Jordan Pickford has firmly established himself as one of the most recognizable and often discussed goalkeepers in modern football. From his early days in Sunderland’s academy to becoming England’s undisputed number one and a cornerstone of Everton’s squad, his journey has been marked by remarkable shot-stopping, an aggressive playing style, and a distribution range that few can match. 

In the dynamic landscape of the Premier League and international football, Pickford continues to evolve, demonstrating resilience, leadership, and a commitment to refining his craft. This article delves deep into the career of Jordan Pickford, exploring his unique attributes, significant moments, recent developments as of 2025, and his enduring impact on both club and country.

Early Life and Youth Career: Laying the Foundations

Born Jordan Lee Logan on March 7, 1994, in Washington, Tyne and Wear, Jordan Pickford’s footballing journey began at a young age. He joined the Sunderland Academy at just eight years old, a testament to his early talent and dedication. Growing up supporting his boyhood club, Sunderland, Pickford progressed through the various age groups, demonstrating an innate ability between the posts.

His formative years at Sunderland were crucial in shaping his goalkeeping fundamentals. He signed his first professional contract with the club in 2011, but like many young players, his senior team opportunities were limited initially. 

To gain valuable first-team experience, Pickford embarked on a series of loan spells across different tiers of English football. These stents, with clubs such as Darlington, Alfreton Town, Burton Albion, Carlisle United, Bradford City, and Preston North End, provided him with a rigorous education in the realities of professional football. He faced diverse challenges, from the unforgiving pitches of non-league to the competitive environment of the Championship, honing his skills against a variety of attacking threats. 

These experiences, though perhaps not glamorous, were instrumental in building his resilience and developing his understanding of the game.

Rise to Prominence: Sunderland and Everton Breakthrough

Pickford’s consistent performances on loan eventually earned him a genuine opportunity at Sunderland. He made his senior debut for the Black Cats in January 2016. Despite Sunderland’s struggles and eventual relegation from the Premier League in the 2016-2017 season, Pickford emerged as one of their standout players. His agility, command of his box, and impressive shot-stopping ability caught the attention of bigger clubs. He was even shortlisted for the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2016/17, a remarkable achievement for a goalkeeper in a relegated side.

In June 2017, Everton secured Pickford’s services for a fee that could rise to £30 million, making him one of the most expensive English goalkeepers in history at the time. This move marked a significant turning point in his career. 

At Everton, he quickly established himself as the undisputed number one, demonstrating his worth with a string of impressive displays. In his debut 2017/18 season, he played every minute of Everton’s Premier League fixtures, earning the club’s Young Player, Players’ Player, and Player of the Season accolades. His transition to a larger club, under increased scrutiny, showcased his mental fortitude and ability to perform under pressure.

Defining His Style: The Modern Goalkeeper

Jordan Pickford’s playing style is a fascinating blend of traditional shot-stopping prowess and the demands of the modern game. He is renowned for several key attributes:

Shot-Stopping Expertise

Pickford possesses exceptional reflexes and agility, allowing him to make spectacular saves from close range and react quickly to deflections. His ability to spread himself and make “big saves” in crucial moments has been a hallmark of his career, particularly during Everton’s battles against relegation. 

In the 2024/2025 Premier League season, Pickford made 117 saves, demonstrating his continued impact in this area, operating at a save percentage of 73.0%. He also saved both penalties faced in the Premier League during this season, maintaining a perfect 100% penalty save rate in the league. 

Command of the Area and Aerial Ability

Despite not being the tallest goalkeeper (standing at 6 ft 1 in or 1.85m), Pickford compensates with his excellent judgment and bravery when coming for crosses and claiming high balls. His assertive approach in the box helps alleviate pressure on his defense and contributes to Everton’s overall defensive solidity. His vocal leadership from the back is also a key aspect of his game, constantly organizing and directing his defenders.

Exceptional Distribution

Perhaps one of Jordan Pickford’s most distinctive and widely praised attributes is his distribution. He is incredibly comfortable with the ball at his feet and possesses an extensive range of passing, both short and long. His ability to launch quick, accurate long balls to initiate counter-attacks or relieve pressure is a valuable asset for both Everton and England. In the 2024/2025 Premier League season, Pickford attempted the most long balls among all Premier League goalkeepers (776), with an accuracy of 41.2%. 

