In football, not every player gets the recognition they deserve, and Ashley Young is a perfect example. Known by his nicknames “Peahead” or “Youngy,” he’s someone who has quietly excelled, often flying under the radar despite his success. While much attention is given to Cristiano Ronaldo‘s longevity, few realize that Young, who is the same age as the Portuguese superstar, is still competing at the highest level in the World’s toughest league, the English Premier League. But what’s truly fascinating about Ashley Young is the incredible story behind his success.
Preamble:
From his days at The John Henry Newman School in Stevenage, those close to him have noticed that his life changed in remarkable ways. This biography will introduce you to his father, Luther, originally from Jamaica, and his mother, Sharon, who have both been instrumental in supporting and extending Ashley’s football career. If you asked Ashley about the secret to his longevity, he would likely credit his favourite home-cooked jerk chicken and spicy Jamaican dishes, meals that bring back memories of his childhood.
You’ll also meet his brother, Martin Young, an Arsenal fan who stands by his club even when it means going against his brother’s team—thanks to an Arsenal legend he idolized. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the full story of Ashley Young and explore the journey that has made him the footballer he is today.”
Ashley Young Childhood Story – Early Life and Family Background:
To kick off his biography, Ashley Simon Young was born on the 9th day of July, the year 1985, in Stevenage, United Kingdom. He is a Cancer, born to Jamaican parents, Mr. and Mrs. Luther Young.
Ashley attended The John Henry Newman School in Stevenage, where he first began playing football. Interestingly, he played the beautiful game alongside future Formula One legendary driver Lewis Hamilton, who was in the same year at Newman school.
Ashley Young has been connected to football from a very young age. Born and raised in Hertfordshire, he began his youth career at Watford when he was just 10 years old. By the 2004–05 season, he had become a regular in the first team and played a crucial role in Watford’s promotion-winning campaign during the 2005–06 season.
His impressive performances continued in the Premier League, catching the attention of Aston Villa, where he transferred in January 2007. At Villa Park, Young quickly established himself as a key player, earning the prestigious PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2009.
On 23 June 2011, Ashley Young made a significant career move, signing for Manchester United for an undisclosed fee. And as they say, the rest is history.
Who is Nicky Pike? Ashley Young’s Wife:
Ashley Young’s relationship life is centred around one woman. No other person than his childhood sweetheart, Nicky Pike.
Both began dating when they were still at school. Here are the Two Love Birds- Ashley Young and Nicky Pike.
Ashley Young once attempted to celebrate a standout season with Manchester United by marrying his childhood sweetheart, Nicky Pike. However, things took an unexpected turn. Just 48 hours before the £200,000 wedding ceremony in 2011, Ashley shocked friends and family by calling it off at the last minute.
The reason behind his sudden decision remains a mystery, but it left both families reeling. Thankfully, Ashley and Nicky made amends four years later, rescheduling the wedding and finally tying the knot, proving that true love can weather any storm.
As I write this Bio, both couples have two children, nine-year-old son Tyler and younger daughter Ellearna. Here is Ashley Young’s beautiful family.
Ashley Young Biography Facts – Controversies:
In late 2017, Young and Alli were involved in a 30th-minute spat during Manchester United’s win over Tottenham after Young claimed he was caught in the face by Spurs right-back Serge Aurier.
Alli got involved and went head-to-head with Young before players from both sides intervened during the first-half melee.
The verbal exchanges between Young and Alli continued after referee Jon Moss attempted to defuse the situation.
Spectators understood that Alli informed the 32-year-old he should ‘retire with a Zimmer frame’. Young, who has won the Premier League, FA Cup, League Cup and Europa League with United, is believed to have responded by advising Alli not to speak to him so disrespectfully until he has won something.
Young ended the bickering by telling Alli: “Let me know when you win the Prem.” The verbals are also understood to have continued in the tunnel after the match, which went in favour of Young.
Ashley Young mocked Alli’s lip after the game with a tweet that reads: “Great Team Spirit. That is a very Good Result. Talk is Cheap.”
Ashley Young Family Life:
This section of our Biography unveils more Truths about the versatile English Footballer. Without further ado, let’s begin.
About Ashley Young’s Father:
His name is Luther, and he (just like Jacob Ramsey‘s Dad) is from Jamaica. Luther Young, as he is often called, is a massive fan of Tottenham Hotspur. Luther has sampled his family very high on every aspect the Beautiful Game has to offer.
About Ashley Young’s Mother:
Sharon is the woman who gave birth to him. She is a woman who does no other than send boxes of Young’s favourite home-cooked jerk chicken and spicy Jamaican treat. In Young’s words…Â
“The food reminds me of childhood. It’s happy to have my mum and dad’s heritage coming from Jamaica. When we were growing up, that was pretty much what I was eating. It reminds me of my history”.Â
Sharon Young and her husband still live down south, while Young himself is up north in Manchester.
About Ashley Young Brother:
Ashley Young, the Manchester United legend, has one older sibling—his brother, Martin Young. Interestingly, Martin is a die-hard Arsenal fan, with his football hero and role model being none other than Ian Wright, both on and off the pitch.
Despite Ashley’s achievements, Martin’s loyalty to Arsenal remains unwavering, thanks to his admiration for the London club’s legendary striker.
Again, Ashley also has two football-playing younger brothers, Lewis Young, who made his debut for Watford in 2008, and Kyle Young, who, in April 2009, was training at the Arsenal Academy.
Yes, THEY may be Young in name, but the experience this family has in football is unparalleled. Martin Young is six years older than Ashley. Ashley is four years older than Lewis, and Lewis is seven years older than Kyle.
Lewis forged a long-standing career with the likes of Burton, Northampton, and now Crawley. Both Martin and Kyle have seen their professional dreams dashed for differing reasons.
The quartet keeps in touch daily via a Whatsapp group chat, with Lewis and Ashley particularly tight due to their closeness in age and their recent positional switches from winger to full-back.
Indeed, from playing for England and winning the Premier League title to scrapping it out in the lower leagues to the heartbreak of horrendous injury luck ruining a career before it had started – the Young ones have seen it all.
Personality away from soccer:
Young is cancer and has the following attributes to his zodiac personality;
Ashley Young’s Strengths: Young is known to be Tenacious, highly imaginative, loyal, emotional, sympathetic and persuasive.
Young’s Weaknesses:Â Moody, pessimistic, suspicious, manipulative and insecure.
What Ashley Young likes:Â Art, home-based hobbies, relaxing near or in water, helping loved ones, a good meal with friends
The things Ashley Young dislikes are strangers, criticism of his mom, and the revelation of details of his personal life.
Diving Allegations:
Ashley Young, like Didier Drogba and Luis Suarez (back in the day), has been labelled as the master of diving in the premier league. Ashley Young has faced heavy criticism from the press for diving. He even admitted to former managers Sir Alex Ferguson and David Moyes that he had, on occasion, used diving to gain an unfair advantage on the pitch.
Fact Check
Thanks for taking the time to read about Ashley Young, a true admirer of José Mourinho, who once shared his honest thoughts on the Special One’s ‘disappointing’ time at Manchester United. We’re committed to delivering accurate and fair biographies of English football players.
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