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Leon Bailey

Leon Bailey is a Jamaican professional footballer who plays primarily as a winger or forward.

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

Leon Bailey is a Jamaican professional footballer who plays primarily as a winger or forward. He has played club football for Genk, Bayer Leverkusen, Aston Villa, and Roma on loan, and has represented Jamaica internationally.

Early life and youth career

Bailey was born in Kingston, Jamaica, on 9 August 1997. He moved to Europe at age 13 and developed through youth football before turning professional. He played youth football for several clubs before joining Genk in Belgium.

Club career

Bailey signed for Genk in 2015 and was named Belgian Young Footballer of the Year. He established himself at Genk before transferring to Bayer Leverkusen in 2017. In 2021 he signed for Aston Villa, and later spent time on loan at Roma.

International career

Bailey has represented Jamaica at senior international level. He was listed in Jamaica's squad for the Copa America 2024, though his participation became disputed and he was temporarily suspended from national-team selection.

Playing style

Bailey is primarily deployed as a winger or forward and is known for playing on the flank. Different sources also list him as a midfielder in some competitions or data systems.

Key facts

  • Born in Kingston, Jamaica, on 9 August 1997; moved to Europe at age 13.
  • Signed for Genk in 2015 and named Belgian Young Footballer of the Year.
  • Played for Bayer Leverkusen, Aston Villa, and Roma on loan.
  • Has represented Jamaica at senior level; was listed in Copa America 2024 squad but participation disputed.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Leon Bailey?
Leon Bailey is a Jamaican professional footballer who plays primarily as a winger or forward for Aston Villa and the Jamaica national team.
When was Leon Bailey born?
He was born on 9 August 1997 in Kingston, Jamaica.
Which clubs has Leon Bailey played for?
His senior club career has included Genk, Bayer Leverkusen, Aston Villa, and a loan spell at Roma.
What position does Leon Bailey play?
He is mainly listed as a winger or forward, usually operating on the right side.
Has Leon Bailey played for Jamaica?
Yes. He has represented Jamaica at senior international level.
Did Leon Bailey play at Copa America 2024?
He was named in Jamaica's squad, but his participation became disputed and he was temporarily suspended from national-team selection.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Bailey
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, early career, club history, and Jamaica squad dispute.
  2. ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/224809/leon-bailey
    Supports: Nationality, position, club, and birthdate.
  3. Premier League — https://www.premierleague.com/en/players/215711/leon-bailey/overview
    Supports: Nationality, preferred foot, birth date, appearances, goals, and assists.
  4. Soccerbase — https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=87296
    Supports: Place of birth, nationality, Aston Villa signing date, and transfer fee.
  5. UEFA — https://www.uefa.com/uefaeuropaleague/clubs/players/250099054--leon-bailey/
    Supports: Date of birth, height, weight, club number, and listed playing position.