Growing up in Tang Hall, Godfrey was deeply influenced by the area’s rich cultural diversity. With Jamaican roots from his paternal grandfather, he developed a unique blend of ethnic identity that shaped his interactions and relationships during childhood. Known for his sporty nature, Ben was often compared to his father, Alex Godfrey, a former professional rugby league footballer.
This article delves into Ben Godfrey’s life story, exploring his journey from a vibrant childhood to his rise to fame in football, offering a comprehensive look at the man behind the athlete.
Our Ben Godfrey Biography offers an in-depth look at his childhood, early life, family background, and personal life. From his formative years to his rise to fame in football, we cover every aspect of his journey. To pique your interest, we’ve included a gallery that highlights his transformation from boyhood to adulthood. This introduction to Ben Godfrey’s story showcases the remarkable path he has travelled and how he has evolved throughout his life.
Everyone recognizes Ben Godfrey as a resilient English defender. Despite these highlights, there’s a lot more to his story that many fans are unaware of. His life story and biography offer fascinating insights that go beyond the headlines. So, without further delay, let’s dive into the full account of Ben Godfrey’s journey.
Ben Godfrey Childhood Story:
For Biography starters, he bears the real name Benjamin Matthew Godfrey. Ben is just a nickname. The English footballer was born on the 15th day of January 1998 to his parents, Mr and Mrs Alex Godfrey, in the city of York, North Yorkshire, England. Ben Godfrey appears to be the only child of his Mum and a young/handsome Dad, whom we have pictured here.
Early Life and Growing-Up Years:
Apparently, the rising centre-back spent most of his childhood days idolizing Thierry Henry. Yes! He’s got a profound interest in playing football since he was a little boy.
Thanks to the support of his athletic father, Ben’s delight in soccer never ended as a mere hobby.
Ben Godfrey Family Background:
Coming from an athletic household, it is only natural that his sports-loving parents had instilled in him a love for the beautiful game. Perhaps you didn’t know that athleticism runs pretty deep in Godfrey’s family genetics.
In fact, his father, Alex Godfrey, was a former professional rugby league player.
With his enormous earnings during his career days, the big man ensured that little Ben, his wife, and his extended household enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle.
Family Origin:
The English national of mixed-race Ethnicity comes from the largest non-metropolitan county (North Yorkshire) in England.
Interestingly, Godfrey’s hometown is about 328.1 km away from London, where England’s most revered icon (David Beckham) was born.
Do you know?… His place of Origin is a pleasant spot for tourism. In fact, North Yorkshire is known for its Yorkshire Dales and North York Moors, which are among England’s best destinations.
Ben Godfrey Biography – The Football Story:
Growing up in Yorkshire, the future tackler enjoyed playing soccer with his peers after school. Back then, Godfrey played as a striker until he was 12.
Thankfully, he realised he wasn’t cut out for an attacking role. Hence, he focused on making an impact from the rear.
While evolving as a teenager, Godfrey attended Archbishop Holgate’s School, which is a co-educational Church with academic status.
There, he partook in high school soccer and gained recognition from many sponsors and coaches.
With his undeniable talent, Godfrey captained the York and District U-13 squad to winning the 2011 English Schools’ FA Inter-Association Trophy.
Ben Godfrey Biography – Early Life with Career Football:
After showcasing a great deal of proficiency in the game, several scouts set out to discuss his future with his parents.
Thankfully, Alex Godfrey and his wife reached a reasonable agreement with York City FC. Hence, they had their son enter the Minstermen youth team in 2011.
Sadly, Ben Godfrey’s early career days had lots of ups and downs. First, he complained to his mom and dad about how the system of York City was not favourable to him.
Then, his father had to go through serious stress to have him join Middlesbrough towards the end of 2011.
Road to Fame Story:
It was not too long before his mother suggested that their son should take some trials with other teams. Consenting to her suggestion, the defender’s dad had him tested at both Leeds United and Sheffield Wednesday.
Sadly, Godfrey was rejected by both clubs when he was only 15 years old. The entire ordeal broke him and almost made him give up on football.
However, his hope for a better future in soccer came to life as he gained a scholarship to join the U-15 team of York afterwards.
Success Story:
It was not too long before the tackler became York’s U-18 captain after making his professional debut at 17.
In no distant time, Ben Godfrey’s family celebrated his grand success as he passed Norwich city trials, joining them for a three-and-a-half-year contract in 2016.
With the Canaries, our boy helped the team to win the EFL Championship trophy.
While he featured for the Canaries, the defender had a one-year loan spell with the Shrewsbury Town in League One.
