Ben Foster (Footballer)

Ben Anthony Foster, known professionally as Ben Foster, is a highly regarded English football player renowned for his role as a goalkeeper in EFL League Two team Wrexham. He has also achieved success as a YouTuber with his channel "The Cycling GK" and as a podcast host of The Fozcast. Foster joined West Bromwich Albion in 2012, having previously played for esteemed clubs such as Manchester United, Birmingham City, and Stoke City. He earned his place in the English national team in 2007 and commenced his professional career with Racing Club Warwick in 2000. Notably, Ben was honored as Watford Player of the Year in the 2006-2007 season. His engaging soccer content on TikTok shared through his account benfcyclinggk, has garnered an impressive following of over 947.9K followers. He made his international debut for England against Spain in February 2007. Despite announcing his retirement from international football in May 2011, he made a comeback in February 2013 and was selected for England's squad in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. On March 23, 2023, Foster ended his retirement to sign a short-term contract with Wrexham, following an injury to Rob Lainton. Recently, on June 9, 2023, it was revealed that Foster had agreed to a new one-year contract with Wrexham.

Ben Foster's early life and background

Ben Foster, originally named Ben Anthony Foster, entered the world on the 3rd of April in the year 1983, gracing Leamington Spa, England, with his presence. With British nationality and British-White ethnicity, he embodies the diversity of his heritage. Embracing the Christian faith, Foster's spiritual compass guides him on his life's journey. As a member of the White race, his unique experiences and perspectives contribute to the tapestry of human diversity. Currently 40 years old, he joyfully commemorates each passing year on the auspicious date of April 3rd, under the fiery zodiac sign of Aries. While he keeps his parents' data undisclosed, fostering an air of mystery, his talent, and accomplishments shine forth for all to see.

Talking about Ben's education, he attended North Leamington School in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.

Ben Foster's football career

Stoke City

• Ben Foster embarked on his football journey during his youth at Racing Club Warwick, a team competing in the Southern League Division One West. Displaying exceptional skills, he secured the coveted position of their primary goalkeeper in December 2000. Notably, Foster's talents extended beyond the football pitch, as he simultaneously honed his culinary abilities as an apprentice chef at Cafe Rouge in Leamington Spa.
• In April 2001, his exceptional potential caught the attention of scout Colin Dobson, leading to his professional debut with Stoke City, a Second Division club at the time. Recognizing his talent, the club swiftly offered him a one-year contract, including an option for an additional two years. The exact amount of the "five-figure" transfer fee remained undisclosed, although Racing Club Warwick stood to benefit from a sell-on clause, ensuring their stake in Foster's future success.
• During the 2003-2004 season, Foster initially served as a substitute goalkeeper, witnessing the team's 1-0 triumph from the bench. Throughout the remainder of the season, he continued to fulfill this role on six additional occasions. Subsequently, his dedication and progress earned him a spot in the first-team squad for four matches in the following 2004-2005 season, marking a significant milestone in his burgeoning career.

Manchester United

• During the 2005 Football League Trophy Final, the observant eyes of Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson fell upon Ben Foster while he was closely watching Foster's teammate and his own son, Darren.
• Manchester United had been grappling with the challenge of finding a suitable successor to the legendary goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel. Recognizing Foster's immense potential, Ferguson made a decisive move, submitting a substantial bid of £1 million for the talented player.
• Following negotiations, Stoke City reached an agreement with Manchester United on July 15, 2005. The transfer was swiftly finalized and officially completed on July 19, marking a significant turning point in Foster's career as he embarked on his new journey with the renowned club.

