Biography of Alan Shearer: Net Worth, Age, Career, Records, Family, Achievements!
Alan Shearer is one of the most famous and celebrated footballers in English football history. As a striker, he holds an array of goal-scoring records and accomplishments.
Shearer had an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades, mostly with Newcastle United. He also captained the England national team and played in major tournaments.
Regarded as one of the greatest strikers of his generation, Shearer was renowned for his goal-scoring prowess, aggression, and sheer physicality as a forward. His success and achievements on the pitch, charismatic leadership, and local roots have made him an icon on Tyneside.
Here is a comprehensive look at Alan Shearer’s biography, net worth, age, playing career, records, family, achievements, and relationships.
Early Life and Beginnings
Alan Shearer was born on August 13, 1970 in Gosforth, Newcastle, England. His father, Alan Shearer Sr., was a sheet metal worker and his mother, Valerie Shearer, worked as a secretary.
As a young boy, Shearer supported Newcastle United. He grew up on a council estate and honed his football skills playing on the streets and parks near his home.
Shearer went to Gosforth Central Middle School as a student. He had an early interest in sports and excelled at football, cricket, and rugby in school.
Youth Career at Wallsend Boys Club
Shearer’s football talents were recognized early and he joined the Wallsend Boys Club in his youth. The Boys Club was a renowned youth team that produced many professional players over the years.
Shearer thrived in the youth set up at Wallsend. He scored a remarkable 117 goals in one season with the club’s Under-15 side. Top scouts took notice of the young striker.
Southampton showed interest and signed Shearer to their youth academy in 1986 at age 16. This began his journey in professional football.
Professional Career
Alan Shearer went on to have an illustrious professional career from 1988 to 2006. He spent time with Southampton, Blackburn Rovers, and most famously, his hometown club Newcastle United.
Early Years at Southampton (1988 – 1992)
Shearer began his professional career at Southampton in 1988. He made his first team debut in 1988 coming off the bench, before scoring his first professional hat-trick later that season.
His performances during the 1989-90 season earned Shearer a call up to the England national team. He scored on his England debut in 1990.
By 1992, Shearer had emerged as one of English football’s top strikers. He scored 41 goals in two seasons with Southampton, earning back-to-back Player of the Year awards. His goal scoring form attracted attention from top clubs.
Successful Spell at Blackburn Rovers (1992 – 1996)
In 1992, Blackburn Rovers agreed a record-breaking £3.6 million transfer deal to sign Shearer. He went on to form a prolific partnership with Chris Sutton at Blackburn, scoring 31 Premier League goals in his first season.
Shearer was the top scorer in the Premier League for three consecutive seasons from 1993-1994 to 1995-1996. His 34 league goals in 1994-1995 were instrumental as Blackburn won the Premier League title that season under Kenny Dalglish.
During his four seasons at Blackburn, Shearer established himself as one of the most fearsome strikers in Europe. He scored a total of 130 goals in 171 appearances across all competitions.
Homecoming Hero at Newcastle United (1996 – 2006)
Newcastle United, Shearer’s hometown and boyhood club, came calling in 1996. He signed for Newcastle in a world record £15 million transfer, fulfilling his childhood dream.
Shearer maintained his scoring form at Newcastle. He won the PFA Players’ Player of the Year award in 1997 and was Premier League top scorer again in 1996-1997.
In ten seasons at Newcastle, Shearer made 395 appearances, scoring a club record 206 goals. He became a Newcastle legend and one of the most important players in the club’s modern history.
Shearer was Newcastle’s captain from 1999 until he retired from professional football in 2006. He spent the entirety of his final four seasons with the club as captain.
International Career with England
Alan Shearer had an accomplished international career playing for the England national team from 1990 to 2000. He made 63 appearances for England, scoring 30 goals.
Shearer was part of England’s 1998 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 1996 squads. He scored 5 goals across these two major tournaments.
His highest point was scoring 5 goals at the Euro 1996 tournament on home soil as England reached the semi-finals. Shearer started almost every game for England in the 1990s alongside striker partners like Teddy Sheringham and Les Ferdinand.
Shearer retired from international duty after Euro 2000 as England failed to progress from the group stages.
Playing Style, Records and Achievements
Alan Shearer was renowned for his formidable goal-scoring ability throughout his career. He is one of the most prolific strikers in Premier League history.
Style of Play
Standing at 6 feet tall, Shearer was an imposing old-fashioned center-forward. He used his strength and power to dominate opposition defenders. His right foot was a hammer that could drive the ball ferociously into the net.
Shearer was brave player not afraid of physical battles to win headers and individual duels. His aggression, work ethic, and commitment drove his teams forward.
