{"id":286296,"first_name":"Chris","last_name":"Smalling","short_name":"C. Smalling","common_name":"Chris Smalling","place_of_birth":"Greenwich, Borough of London","gender":"male","height":192,"weight":81,"status":"active","createdAt":"2024-11-07T13:42:12.982Z","updatedAt":"2025-03-17T12:06:53.547Z","locale":"en","age":35,"stb_id":"chris-smalling","description":null,"tier":null,"common_name_en":"Chris Smalling","top_position":null,"introduction":"Christopher Lloyd Smalling, born on 22 November 1989, is an English professional football player renowned for his role as a center-back. Smalling currently plays for the Saudi Pro League club Al-Fayha and has formerly represented prominent teams like Manchester United and AS Roma. During his career, Smalling has amassed significant achievements, including multiple Premier League titles and a UEFA Europa Conference League victory.","early_life_and_career":"## Early Years\nChristopher Smalling was born in Greenwich, London, and is of Jamaican descent. He faced the loss of his father at the tender age of five, prompting him and his family to relocate to Kent. This change led Smalling to attend Chatham Grammar School for Boys, now known as Holcombe Grammar School, where he excelled not only in academics but also became a national Judo champion. As a young boy, he was a passionate Arsenal supporter, and his early affinity for sports eventually veered towards football, although he was initially a proficient Judo athlete.\n\n## Youth Career\nSmalling's initial footsteps in football saw him joining Walderslade Boys and Lordswood. Eventually, his promising talent led him to Millwall's academy for a brief stint before moving to Maidstone United's youth setup at just 16 years old. Despite financial hardships that sometimes impeded his ability to attend training, Smalling persevered and emerged as an impressive talent within Maidstone United's youth ranks, eventually establishing himself in the first team by 2007.","professional_career_and_highlights":"## Club Career\n\n### Maidstone United\nSmalling began his senior club career at Maidstone United, where he debuted in April 2007 in the Kent Senior Cup against Tonbridge Angels. His time at Maidstone United proved fruitful as he became a pivotal part of their back defense leading to his only goal for the club against East Thurrock United in March 2008.\n\n### Fulham\nHis talent attracted interest from several clubs, leading Smalling to sign with Fulham in June 2008 after a brief association with Middlesbrough did not culminate into permanence due to homesickness. At Fulham, Smalling made his Premier League debut in May 2009 against Everton and featured in memorable matches including a UEFA Europa League tie against CSKA Sofia.\n\n### Manchester United\nSmalling's transfer to Manchester United in 2010 marked a significant escalation in his career. His tenure at United was decorated with numerous accolades, including two Premier League titles (2010–11, 2012–13), an FA Cup victory in 2015–16, and a League Cup in 2016–17. Noteworthy moments include making his debut in the victorious Community Shield match against Chelsea in August 2010 and later scoring notable goals in both the domestic league and European competitions.\n\n### Roma\nIn 2019, Smalling transitioned to Serie A, joining AS Roma first on loan and subsequently signing permanently in 2020. His Italian sojourn was highlighted by a UEFA Europa Conference League win in 2022, with Smalling earning Man of the Match in the final against Feyenoord.\n\n### Al-Fayha\nIn a recent move, Smalling joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Fayha in September 2024. His debut was marked by unforeseen challenges, including a home defeat to Al Raed.\n\n## National Team Career\n\n### Youth National Teams\nSmalling's entry into the international arena began with the England Schools under-18 team and continued with appearances at the under-20 and under-21 levels, securing a vital goal against Romania in 2010 during the European Championship qualifiers.\n\n### Senior National Team\nIn September 2011, Smalling made his senior debut for England against Bulgaria. He was included in the squads for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2016, scoring a goal in a warm-up match against Portugal.","playing_style_and_skills":"## Player Characteristics\nChristopher Smalling is primarily a center-back known for his solid defensive abilities and versatility in playing as a right-back when needed. His physical stature has been a dominating factor contributing to his proficiency in aerial duels and defensive clearances. Smalling is noted for his robust tackling and positional awareness, traits that have earned him recognition and leadership roles within teams.\n\n## Performance Statistics\nAcross his club career, Smalling has made over 300 appearances for Manchester United and contributed to a plethora of team successes, further supplemented by his impactful tenure at Roma, culminating in a historic European trophy win.","notable_achievements":"## Achievements\n\n### Team Achievements\n- **Manchester United**: Premier League titles (2010–11, 2012–13), FA Cup (2015–16), EFL Cup (2016–17), UEFA Europa League (2016–17).\n- **AS Roma**: UEFA Europa Conference League (2021–22).\n\n### Individual Achievements\n- Manchester United Players' Player of the Year: 2015–16\n\n## Awards and Recognition\nSmalling's consistent performance and leadership qualities have been acknowledged through awards like the UEFA European Under-21 Championship Team of the Tournament in 2011 and inclusion in the UEFA Europa Conference League Team of the Season.","impact_on_sport":"## Career Overview\nSmalling's career trajectory from non-league football to achieving significant success in top-flight leagues underscores an inspiring journey of resilience and adaptability. His contributions have been integral to the defensive solidity of his teams, highlighting a substantial impact on the sport.\n\n## Off the Field\nOutside the pitch, Smalling has engaged in charitable activities, becoming a patron for Football Beyond Borders and advocating for a vegan lifestyle. His commitment to philanthropy and animal welfare reflects in his public image.\n\n## Personal Life\nChristopher Smalling is married to Sam Cooke and is a father to a son named Leo. Inspired by his wife, he adopted a vegan diet that he believes enhanced his athletic performance. Smalling demonstrates a balance between his sports career and personal advocacies, advocating for environmental and social causes.","stb_internal_id":"019306dc-799e-79c2-ae5b-64fc904d01a5","overrides":null,"type_code":"defender","position_type_code":"defender","detailed_position_type_code":null,"roles":"player","has_biography":true,"has_membership_relations":true,"has_matches":null,"has_article_relations":null,"has_social_media_relations":null,"introduction_html":"

Christopher Lloyd Smalling, born on 22 November 1989, is an English professional football player renowned for his role as a center-back. Smalling currently plays for the Saudi Pro League club Al-Fayha and has formerly represented prominent teams like Manchester United and AS Roma. During his career, Smalling has amassed significant achievements, including multiple Premier League titles and a UEFA Europa Conference League victory.