Watford

• Ben Foster embarked on a season-long loan to Watford, with the anticipation of a subsequent loan arrangement for the following season on August 1, 2005. This strategic move aimed to provide Foster with valuable experience and playing time.
• Recognizing Foster's talent and the impact he made during his loan spell, Watford eagerly secured his services once again on August 10, 2006, for a second season-long loan. This decision came about as Manchester United acquired the services of Tomasz Kuszczak, a Polish international goalkeeper, on loan from West Bromwich Albion.
• Throughout the 2006-2007 season, Watford manager Aidy Boothroyd expressed his strong desire to retain Foster for a third season, highlighting his invaluable contributions to the team.
• However, Boothroyd's aspirations were shattered in January 2007 when Alex Ferguson, the manager of Manchester United, announced his intention to recall Foster to Old Trafford at the conclusion of the season. This development dashed any hopes of Foster's extended stay at Watford.

Return to Manchester United

• In June 2007, news emerged of Foster's impending surgery to address a cruciate ligament injury in his right knee, which unfortunately rendered him unable to participate at the beginning of the 2007-2008 season. Despite the setback, Foster commenced light training towards the end of 2007, setting a personal target of returning to action in February 2008.
• He made his long-awaited comeback in a reserve match against Middlesbrough on March 6, 2008, ultimately leading to his debut for the Manchester United first team on March 15, 2008.
• Following his recovery, Ben's selection as a substitute for Manchester United's opening match in the 2008-2009 Champions League against Villarreal on September 17, 2008, marked an important milestone in his journey. The following day, he showcased his skills in a match for the reserves against Blackburn Rovers.
• Initially included in Manchester United's squad for the 2008 FIFA Club World Cup, Foster's participation was hindered by a broken finger sustained during training. As a result, he was replaced by Ben Amos just before the squad's departure for Japan. However, on March 1, 2009, manager Alex Ferguson entrusted Foster with the goalkeeping duties for the 2009 League Cup final at Wembley Stadium, highlighting his growing importance within the team.
• With regular goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar sidelined due to injury during the initial two months of the 2009-2010 season, Foster was given a valuable opportunity to establish himself as the team's first-choice goalkeeper. However, his performance in the 2009 FA Community Shield match against Chelsea proved challenging, as his errors led to two goals from the opposition, and he made no saves during the subsequent penalty shootout.
• Following the match against Sunderland, Foster's appearances for Manchester United in 2009 were limited to two more instances: a victory in the League Cup against Championship team Barnsley and a Champions League fixture against Besiktas, as Manchester United had already secured their progress from the group stage.

Birmingham City

• Ben Foster inked a lucrative three-year contract with Birmingham City on May 19, 2010, an esteemed Premier League club. The financial details of the transfer remained undisclosed, yet speculations in the media hinted at an initial fee of £4 million, potentially rising to £6 million through additional clauses and bonuses.
• He swiftly made his debut for Birmingham City on the opening day of the 2010-2011 season in a thrilling 2-2 draw against Sunderland. The following week, during his first appearance at home against Blackburn Rovers, he showcased his skills by saving a penalty from Morten Gamst Pedersen, contributing to Birmingham's victorious 2-1 outcome.
• Despite facing criticism for an error in England's 2-1 defeat against France, he responded emphatically upon his return to league action on November 20. He delivered a stellar performance, earning the well-deserved title of Man of the Match, as Birmingham City secured a momentous 1-0 victory over the reigning champions, Chelsea.
• Birmingham City's journey led them to the final of a significant tournament, with Foster's exceptional display earning him the coveted Alan Hardaker Trophy for the second time in three years. His remarkable efforts contributed to Birmingham City's triumphant 2-1 win over Arsenal, enabling the club to secure their first major trophy in an impressive 48 years.

West Bromwich Albion

• Ben made a significant move to West Bromwich Albion, a prominent Premier League club on July 29, 2011. In a mutually beneficial arrangement, he and Boaz Myhill, the goalkeeper at West Brom, swapped places as part of a loan deal that spanned the entirety of the 2011-2012 season. His commitment to the team was unwavering as he appeared in 37 out of 38 league matches, only being absent for the final game due to a minor groin strain.
• Recognizing his exceptional contributions and the impact he made on the team, West Bromwich Albion secured his services permanently on June 29, 2012. The exact transfer fee was not disclosed, although it was widely reported in the media to be around £4 million. Foster solidified his commitment to the club by signing a three-year contract, with an additional two-year option that favored the club's interests.
• His exceptional performances for West Bromwich Albion did not go unnoticed. His remarkable form earned him a call-up to the England national team's squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. In doing so, Foster became the first West Bromwich Albion player since Jeff Astle in 1970 to represent England in a World Cup tournament, highlighting his stature as a remarkable talent within the club.

