youth team keepers once a week.
Despite his success as a top goalkeeper, the Rotherham-born star admitted he doesn’t miss it.
He told The Daily Express in 2023: “It’s 20 years since I retired. Why did I retire? I was 40 and my body said ‘No’.
“I had been hit on my shoulder so many times and X-rays showed that I had a lot of wear and tear and I was warned that if I carried on, my shoulder could start dislocating.
“I thought, ‘I have had enough. That will do me’. I’ve not missed it one bit. Not even a millimetre.
“I still don’t get enough time to go fishing, which is my big passion.”
Following his retirement, he took part on Strictly Come Dancing in 2004.
In October 2022, Seaman and his wife Frankie Poultney appeared in the second series of The Masked Dancer as Pillar and Post.
Soccer Aid line-up 2024
Fans can't wait for soccer aid to kick off on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
The FULL line-up of players has been released and it is a mix of celebrities and former pro footballers.
England:
- Frank Lampard (Co-Manager)
- Harry Redknapp (Co-Manager)
- Robbie Williams (Co-Manager)
- Jill Scott (Captain)
- Paddy McGuinness (Celebrity Goalkeeper)
- David James (Professional Goalkeeper)
- David Seaman (Goalkeeping Coach)
- Footballer Jermain Defoe
- Jack Wilshere
- Footballer Joe Cole
- Pundit Karen Carney
- Footballer Gary Cahill
- Singer Tom Grennan
- Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett
- Actress Erin Doherty
- Olympic hero Sir Mo Farah
- Comedian Alex Brooker
- Cricketer Stuart Broad
- Actor Bobby Brazier
- Sam Thompson
- Footballer Ellen White
- Footballer Theo Walcott
- Actor Danny Dyer
- YouTuber Miniminter
World XI:
- Mauricio Pochettino (Manager)
- Jesus Perez (Coach)
- Usain Bolt (Captain)
- Footballer Eden Hazard
- Footballer Roberto Carlos
- Actor Martin Compston
- Comedian Maisie Adam
- Presenter Roman Kemp
- Comedian Lee Mack
- Boxer and reality star Tommy Fury
- Gladiator Diamond
- Footballer Michael Essien
- Footballer Patrice Evra
- Footballer Petr Cech
- Comedian Jason Manford
- Footballer John Obi Mikel
- Footballer Kaylyn Kyle
- YouTube Theo Baker
What position will David Seaman play in Soccer Aid 2024?
Seaman is expected to be using his expertise once again as England's goalkeeping coach.
He will be sharing goalkeeping duties with TV host Paddy McGuinness, and David James in goal.
Proceeds from the match will go to Unicef.
How to watch Soccer Aid 2024?
This year's Soccer Aid is set to take place on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
The game will be broadcast on television on ITV and STV.
TV coverage starts from 6 pm.
Kick off time has not yet been announced but previous years have started at 7.30pm.
England will be hoping to win, after losing to World XI for the last five years.
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