\n","early_life_and_career_html":"

Early Years

Christopher Smalling was born in Greenwich, London, and is of Jamaican descent. He faced the loss of his father at the tender age of five, prompting him and his family to relocate to Kent. This change led Smalling to attend Chatham Grammar School for Boys, now known as Holcombe Grammar School, where he excelled not only in academics but also became a national Judo champion. As a young boy, he was a passionate Arsenal supporter, and his early affinity for sports eventually veered towards football, although he was initially a proficient Judo athlete.

Youth Career

Smalling's initial footsteps in football saw him joining Walderslade Boys and Lordswood. Eventually, his promising talent led him to Millwall's academy for a brief stint before moving to Maidstone United's youth setup at just 16 years old. Despite financial hardships that sometimes impeded his ability to attend training, Smalling persevered and emerged as an impressive talent within Maidstone United's youth ranks, eventually establishing himself in the first team by 2007.

\n","professional_career_and_highlights_html":"

Club Career

Maidstone United

Smalling began his senior club career at Maidstone United, where he debuted in April 2007 in the Kent Senior Cup against Tonbridge Angels. His time at Maidstone United proved fruitful as he became a pivotal part of their back defense leading to his only goal for the club against East Thurrock United in March 2008.

Fulham

His talent attracted interest from several clubs, leading Smalling to sign with Fulham in June 2008 after a brief association with Middlesbrough did not culminate into permanence due to homesickness. At Fulham, Smalling made his Premier League debut in May 2009 against Everton and featured in memorable matches including a UEFA Europa League tie against CSKA Sofia.

Manchester United

Smalling's transfer to Manchester United in 2010 marked a significant escalation in his career. His tenure at United was decorated with numerous accolades, including two Premier League titles (2010–11, 2012–13), an FA Cup victory in 2015–16, and a League Cup in 2016–17. Noteworthy moments include making his debut in the victorious Community Shield match against Chelsea in August 2010 and later scoring notable goals in both the domestic league and European competitions.

Roma

In 2019, Smalling transitioned to Serie A, joining AS Roma first on loan and subsequently signing permanently in 2020. His Italian sojourn was highlighted by a UEFA Europa Conference League win in 2022, with Smalling earning Man of the Match in the final against Feyenoord.

Al-Fayha

In a recent move, Smalling joined Saudi Pro League club Al-Fayha in September 2024. His debut was marked by unforeseen challenges, including a home defeat to Al Raed.

National Team Career

Youth National Teams

Smalling's entry into the international arena began with the England Schools under-18 team and continued with appearances at the under-20 and under-21 levels, securing a vital goal against Romania in 2010 during the European Championship qualifiers.

Senior National Team

In September 2011, Smalling made his senior debut for England against Bulgaria. He was included in the squads for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euro 2016, scoring a goal in a warm-up match against Portugal.

\n","playing_style_and_skills_html":"

Player Characteristics

Christopher Smalling is primarily a center-back known for his solid defensive abilities and versatility in playing as a right-back when needed. His physical stature has been a dominating factor contributing to his proficiency in aerial duels and defensive clearances. Smalling is noted for his robust tackling and positional awareness, traits that have earned him recognition and leadership roles within teams.

Performance Statistics

Across his club career, Smalling has made over 300 appearances for Manchester United and contributed to a plethora of team successes, further supplemented by his impactful tenure at Roma, culminating in a historic European trophy win.

\n","notable_achievements_html":"

Achievements

Team Achievements

Manchester United: Premier League titles (2010–11, 2012–13), FA Cup (2015–16), EFL Cup (2016–17), UEFA Europa League (2016–17).
AS Roma: UEFA Europa Conference League (2021–22).

Individual Achievements

Manchester United Players' Player of the Year: 2015–16

Awards and Recognition

Smalling's consistent performance and leadership qualities have been acknowledged through awards like the UEFA European Under-21 Championship Team of the Tournament in 2011 and inclusion in the UEFA Europa Conference League Team of the Season.

\n","impact_on_sport_html":"

Career Overview

Smalling's career trajectory from non-league football to achieving significant success in top-flight leagues underscores an inspiring journey of resilience and adaptability. His contributions have been integral to the defensive solidity of his teams, highlighting a substantial impact on the sport.

Off the Field

Outside the pitch, Smalling has engaged in charitable activities, becoming a patron for Football Beyond Borders and advocating for a vegan lifestyle. His commitment to philanthropy and animal welfare reflects in his public image.

Personal Life

Christopher Smalling is married to Sam Cooke and is a father to a son named Leo. Inspired by his wife, he adopted a vegan diet that he believes enhanced his athletic performance. Smalling demonstrates a balance between his sports career and personal advocacies, advocating for environmental and social causes.

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Chris Smalling: Profile