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Shaka Hislop

Shaka Hislop is a Trinidad and Tobago former professional footballer and television soccer analyst.

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

Shaka Hislop is a Trinidad and Tobago former professional footballer and television soccer analyst. A goalkeeper, he played most of his club career in England and also represented Trinidad and Tobago at international level, including at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Early life and education

Hislop was born in Hackney, London, in 1969 and moved with his family to Trinidad and Tobago at a young age. He attended St. Mary’s College and later earned a scholarship to Howard University, where he studied mechanical engineering.

Club career

As a goalkeeper, Hislop played professionally in England and the United States across a career that spanned roughly 15 years. Sources identify clubs including Reading, Newcastle United, West Ham United, Portsmouth and FC Dallas.

International career

Hislop represented Trinidad and Tobago internationally and was the starting goalkeeper for the country’s first World Cup match in 2006. He was also capped at youth level for England.

Broadcasting and advocacy

Following retirement, Hislop became a prominent soccer analyst and pundit for ESPN. He has also been linked to anti-racism campaigning and received recognition for that work.

Key facts

  • Born in London and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, Hislop later studied at Howard University in the United States.
  • He played as a goalkeeper and had a professional career lasting about 15 years in England and the United States.
  • His club career included spells at Reading, Newcastle United, West Ham United, Portsmouth and FC Dallas.
  • He represented Trinidad and Tobago at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where he was the team’s starting goalkeeper in its first World Cup appearance.
  • After retiring in 2007, he became a soccer analyst and commentator for ESPN.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Shaka Hislop?
He is a Trinidad and Tobago former professional goalkeeper and later a soccer broadcaster and analyst.
When and where was Shaka Hislop born?
He was born on 22 February 1969 in Hackney, London, England.
What position did Shaka Hislop play?
He played as a goalkeeper.
Which national team did Shaka Hislop represent?
He represented Trinidad and Tobago at senior international level and England at under-21 level.
Which World Cup did Shaka Hislop play in?
He was Trinidad and Tobago’s starting goalkeeper at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
What does Shaka Hislop do after retirement?
He works as a soccer analyst and commentator, particularly with ESPN.

References

  1. ESPN — https://www.espn.co.uk/football/player/bio/_/id/7967/shaka-hislop
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, nationality, and goalkeeper position.
  2. ESPN Press Room — https://espnpressroom.com/us/bios/hislop/
    Supports: International career, 2006 World Cup role, retirement, and broadcasting work.
  3. Major League Soccer — https://mlssoccer.com/news/shaka-hislop-qa
    Supports: Howard University education, retirement, and anti-racism work.
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shaka_Hislop
    Supports: Early education and degree information.
  5. Newcastle United — https://www.newcastleunited.com/en/news/shakas-story-30-years-on-from-hislop-joining-newcastle-united
    Supports: Career summary, international caps, and later recognition.