Rickie Lambert

Rickie Lambert
Lambert in 2023
Personal information
Full name Rickie Lee Lambert
Date of birth (1982-02-16) 16 February 1982
Place of birth Kirkby, England
Height 6 ft 2 in (1.87 m)
Position(s) Striker
Team information
Current team
Wigan Athletic (youth development coach)
Youth career
1992–1997 Liverpool
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1998–2000 Blackpool 3 (0)
2001–2002 Macclesfield Town 44 (8)
2002–2005 Stockport County 98 (18)
2005–2006 Rochdale 64 (28)
2006–2009 Bristol Rovers 128 (51)
2009–2014 Southampton 207 (106)
2014–2015 Liverpool 25 (2)
2015–2016 West Bromwich Albion 20 (1)
2016–2017 Cardiff City 18 (4)
Total 607 (218)
International career
2013–2014 England 11 (3)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Rickie Lee Lambert (born 16 February 1982) is an English former professional footballer who is currently an Academy Youth Development Coach at Wigan Athletic. A striker, Lambert was known for his large stature and physical performances, drawing comparisons with former Southampton player Matt Le Tissier for his ability in front of goal and penalty record.

He began his career at Blackpool, having been previously dropped by Liverpool as a youngster, and played in the Football League with Macclesfield Town, Stockport County, Rochdale, Bristol Rovers before joining Southampton for over £1 million in 2009. Lambert proved a key signing for Southampton, becoming their top scorer as they were promoted to the Championship from League One in 2011 and to the Premier League the following season, scoring 117 goals for the team across all competitions. After a season back at Liverpool, he had a season each at West Bromwich Albion and Cardiff City. Lambert announced his retirement in October 2017 after being unable to find a new club following his departure from Cardiff City. He won a number of personal awards during his career, including two league Golden Boots.

On 8 August 2013, Lambert was called up to the England team for the first time, scoring on his England debut at Wembley Stadium in a friendly against Scotland with his first touch. On 12 May 2014, he was named in the England squad for the 2014 FIFA World Cup.