Danny Drinkwater Champions of England to Construction Worker

Danny Drinkwater, a retired English midfielder, began his football journey at Manchester United’s youth academy. Despite his potential, he never made a senior appearance for the club.

In 2016, Drinkwater played a crucial role in Leicester City’s historic Premier League triumph. The following year, Chelsea signed him for £35 million. However, after limited success at Stamford Bridge, he departed in June 2022, marking the end of his playing career.

Danny Drinkwater Developing Football Skills

Born on March 5, 1990, in Manchester, England, Drinkwater joined Manchester United’s academy at age nine. By sixteen, he secured a trainee deal, followed by a professional contract at eighteen. Despite his efforts, he never broke into United’s first team.

He gained valuable experience on loan at Watford, Barnsley, Cardiff City, and Huddersfield Town. In 2012, he moved to Leicester City, becoming an integral part of their Premier League promotion and title-winning campaign in 2016.

His time at Leicester showcased his talent, and his performance during the club’s rise to the top was pivotal.

What Do We Know About Danny Drinkwater’s Parents?

Drinkwater was born to English parents in Manchester, but little is known about their identities or professions. His journey from Manchester United’s academy to a successful football career remains inspiring.

Before his achievements at Leicester City, he spent time on loan at several clubs. Later, at Chelsea, he had further loan spells at Burnley, Aston Villa, Kasımpaşa, and Reading. Recently, he has taken on a new path, working on construction sites.

In a candid interview, he spoke about his struggles in 2019, saying, “I was facing mental health challenges. I lost my dog, dealt with personal losses, and made mistakes like drinking and driving. My dad was diagnosed with leukemia, and both my grandparents passed away.”

Despite these challenges, Drinkwater emphasized the importance of resilience and finding new purposes in life. He highlighted how his experiences have shaped him both personally and professionally. Though his football career was filled with highs and lows, he remains proud of the milestones he achieved, including his contributions to Leicester City’s historic Premier League title win in 2016.

In recent years, he has spoken openly about mental health and the pressures athletes face, advocating for better support systems for players. His story serves as a reminder of the complexities of life off the pitch and the importance of addressing personal well-being.

While details about his parents remain limited, their support during his early years undoubtedly played a role in his development. His perseverance and ability to adapt to new challenges reflect values that may have been instilled during his upbringing.

Danny Drinkwater’s Club Achievements

Starting at Manchester United’s academy, Drinkwater developed his skills through loan stints at Watford, Barnsley, Cardiff City, and Huddersfield Town. In 2012, he joined Leicester City, where he played a key role in their Premier League promotion in 2014.

He was instrumental in Leicester’s remarkable 2016 Premier League victory. In 2017, Chelsea signed him for £35 million, but injuries and limited opportunities hampered his progress.

Loan spells at clubs like Burnley, Aston Villa, Turkish side Kasımpaşa, and Reading followed. In October 2023, Drinkwater announced his retirement from football, describing a feeling of being “in limbo.” He has since embraced a new career in construction.

Danny Drinkwater’s International Contributions

Danny Drinkwater represented England at various levels during his career, showcasing his skill and determination on the international stage.

Drinkwater represented England at the under-18 and under-19 levels, showcasing his skills and gaining valuable experience. In 2016, while playing for Leicester City, he earned a call-up to the senior England team.

That year, he appeared three times for the national team. These caps coincided with Leicester City’s remarkable journey to winning the Premier League.

Danny Drinkwater Incident

While on loan at Burnley, Drinkwater was reportedly attacked by six individuals outside a nightclub in Manchester.

Following Burnley’s 3-0 loss to Liverpool on August 31, the Premier League champion went out in Manchester. Outside the venue, he was assaulted by six men who reportedly shouted, “break his legs.”

The attack left him with torn ankle ligaments, a black eye, a swollen forehead, arm and shoulder bruises, and a cut on his cheek. This ankle injury sidelined him for over a month.

The attackers allegedly targeted Drinkwater, knowing he was a professional footballer. A witness claimed, “At one point, he was curled up on the ground, and they continued jumping on his ankle while yelling, ‘Break his legs.’”

Danny Drinkwater’s Post-Football Career

Despite being part of the 2015–16 Premier League-winning squad, Drinkwater, now in his early 30s, has transitioned to working on construction sites.

After lifting the trophy with Leicester City, he moved to Chelsea but struggled to adapt. Following several challenging seasons and multiple loan spells, he retired from football at 33.

On October 30, 2023, Drinkwater officially announced his retirement. Since stepping away from football, he has embraced a new career path.

At the time of his retirement, Drinkwater had made just 75 appearances in six years. Reflecting on his decision, he remarked, “It’s probably been a long time coming.”

It’s heartening to see him pursuing a meaningful new chapter. Many former players, like Phil Mulryne, who left football to become a priest, have successfully transitioned to different careers.

Danny Drinkwater Responds to Career Criticism

After facing criticism for his unconventional career choice following retirement, Drinkwater addressed the comments with a statement.

The 34-year-old, who spent two years without a club, retired last year. Having previously played for Chelsea and Leicester City, he struggled with form and fitness before being released by Chelsea in 2022.

Now involved in construction work, Drinkwater recently shared an Instagram photo from a work site, which received mixed reactions.

One user commented, “F***** h*** Danny you’ve hit rock bottom [crying face emoji],” referring to his post captioned, “On site today.” Drinkwater quickly replied, “Behave. I enjoy grafting on sites. It’s a choice.”

To show that he is fully embracing his new career, Drinkwater shared another response to his critics, leaving no doubt about his contentment.

In an Instagram video, he was seen leaving a construction site for lunch, accompanied by two colleagues seated in the front of a vehicle.

Danny Drinkwater’s Versatile Midfield Role

Throughout his football career, Danny Drinkwater excelled as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder. He was celebrated for his ability to cover ground effectively, seamlessly transitioning between defensive and offensive roles.

Drinkwater demonstrated exceptional vision and passing precision. His timely passes often initiated attacks and created goal-scoring chances for his teammates.

One of his notable skills was delivering accurate long balls, frequently finding teammates in advanced positions or shifting the play effectively. With a powerful shot from long range, he occasionally surprised opponents by scoring from outside the penalty area.

What Was Danny Drinkwater’s Market Value?

Once a Premier League champion, Drinkwater was poised for football stardom after being transferred for $45 million. However, unforeseen challenges altered his path.

Drinkwater rose to prominence as a vital member of Leicester City’s iconic 2016 Premier League-winning squad, earning a reputation for determination and achievement.

Impressed by his standout performances, Chelsea secured him in a high-profile transfer worth £35 million ($45 million) in 2017. Initially seen as a stepping stone to greater success, his journey took an unexpected turn due to injuries, misfortune, and off-field challenges.

Despite the promise of a bright future, Drinkwater’s time at Chelsea became marked by setbacks, illustrating how unpredictable the path of a professional footballer can be.