Return to Watford

• Ben made a return to Watford, a prominent Premier League club on July 5, 2018,, by signing a two-year contract with the possibility of extending it for an additional year. The exact transfer fee remains undisclosed, but the move came after West Bromwich Albion's relegation to the Championship, indicating his desire to continue playing in the top flight.
• Continuing his association with Watford, Foster committed to the club once again in June 2020 by signing another two-year contract. This decision demonstrated his ongoing dedication and belief in the team's ambitions.
• However, on May 16, 2022, Foster publicly announced that he would be departing the club at the conclusion of his contract in June. This revelation marked the end of his tenure at Watford, indicating a new chapter in his career and the pursuit of fresh opportunities.

Return to Wrexham

• Foster made a surprising announcement on September 15, 2022, at the age of 39, revealing his retirement from professional football. This decision came after he declined a contract offer from Newcastle United, signaling his intention to step away from the game. However, the story took an unexpected turn on March 23, 2023, when Foster made a comeback, emerging from retirement to sign a short-term contract with Wrexham, a club in the National League. His return was prompted by an injury to Wrexham's goalkeeper, Rob Lainton.
• Just two days after rejoining Wrexham, Foster made his debut in an impressive 3-0 home victory over York City. His presence and skills were immediately felt by the team. On April 10, Foster showcased his brilliance once again by saving a penalty in stoppage time, securing a crucial 3-2 triumph over Notts County. This victory not only boosted Wrexham's position in the National League title race but also propelled them three points clear of Notts County.
• The excitement continued to mount as Wrexham achieved a major milestone. On April 22, they secured promotion to EFL League Two and were crowned champions of the National League following a commanding 3-1 triumph over Boreham Wood.
• Amidst this successful period, it was announced on June 9, 2023, that Foster had committed to Wrexham for another year. The club and fans celebrated as Foster signed a new one-year contract, further solidifying his commitment to the team and ensuring his presence for the upcoming season in EFL League Two.

International career

• Ben Foster found himself on the standby list for England's 2006 World Cup squad due to an injury to Robert Green during a "B" international match against Belarus on May 26, 2006. After Foster's return to Watford on loan, he received a call-up to Steve McClaren's first England squad as one of three goalkeepers for a friendly match against Greece. This marked his initial inclusion in the national team setup. Foster's consistent performances led to his selection in subsequent England squads, culminating in his international debut in a 1-0 loss to Spain on February 7, 2007.
• In a match against Brazil on November 14, 2009, he earned his fourth cap, playing the entire game in a 1-0 defeat. The friendly took place in Qatar, with Nilmar scoring the sole goal of the match through a header in the 47th minute. However, despite his contributions, Foster was not chosen for England's 2010 World Cup squad, as Joe Hart was preferred for the third goalkeeper position.
• In May 2011, Foster made the decision to make himself unavailable for international selection indefinitely. His objective was to extend his club career by providing his body with adequate rest between games, minimizing the risk of persistent injuries. However, he later received a call-up to the England squad for World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro, signaling his return to national duty.
• On May 29, 2013, he represented England in a friendly fixture against the Republic of Ireland. His participation demonstrated his continued involvement in international football. Foster's strong performances earned him a place in England's final 23-man squad for the 2014 World Cup. He played in the preparation match against Ecuador, which ended in a 2-2 draw. In England's final group match against Costa Rica, Foster kept a clean sheet in a goalless draw in Belo Horizonte, despite England's inability to progress to the knockout stage.
• In addition to his football career, Ben has ventured into the world of content creation with his verified YouTube channel named "Ben Foster - The Cycling GK." He launched this channel in 2020 during the COVID-19 lockdown in the UK. 
• On his channel, Foster shares cycling videos and matchday vlogs, providing unique perspectives with GoPro footage captured from the back of his goal. The channel has garnered significant popularity, attracting over 1.43 million subscribers and accumulating more than 138 million views as of April 2023.
• Furthermore, he has extended his creative endeavors to podcasting. He co-hosts a podcast called "Fozcast - The Ben Foster Podcast" alongside Tom Ochoa. This podcast serves as a platform for Foster to engage with his audience and delve into various topics of interest.

