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Ben Foster

Ben Foster is an English former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Ben Foster is an English former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He is best known for his Premier League career with Manchester United, Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion, Watford, and Wrexham, and for representing England internationally. He retired from professional football in 2023.

Early life and youth career

Foster was born in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, on 3 April 1983. He grew up in Warwickshire and came through the youth system at Racing Club Warwick. He began his senior career in English football before moving into higher divisions.

Club career

Foster's senior career included spells with Stoke City and Manchester United early on. He later became a first-choice goalkeeper at Birmingham City and then West Bromwich Albion. He also played for Watford on two occasions and finished his career at Wrexham.

International career

Foster was capped by England as a goalkeeper. He was part of the national-team goalkeeping pool during the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Retirement

Foster announced the end of his professional career in 2023.

Key facts

  • Ben Foster is an English former professional footballer who played as a goalkeeper.
  • He played for several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, Birmingham City, and West Bromwich Albion.
  • He was a senior England international goalkeeper.
  • He retired from professional football in 2023.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Ben Foster?
Ben Foster is an English former professional football goalkeeper best known for his Premier League and England career.
What position did Ben Foster play?
He played as a goalkeeper.
Which clubs did Ben Foster play for?
His senior clubs included Stoke City, Manchester United, Watford, Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion and Wrexham.
Did Ben Foster play for England?
Yes. He was a senior England international goalkeeper.
When was Ben Foster born?
He was born on 3 April 1983.
Is Ben Foster retired?
Yes. He retired from professional football in 2023.

References

  1. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Foster_(footballer)
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, position, retired status, Premier League save record.
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/bio/_/id/22777/ben-foster
    Supports: Birth date, nationality, position.
  3. Premier League — https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/9089/ben-foster/overview
    Supports: Nationality, birth date, appearances, player profile.
  4. Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.us/ben-foster/profil/spieler/13572
    Supports: Full name, birth date, place of birth, height, position, retirement status.