He also leads the league in passes into the opposition’s final third (118), highlighting his proactive role in his team’s attacking transitions. This facet of his game aligns perfectly with the evolving role of the modern goalkeeper, who is increasingly expected to be a playmaker from the back.

Aggression and Personality

Jordan Pickford passionate and at times fiery personality is well-known. While this can occasionally lead to moments of rashness, it also fuels his competitive drive and ability to inspire his teammates. He wears his heart on his sleeve, and his commitment to winning is undeniable. This emotional investment, coupled with his leadership, makes him a formidable presence in goal.

International Stature: England’s Number One

Jordan Pickford’s impressive club form quickly translated into international recognition. He made his debut for the England senior national team in November 2017 against Germany. Since then, he has firmly cemented his place as England’s first-choice goalkeeper under Gareth Southgate.

He played a pivotal role in England’s run to the semi-finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup, where his penalty shootout heroics against Colombia became an iconic moment in English football history. 

He followed this up with strong performances at UEFA Euro 2020 (played in 2021), where England reached the final, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup. As of June 2025, Pickford has amassed over 75 caps for England, surpassing notable goalkeepers like Gordon Banks, David Seaman, and Joe Hart. He is now second only to Peter Shilton in terms of appearances for the Three Lions as a goalkeeper.

His consistent selection for the national team, even amidst occasional club struggles, speaks volumes about his reliability and the trust placed in him by the England coaching staff. Pickford’s composure in high-stakes international matches, particularly in penalty shootouts, has been a significant factor in England’s recent tournament successes.

Recent Trends and Developments (As of 2025)

As of mid-2025, Jordan Pickford remains a central figure for both Everton and the England national team.

Continued Importance at Everton

In the 2024/2025 Premier League season, Pickford continued to be a vital asset for Everton. He played in all 38 Premier League matches, keeping 12 clean sheets. He conceded 44 goals across the league campaign, averaging 1.16 goals conceded per 90 minutes. 

His commitment to the club remains strong, with reports in May 2025 indicating his desire to sign a new contract and potentially end his career at Goodison Park, underscoring his dedication to the Everton project, especially with the club entering a new era under The Friedkin Group.

Evolution of Goalkeeping in the Premier League

The role of the goalkeeper continues to evolve, with an increasing emphasis on ball-playing ability and involvement in build-up play. Pickford, with his exceptional distribution, is well-suited to this trend. 

Premier League statistics for 2025 show that goalkeepers like Ederson (Manchester City) and David Raya (Arsenal) are highly valued for their passing range and composure on the ball. Pickford consistently ranks among the top goalkeepers for long-ball accuracy and passes into the final third, demonstrating his proactive involvement in offensive phases. 

England’s Prospects

Pickford’s consistent form makes him a certainty for England’s major tournament squads. With upcoming World Cup Qualifiers in late 2025, he will be crucial for England’s aspirations. His leadership qualities, highlighted by teammates like Jordan Henderson, are invaluable in the England dressing room, particularly as the team aims to take the “final step” and win a major trophy. 

Practical Tips for Aspiring Goalkeepers 

Aspiring goalkeepers can learn a great deal from Jordan Pickford’s journey and playing style:

Master the Basics: While his distribution is flashy, Pickford’s core strength lies in his shot-stopping. Prioritize fundamental techniques like positioning, handling, and diving.

Embrace Distribution: Practice both short and long passing with both feet. Work on accuracy and decision-making when playing out from the back. Modern football demands goalkeepers who are comfortable with the ball at their feet.

Command Your Area: Develop strong communication skills and confidence in coming for crosses. Be decisive and assertive when dealing with aerial threats.

Mental Fortitude: Goalkeeping is a mentally demanding position. Learn to bounce back from mistakes and maintain focus under pressure. Pickford’s resilience in challenging circumstances is a prime example.

Dedication to Training: His extensive loan spells underscore the importance of consistent effort and seeking opportunities to play and develop, even at lower levels.

Real-Life Examples of Pickford’s Impact

2018 World Cup Penalty Save vs. Colombia: This moment is etched in English football folklore. Pickford’s save from Carlos Bacca’s penalty in the Round of 16 shootout, followed by Eric Dier’s winning spot-kick, sent England into the quarter-finals and captured the nation’s imagination. It showcased his ability to perform under the highest pressure.