Transfer News

• Wrexham on 23rd March 2023 for free
• Watford on 5th July 2018 at 2.8m euros
• West Bromwich Albion on 1st July 2012 at 5m euros
• Birmingham City on 31st May 2012 at 7m euros
• Manchester United on 1st May 2007 at the end of the loan
• Stroke City on 1st November 2004 at the end of the loan
• Kidderminster Harriers on 1st October 2004 at loan
• Tiverton Town on 20th December 2002 at loan
• Bristol City at loan

Awards and Achievements

Wrexham

• Football League Trophy: 2004-2005
• National League: 2022-2023

Watford

• Football League Championship play-offs: 2006
• FA Cup runner-up: 2018-2019

Manchester United

• Football League Cup: 2008-2009, 2009-2010

Birmingham City

• Football League Cup: 2010-2011

Individual

• Watford Player of the Season: 2006-2007
• Alan Hardaker Trophy: 2009, 2011 
• Birmingham City Player of the Season: 2010-2011 
• Birmingham City Players' Player of the Season: 2010-2011 
• West Bromwich Albion Supporters' Player of the Season: 2011-2012, 2013-2014, 2016-2017, 2017-2018 
• West Bromwich Albion Players' Player of the Season: 2011-2012, 2013-2014 
• London Football Awards Goalkeeper of the Year: 2019 

Ben Foster married life: Wife and children

Ben Foster is a married man as he happily tied the knot with his wife, Kate Foster, who works as a Psychologist. Together, they share the joy of parenthood with their two children. The family resides in a beautiful home located on a 30-acre farm in Henley-in-Arden, Warwickshire. Notably, Ben played an active role in designing their residence. Their love life is filled with happiness and joy as they navigate life together as a family. Their strong bond and commitment contribute to their blissful relationship. It's worth mentioning that in March 2022, Foster faced consequences for his actions when he was caught driving at a speed of 99 mph (159 km/h) on the M40. As a result, he received a fine of £2,250 and a six-month driving ban for the offense that occurred in April 2021. In terms of his sexual orientation, Ben identifies as straight.

Ben Foster's net worth and salary

Ben Foster's net worth stands at an impressive $20 million as of 2023. In addition to his substantial wealth, he receives a generous salary of approximately 1.56 million GBP per year. Over the years, Foster's market value has also soared, reaching its peak at €5.50 million as of 8 August 2011. With his financial success, Foster enjoys the luxuries and comforts that the world has to offer. He recognizes and expresses gratitude to a higher power for the blessings bestowed upon him. Alongside his football career, Foster has engaged in lucrative endorsement deals with various brands, further enhancing his income. It is through his exceptional skills and achievements in football that Foster has primarily accumulated his wealth, establishing it as his primary source of income.

Ben Foster's height, weight, and measurements

Ben Foster has undeniably reached impressive heights in his career. Standing tall at 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters), his physical stature commands attention. Weighing in at 174 pounds (79 kilograms), he maintains a balanced and fit physique. His light brown hair adds to his overall appearance, complementing his features. The depth of his dark brown eyes adds an air of intensity and intrigue. Foster's body build can be described as athletic, a testament to his dedication and commitment to maintaining his physical condition.