Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Adam Johnson (footballer)

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 29, 2025

Discover the career path of Adam Johnson (footballer), from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Adam Johnson is a former English professional footballer who played as a winger. He emerged from Middlesbrough's youth system, debuting at 17 in a UEFA Cup match. Johnson made 120 appearances for Middlesbrough and had loan spells with Leeds United and Watford.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

March 2005: Senior Debut in UEFA Cup

On 17 March 2005, Adam Johnson made his senior debut for Middlesbrough at age 17 in a UEFA Cup match against Sporting CP.

May 2006: First Goal for Middlesbrough

In May 2006, Adam Johnson scored his first goal for Middlesbrough in a Premier League match against Bolton Wanderers.

June 2006: Signed New Contract

On June 30, 2006, Adam Johnson signed a new four-year contract extension with Middlesbrough.

October 2006: Joined Leeds United on Loan

On 16 October 2006, Adam Johnson joined Leeds United on a month-long loan.

September 2007: Joined Watford on Loan

In September 2007, Adam Johnson joined Championship club Watford on a three-month loan.

2008: Scored Against Manchester City

In the final match of the 2008 season, Adam Johnson scored in Middlesbrough's 8-1 victory over Manchester City.

2009: Important Part of Boro's Championship Team

In 2009, Adam Johnson became an important part of Boro's Championship team. He scored three of Boro's five goals in the first three matches.

2009: UEFA U21 Championships

In 2009, Adam Johnson was called up for the England under-21 team at the UEFA U21 Championships in Sweden. He had previously scored once in qualification and in the qualification play-offs against Wales U21s. During the tournament, he started in two group stage matches, won man of the match against Germany, and converted his penalty in the semi-final shoot-out against Sweden.

2009: Transfer Rumours

In 2009, Adam Johnson was subject to transfer rumours but chose not to extend his contract with Middlesbrough.

February 2010: Move to Manchester City

In February 2010, Adam Johnson moved to Manchester City.

February 2010: Named in senior England squad

In late February 2010, Adam Johnson was named in the senior England squad for the first time in Fabio Capello's 30-man shortlist for a friendly against Egypt, though he didn't make the final 23.

September 2010: First international goal

On September 3, 2010, Adam Johnson scored his first international goal for England against Bulgaria in a UEFA Euro 2012 qualifier, which England won 4–0.

December 2010: Scored Winner Against Blackpool

On New Year's Day in December 2010, Adam Johnson scored the winning goal in the 1-0 win against Blackpool and dedicated it to Dale Roberts.

October 2011: Scored and Assisted Against Wolverhampton Wanderers

On 26 October 2011, Adam Johnson scored and got an assist in a 5–2 League Cup win against Wolverhampton Wanderers.

2011: FA Cup Win

In 2011, Adam Johnson won the FA Cup with Manchester City.

2011: Won FA Cup With Manchester City

In 2011, Adam Johnson won the FA Cup with Manchester City.

February 2012: Capello resigns, Pearce takes charge

In February 2012, Fabio Capello resigned as England coach, and Stuart Pearce took temporary charge. Johnson started Pearce's only match as manager.

May 2012: Hodgson does not select Johnson

In May 2012, when Roy Hodgson took over as England manager, Adam Johnson was not selected in the 23-man squad for UEFA Euro 2012, but was named on standby.