Crucial Saves in Everton’s Relegation Battles: In recent seasons, particularly 2021/2022 and 2023/2024, Pickford delivered numerous match-winning saves that directly contributed to Everton avoiding relegation from the Premier League. His save against Cesar Azpilicueta in a 1-0 win over Chelsea in May 2022 was widely lauded as one of the saves of the season. His performances in these high-stakes games earned him multiple Player of the Season awards for Everton.

Long-Range Assists: While not frequent, Pickford has provided assists with his pinpoint long passes, demonstrating his offensive contribution. His ability to turn defense into attack with a single kick has caught opponents off guard and created scoring opportunities for his teammates. An example from the 2024/25 season highlights him as one of the Premier League goalkeepers with an assist to their name. 

FAQ 

How has Jordan Pickford improved his distribution skills over his career?

Jordan Pickford has consistently worked on his distribution throughout his career, transforming it into one of his key strengths. His early loan spells provided opportunities to practice playing out from the back under varied conditions. 

Under managers like Sam Allardyce at Everton and Gareth Southgate for England, who both emphasize building from the back, Pickford has been encouraged to utilize his strong kicking and throwing ability. 

He practices long and short passes regularly, refining his accuracy and decision-making to turn defensive situations into attacking opportunities. His statistical output in 2024/2025, leading the Premier League in attempted long balls and passes into the final third, clearly demonstrates this continuous improvement and integral role in his teams’ build-up play.

What is Jordan Pickford’s penalty saving record like for club and country?

Jordan Pickford has a notable record when it comes to saving penalties, particularly in high-pressure situations. For England, his most famous penalty save came against Carlos Bacca in the 2018 FIFA World Cup shootout against Colombia, which was crucial for England’s progression. He also saved two penalties in the Euro 2020 final shootout against Italy. 

In the Premier League, across his career, Jordan Pickford has saved 7 penalties. In the 2024/2025 season, he saved both penalties he faced in the Premier League. This highlights his strong record and mental resilience from the spot. 

What is Jordan Pickford’s contract situation and net worth in 2025?

As of mid-2025, Jordan Pickford’s contract with Everton is set to expire in June 2027, following his last extension in February 2023. Reports from May 2025 indicate that Pickford is keen to sign a new, extended contract with Everton, expressing a desire to potentially finish his career at the club. 

This demonstrates his commitment to the Merseyside team. Regarding his net worth, publicly available figures are often estimates, but based on his substantial professional football contracts, which include his current annual salary of $6,500,000 (USD) in 2025, and career earnings of over $42 million (USD) through 2024, his net worth is estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars. He also has endorsement deals with brands like Puma. 

What are the primary strengths and weaknesses in Jordan Pickford’s current playing style as of 2025?

As of 2025, Jordan Pickford’s primary strengths remain his exceptional shot-stopping abilities, characterized by quick reflexes and agility, and his elite distribution range, both with his feet and hands, which is crucial for initiating attacks and relieving pressure. His command of the penalty area and vocal leadership are also significant assets. Regarding weaknesses, while less frequent now, his aggressive style can sometimes lead to moments of impulsiveness or misjudgment, particularly when rushing off his line or attempting ambitious passes under extreme pressure. 

There have been instances in earlier stages of his career where decision-making errors occurred, though he has largely ironed these out through experience. However, overall, his strengths overwhelmingly outweigh any occasional vulnerabilities, cementing his status as a top-tier goalkeeper.

Final Thoughts

Jordan Pickford’s journey in professional football is a compelling narrative of talent, perseverance, and continuous adaptation. From his humble beginnings in Sunderland’s youth academy and a myriad of loan spells, he has ascended to become one of the most prominent goalkeepers in the Premier League and an indispensable figure for the England national team. His unique blend of acrobatic shot-stopping, aggressive command of his area, and unparalleled distribution sets him apart in the modern game.

As of 2025, Jordan Pickford continues to defy critics and consistently deliver high-level performances for Everton, playing a crucial role in their Premier League survival in challenging seasons. For England, he remains the undisputed number one, a reliable presence between the sticks in major tournaments and qualifiers. His desire to sign a new long-term deal with Everton further underlines his dedication and commitment.

Jordan Pickford career trajectory serves as an inspiration, showcasing how resilience, a commitment to improvement, and a strong personality can lead to sustained success at the highest level of professional football. He is not just a goalkeeper; he is a leader, a game-changer, and a testament to the evolving demands of the beautiful game. As he enters the prime of his career, Jordan Pickford’s impact on both club and country is poised to continue for many years to come.

To read more, Click here