Ian Wright: 10 Facts About the Arsenal Legend
- Apr 7, 2021
- 2 min read
Updated: Jan 27
A true icon of Highbury, Ian Wright embodies the spirit of 1990s Arsenal. A late bloomer, prolific goalscorer and cultural figure in English football, Wrighty left a lasting mark on the Premier League.Here are 10 facts you might not know about the Arsenal legend.
10 Facts About Ian Wright
1️⃣ Ian Wright is the father of Shaun Wright-Phillips
Ian Wright is the biological father of Shaun Wright-Phillips, former Manchester City and Chelsea winger.
2️⃣ He played Sunday League until the age of 21
Before turning professional, Ian Wright was still playing Sunday League football before being spotted by Crystal Palace — an extraordinary rise.
3️⃣ Arsenal’s all-time top scorer
After six seasons with the Gunners, he became Arsenal’s all-time top scorer with 179 goals, breaking a 58-year-old record, later surpassed by Thierry Henry.
4️⃣ Awarded an MBE by the Queen
Ian Wright was awarded Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his contribution to English football.
5️⃣ He spent time in prison
Before fame, Ian Wright served short prison sentences for repeated driving offences, a period he openly reflects on today.
6️⃣ EA Sports banned a racist gamer for life
After racist abuse on Instagram following a FIFA match, EA Sports permanently banned the offender from its games.
7️⃣ He was set to become a bricklayer
Before football changed his life, Ian Wright was training to become a bricklayer, far from the Premier League spotlight.
8️⃣ A true Premier League style icon
According to a very serious Retro Football Gang study, Ian Wright remains one of the most stylish figures in Premier League history.
9️⃣ His family was taken hostage
While working as a pundit for ITV, his wife and daughters were taken hostage during a home invasion — a traumatic experience.
🔟 He released a disco track
Like many footballers of his era, Ian Wright released a disco track titled “Do The Right Thing”.
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