Birmingham is often overlooked when it comes to cities that have produced the top footballers in the country. However, there has been a whole host of talent born and raised in the Steel City that has shared their talent on the world’s biggest stage. In recent years, Birmingham has seen some success when it comes to football, with Aston Villa reaching the heights of the Champions League in the 2024/25 season, beating PSG, Bayern Munich, and Celtic at home.
The city’s growing reputation for sport and entertainment continues to expand, with everything from football to cultural landmarks and even traditional pastimes such as roulette contributing to Birmingham’s rich and varied identity. So, as Birmingham is slowly being put back on the map in European football, we will be taking a look at four Brummie-born footballers who made it big.
Jack Grealish
It wouldn’t be a list of Birmingham born footballers without the mention of one of the biggest talents and personalities to have started their career in the West Midlands. Grealish grew up as part of Aston Villa’s academy setup, and was a boyhood supporter of The Villans. He broke through the academy at a young age, quickly beginning to feature in the first team after his one year loan spell at Notts County. The youngster at the time began to show his flair and wound up being a fan favourite at Villa Park, playing a pivotal role in returning Villa to the Premier League after facing relegation early in his career. In 2021, Manchester City swooped up the winger for a record-breaking £100 million, where Grealish would go on to win a treble. After a drop in form and lack of gametime, a 2025 loan spell to Everton looks promising in reviving the Englishman’s career, with his goal being set on featuring in the 2026 World Cup.
Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham is one of two footballing brothers who have taken over the media and are tipped to be one of England’s greatest future prospects. Born and raised in Stourbridge, he joined Birmingham City’s youth development in 2010, aged just seven, and was projected to be one of Birmingham’s next big talents. After spending nine years in the youth setup, he was given a chance at first-team football, making his debut at 16. He only spent a year in the first team, showing what he could offer as a starting player, as well as picking up numerous awards. This led to the interest of Borussia Dortmund, signing the 17-year-old in 2020. Birmingham City was mocked for retiring the youngster’s shirt number when he left; however, Bellingham proved his doubters wrong, dominating in Germany and achieving a move to Real Madrid in 2023. He has already achieved a top three Ballon d’Or placement by the age of 22, and looks to build on what is an incredibly promising career.
Daniel Sturridge
Born and raised in Birmingham, Daniel Sturridge will be remembered mostly for his time at Liverpool FC, becoming a fan favourite and iconic for his trademark goal celebration. The striker’s footballing career began at Aston Villa after being scouted as a youngster, which didn’t last long, experiencing several years in Coventry City and Manchester City’s youth setups. Sturridge made the move to Chelsea, despite supporting Arsenal, from Manchester City with the hopes of growing his career. Although he picked up a Premier League title and Champions League, his career mainly focuses on his time at Liverpool and his formidable partnership with Luis Suarez. He spent three years on Merseyside, narrowly missing out on a Premier League title, but was admired by supporters despite his injury plagued career. The Englishman even received several call-ups from his national side, becoming an iconic figure in the Premier League. Now retired at the age of 34, his journey began as a pundit, bringing his bright and humorous personality to the screen.
Lee Hendrie
Lee Hendrie is a name that may not mean too much to football fans around the world, but to Aston Villa supporters is regarded as a club legend and one of the best to come out of Brum. The Solihull-born midfielder was scouted in 1993 by Aston Villa and made his debut only a year later in 1994 as a 17-year-old. His dream debut wasn’t ideal, picking up a red card in a 1-0 defeat, but Hendrie had plenty of time to make up for his error. In fact, he would spend 13 years in Birmingham, appearing to be a one-club man, showing his loyalties, despite approaches from other clubs. Hendrie was unable to win any major silverware with The Villans and felt he had to depart in 2007 as his role began to be replaced. The love and support he received from the fans were a result of his loyalty and dedication to Claret and Blue. He is a prime example of an Aston Villa supporter living their dream, and will forever be remembered by supporters.