With his expertise as a central defender, Godfrey attracted the attention of Everton’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti.
Interestingly, Ancelotti contacted Norwich City to discuss a possible transfer of the tackler. As destiny would have, Ben Godfrey sealed a £25 million deal with Everton in 2020.
There, he formed a formidable partnership with Yerry Mina (CB), Michael Keane (CB) and Anthony Gordon (LW). The rest, as they say of his Biography, is now history.
Personal Life:
What makes the Yorkshire-born footballer thick? First and foremost, he’s got a blend of the Capricorn zodiac trait. Apparently, Godfrey is intelligent, disciplined, and loyal to a just course. His humility precedes his reputation.
Of course, he is a fan favourite because of his personality on and off the pitch. There were times when Godfrey would sit in an ornamental scenery to enjoy the refreshing air of the surroundings. For the record, he’s got a cute smile as well.
Lifestyle:
An analysis of Everton’s 2021 payroll reveals that Ben Godfrey earned a little less than Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Theo Walcott. With his annual salary of £4 million (January 2021 Stats), the prolific tackler lives a luxurious lifestyle.
He’s got a beautiful mansion and some exotic cars. Also, with all his years of experience as a soccer star, we have estimated Ben Godfrey’s Net Worth at about £3.5 million as of February 2021.
Ben Godfrey Family:
To the formidable athlete, nothing is better than going home to family and eating the good old food of his Mum.
Godfrey cherishes the memories and time he spends with his parents. In this section, we bring you details about every member of his household.
About Ben Godfrey’s Father:
No doubt, his dad gave him the greatest gift he ever wished for by believing in him. The centre-back’s father is Alex Godfrey, the former Rugby player whose son has carried on to live the family’s sporting dreams.
When Godfrey’s journey to stardom became extremely difficult, he had Alex on the lookout for him.
About Ben Godfrey’s Mother:
There is no word that can define the unconditional love that his mom showed him since he was a little boy.
Surprisingly, Godfrey has not mentioned his mother’s name during any of his interviews. However, her words of encouragement have seen him through trying times.
We suspect Ben Godfrey’s mum is likely of white ethnicity.
About Ben Godfrey’s Siblings:
As I write this Bio, there has been no information pointing to his brothers or sisters. It appears Ben Godfrey has no siblings. However, he has made a tonne of friends whom he considers his brothers.
About Ben Godfrey’s Relatives:
Moving on to his ancestry, there has been no information about his grandfather and grandmother.
Of course, his entire family celebrates his success in the fierce world of football. Notwithstanding, nothing has been said about his uncles, aunts, and distant relatives.
Untold Facts:
To wrap up the tackler’s Biography, here are a few facts about him that would help you get a complete knowledge of his Life Story.
Name Misconception:
To clarify one important fact, he is not related to the British Superbike star (Ben Godfrey) who died in an accident.
Whenever his name is mentioned, there are fans who mistake him to be a relative of the motorbike pro who died at the age of 25 after a crash at Donington Park.
Why he chose the Toffees:
After joining Alex Iwobi and Cenk Tosun at Everton, Godfrey disclosed the man who has helped him make such a grand decision.
According to HITC, the words of Everton’s Tom Davies, his close friend, were the biggest encouragement that made Ben take the big step of joining the Toffeemen. In an interview, Godfrey once said,
“As soon as I heard the whispers about the Toffees, that was it for me. Instantly, I got the vibe that Davies really enjoys his soccer here. Also, he made me realise it would be easy to settle in.”
Ben Godfrey’s Tattoos:
Yes! Ben Godfrey is also big on inking. Apparently, he does not need the approval of his father and mother before he tattoos his skin with beautiful designs that speak about his life history.
Poor FIFA Stats:
Although his ratings show a greater prospect than that of Walker Zimmerman, to whom FIFA owes a lot. Though both youngsters still have a long way to go.
From his FIFA Stats, he has to work on his ball control, positioning, and attacking flair to become more influential on the pitch.
EndNote:
Sometimes, we have to get knocked down lower than we have ever been to stand back up taller than we ever were. It was because Godfrey understood this fact that he didn’t give up on his dream when different clubs rejected him.
It behoves us to commend his parents (especially his sports-loving father, Alex) for trusting in his career decision. Indeed, their resolve to allow Godfrey to play soccer has already made their entire family proud.
We strive for fairness and accuracy while creating the Biography of Ben Godfrey. Kindly contact us if you see something you don’t like about this Memoir.
More so, place a comment to let us know what you think about the future Three Lions star who could join Leon Beiley to represent Jamaica.