A similar dynasty has emerged in English football, albeit with club connections being spread a little thinner, and an Arsenal legend, Ian Wright, finds himself filling the role of patriarch.
Who did Ian Wright play for?
A Woolwich native-born in 1963, Wright took a scenic route to the top of professional football, with a first professional contract at Crystal Palace signed at the age of 21. He had been playing non-league football prior to that, but his full potential was unlocked with the Eagles.
Wright earned a move to Arsenal in 1991 and would hit a record-setting 185 goals across seven years in north London – claiming Premier League and FA Cup winners’ medals along the way. Mikel Arteta could do with a player of his ilk in the present, with the Gunners currently priced at 7/4 in the odds from William Hill to secure a top-four finish this season.
After bidding an emotional farewell to Highbury, Wright took in spells with West Ham, Nottingham Forest, Celtic, and Burnley before hanging up his boots in 2000. He retired with 33 England caps to his name and has since gone on to enjoy a productive career in punditry.
Who did Ian Wright’s sons play for?
Shaun – who was the adopted son of Ian – and his brother Bradley Wright-Phillips both forged successful playing careers after coming through the ranks at Manchester City. Older sibling Shaun scaled the greater heights, becoming a Premier League title winner at Chelsea and a full England international that made 36 appearances for his country.
He took in two memorable stints with City, sandwiching a spell at Stamford Bridge, and also represented Queens Park Rangers, Phoenix Rising, and the New York Red Bulls.
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He played alongside Bradley while in America as his brother had made his own move to the States in 2013. Prior to that, the younger Wright-Phillips had spent time in the Football League with Southampton, Plymouth, Charlton, and Brentford.
He really burst into life after arriving in the Big Apple, with two MLS Golden Boot’s landed while hitting a club-record 125 goals. Bradley has been without a club since leaving Columbus Crew in 2021.
Who does Ian Wright’s grandson play for?
In January 2022, Wright’s grandson made his professional debut for Stoke City in an FA Cup clash with Leyton Orient. D’Margio Wright-Phillips, the son of Shaun, also spent time in Manchester City’s academy system before looking elsewhere for competitive game time.
Proud is beyond an understatement. I’ve been blessed to play for some amazing teams and represent my country at the very highest level. But yesterday afternoon, I witnessed my son make his professional debut, and this I am most proud of.. pic.twitter.com/5C6KssxVBt
— Shaun W-Phillips (@swp29) January 10, 2022
He is, like his father, a promising right-winger and a player expected to make a positive impact with the Potters in the months and years to come.
Extending the family tree a little further and Ian Wright’s cousin – Jermaine – also played professional football, spending time with the likes of Crewe Alexandra, Ipswich Town, Leeds United, and Southampton. His nephew Drey is a top-flight performer in Scotland with Hibernian, having headed to Edinburgh on the back of spells at Colchester United and St Johnstone.
Therefore, you can see how this family has managed to stamp their mark on the world of professional football. It will be interesting to see whether any will be able to match the legendary career of Ian Wright though.
