The Secret Footballer is the pseudonym of a former Premier League footballer who contributes articles to The Guardian newspaper and has written five books, I Am The Secret Footballer, Tales From The Secret Footballer, The Secret Footballer's Guide to the Modern Game, The Secret Footballer: Access All Areas, and How to Win: Lessons from the Premier League.
The Secret Footballer is English, has played for at least two Premier League clubs and was once relegated on the last day of the season.[1] He grew up on a rural council estate and was a late starter in organised football and signed his first professional contract aged 21.[1] He was still playing as late as 2011.[1]
He says that he considered suicide after the end of his career but his writing steered him away from alcohol abuse.[1] The Secret Footballer wants to reveal his identity but fears being sued for the content of his work.[1]