As a finisher, Shearer was clinical in the penalty area. He scored many different types of goals from powerful drives to skillful flicks during his career.
Notable Records & Milestones
- Premier League Champion: 1994-1995 (with Blackburn Rovers)
- UEFA Euro 1996 top scorer: (5 goals for England)
- Premier League top scorer: 1994-1995, 1995-1996, 1996-1997
- Only player to score 100 Premier League goals for two clubs (Blackburn and Newcastle)
- Newcastle all-time top scorer: 206 goals
- Premier League all-time top scorer: 260 goals
- Most goals in Premier League history: 260
- Most Premier League hat-tricks: 11
Awards and Accolades
- PFA Young Player of the Year: 1991
- PFA Players’ Player of the Year: 1994, 1997
- Premier League Player of the Season: 1994–95
- Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year: 1994
- UEFA Euro 1996 Team of the Tournament
- Premier League 10 Seasons Awards Domestic Team of the Decade: 1992-93–2001-02
- English Football Hall of Fame: 2006
- Premier League Hall of Fame: 2021 (Inaugural Inductee)
Shearer is considered one of the greatest English strikers of all time. His goal scoring records and honors cement his legacy as a Premier League legend.
Net Worth and Endorsements
According to reports, Alan Shearer’s net worth is estimated to be around £20 million as of 2023. His wealth comes primarily from his football salaries, endorsements, and media roles.
As one of England’s top players in the 1990s, Shearer earned lucrative salaries at Blackburn and Newcastle. His £15 million transfer to Newcastle in 1996 was a world record fee at the time.
Shearer was one of the most marketable English players during his career. He had endorsement deals with top brands like Puma, Sharp, and Barclaycard.
Post-retirement, he has earned income as a BBC pundit and television personality. Shearer reportedly earns an annual salary of £500,000 from the BBC.
The striker has invested some of his earnings into property assets. He also supports various charitable causes.
Personal Life and Family
Alan Shearer married Lainya in 1991. They met at a PFA dinner while Shearer was still early in his career. The couple has three children together – Hollie, Chloe, and Will.
Shearer has credited his family for their support through his career and remained loyal to them. He reportedly rejected a move to Manchester United in 1996 as Lainya did not want to uproot the family from the North East to Manchester.
Charity work and philanthropy have been important to Shearer. He has done work for organizations like NSPCC and the Alan Shearer Foundation, which helps disability sport.
Shearer received an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List of 2001 for his services to the sport. He also holds honorary doctorates from Northumbria University and Newcastle University.
Conclusion
Alan Shearer’s legacy as one of the greatest English strikers is cemented through his illustrious career. His goal scoring records and accomplishments stand the test of time.
Shearer will forever be remembered for his prolific goal-scoring ability. The power and physicality he brought to the striker position influenced generations after him. His loyalty and commitment to Newcastle United also endeared him to the fans, becoming a local icon.
Beyond his playing career, Shearer has given back to society through charity work and philanthropy. His foundations continue to support disability sports and other causes close to Shearer’s heart.
While he was aggressive and confrontational on the pitch, Shearer has shown himself to be a dedicated family man away from football. His relationships with his wife, children, and parents have been important pillars throughout his life.
Alan Shearer achieved remarkable success through his dedication and devotion to football. The legendary No.9 and Premier League icon continues to provide analysis and insights on the game in his retirement.
Shearer’s legacy will live on in Newcastle, where his record goal-scoring feats propelled the team to new heights.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alan Shearer
What is Alan Shearer best known for?
Shearer is best known for being one of the greatest English strikers of all time. He holds numerous goal scoring records in the Premier League and was one of the most feared forwards during his career.
How many goals did Alan Shearer score in his career?
Shearer scored a total of 379 goals across 678 club appearances in all competitions during his career. Of those, 260 were scored in the Premier League – the most by any player.
Why did Shearer choose Newcastle over Manchester United?
Shearer rejected an offer from Manchester United to sign for his boyhood club Newcastle United in 1996 for a world record £15 million. His loyalty and family’s preference to stay in the North East were determining factors.
What is Alan Shearer’s net worth?
Shearer has accumulated an estimated net worth of around £20 million. His wealth comes from football salaries, endorsements, property assets, and media roles.
Is Alan Shearer married?
Yes, Alan Shearer has been married to his wife Lainya since 1991. They have three children together – two daughters Hollie and Chloe, and a son named Will.
What does Alan Shearer do now?
Since retiring from professional football, Shearer has been involved in media roles with the BBC as a football pundit and analyst on Match of the Day. He also carries out charity and philanthropic work.
