Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jordan Pickford

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: July 15, 2026

How Jordan Pickford built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Jordan Pickford is an English professional footballer who serves as the primary goalkeeper for Everton in the Premier League and the England national team. Known for his exceptional shot-stopping ability, agility, and prowess in penalty shootouts, he has been a cornerstone of England's defensive setup under Gareth Southgate, playing a pivotal role in their deep runs in the 2018 World Cup, Euro 2020, and Euro 2024. Despite his relatively shorter stature for a modern goalkeeper, he is highly regarded for his quick reflexes and distribution skills. Pickford's career began at Sunderland before his high-profile move to Everton in 2017. He is frequently recognized as one of England’s most reliable players in major tournaments, consistently performing under pressure when representing his country.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1 May 2022: Crucial Goal Line Save Against Chelsea

On 1 May 2022, Pickford executed a remarkable double save to deny Chelsea, keeping out Mason Mount's shot and Cesar Azpilicueta's follow-up rebound, which helped Everton secure a 1–0 win.

October 2009: England U16 International Debut

In October 2009, Jordan Pickford marked his international career progression by making his debut for the England under-16 national team in a match against Wales under-16.

2010: Jordan Pickford signs scholarship terms with Sunderland

In 2010, after progressing through the youth ranks at Sunderland's Academy starting at age eight, Jordan Pickford officially signed two-year scholarship terms with the club.

2011: 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup Participation

During the 2011 FIFA U-17 World Cup, Pickford represented England in a notable match against Canada. In 2011, he conceded a rare 86th-minute goal scored by opposing goalkeeper Quillan Roberts, resulting in a 2-2 draw, which stands as the only goal scored by a goalkeeper from open play in a FIFA finals tournament.

2011: Signing of First Professional Contract

In 2011, Jordan Pickford officially committed to his football career by signing his first professional contract with his club.

January 2012: Loan move to Darlington and professional debut

In January 2012, Jordan Pickford joined the Conference Premier club Darlington on a loan deal, marking his professional debut on January 21, 2012, during a match against Fleetwood Town.

February 2013: Loan move to Alfreton Town

In February 2013, Jordan Pickford joined the Conference Premier club Alfreton Town on an initial month-long loan to provide cover for the injured goalkeeper Phil Barnes. During this period, he successfully made his debut and eventually had his loan extended through the end of the season, during which he kept 5 clean sheets in 12 appearances.

August 2013: Loan spell at Burton Albion

In August 2013, Jordan Pickford began his loan spell with the League Two club Burton Albion, making his debut on August 3, 2013, before being recalled by Sunderland on August 17, 2013, after featuring in three matches.

November 2013: Return to Sunderland bench duties

Starting on November 23, 2013, Jordan Pickford began a period serving as an unused substitute for Sunderland to provide cover for Vito Mannone.

2013: Contract Extension with Sunderland

At the conclusion of the 2013–14 season in 2013, Jordan Pickford committed his future to Sunderland by signing a new four-year contract.

January 2014: Conclusion of substitute role

On January 18, 2014, Jordan Pickford concluded a stretch of 11 matches where he served as an unused substitute bench cover for goalkeeper Vito Mannone.

February 2014: Loan Move to Carlisle United

On 8 February 2014, Jordan Pickford joined League One side Carlisle United on an initial one-month loan deal. He made his professional debut for the team on the same day during a 2–1 defeat against Gillingham. Due to his impressive performance, his loan spell was extended for the remainder of the 2013-2014 season, resulting in a total of 18 appearances for the club.

July 2014: Loan move to Bradford City

In July 2014, Jordan Pickford joined the League One club Bradford City on a season-long loan deal for the 2014–15 campaign.

January 2015: First career red card

On 10 January 2015, Jordan Pickford was issued his first ever red card during an 11th-minute exit in a 2–1 defeat against Rochdale, resulting in a one-match suspension.

March 2015: Recall from loan spell

On 9 March 2015, Jordan Pickford was recalled by his parent club, effectively ending his stint as the first-choice goalkeeper for his loan team during the 2014-2015 season.

July 2015: Loan move to Preston North End

On July 31, 2015, Jordan Pickford joined the Championship football club Preston North End on a season-long loan agreement for the 2015–16 campaign, marking a significant step in his professional development.

December 2015: Controversial dismissal against Leeds United

On December 20, 2015, Jordan Pickford was controversially sent off during a match against Leeds United. The referee judged that he handled the ball outside his box while challenging striker Chris Wood, but Preston later successfully appealed the decision by providing replay footage that proved the ball had actually hit Pickford in the chest.

January 2016: Pickford's Return and Professional Breakthrough at Sunderland

During January 2016, Jordan Pickford was recalled from his loan by Sunderland to help the team, which was positioned 19th in the Premier League. Throughout the month, he achieved several career milestones, including his first-team debut on January 9 against Arsenal, his Premier League debut against Tottenham Hotspur on January 16, and the signing of a new contract on January 26 to remain with the club until 2020.

2016: Sunderland Breakthrough

During the 2016 season, Jordan Pickford moved from his role as an understudy to the starting goalkeeper for Sunderland following an injury to Vito Mannone. He made his debut start in a match against Southampton, during which he showcased his goalkeeping skills despite a late error that resulted in a 1-1 draw.

April 2017: PFA Young Player of the Year Nomination

On 13 April 2017, Jordan Pickford received recognition for his impressive performances by being shortlisted as one of six candidates for the prestigious PFA Young Player of the Year award.

June 2017: Transfer to Everton Football Club

In June 2017, Jordan Pickford completed a high-profile transfer to Everton for a fee of £30 million, marking a significant milestone in his professional goalkeeping career.

August 2017: Premier League Debut for Everton

Jordan Pickford made his league debut for Everton on 12 August 2017, contributing to a 1–0 victory over Stoke City at Goodison Park.

November 2017: England National Team Debut

In November 2017, Jordan Pickford made his first senior appearance for the full England national team during a friendly match against Germany.

December 2018: Derby Day Error Against Liverpool

On 2 December 2018, Jordan Pickford committed a critical error during a match against Liverpool by mishandling a Virgil van Dijk volley. This mistake allowed Divock Origi to head in the winning goal during the 96th minute of the game.

2018: 2018 FIFA World Cup Campaign

During the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Pickford served as the starting goalkeeper for England, helping the squad reach the semi-finals for the first time since 1990 and securing a fourth-place finish.

2018: Expiration of Sunderland Contract

The four-year contract signed by Jordan Pickford in 2013 reached its scheduled conclusion in 2018, marking the end of that specific agreement with Sunderland.

March 2019: Eventful match against Newcastle United

On 10 March 2019, during a match against Newcastle United, Jordan Pickford experienced a volatile game where he conceded a penalty after a foul on Salomón Rondón, subsequently saved the penalty, and later conceded three goals while drawing criticism for his on-field emotional display toward opposing fans.

2020: UEFA Euro 2020 Finalists

In 2020, Pickford was the starting goalkeeper as England reached the UEFA Euro 2020 final, their first major tournament final appearance since 1966, maintaining a clean sheet throughout the entire group stage.

2020: Contractual Commitment to Sunderland

In January 2016, Jordan Pickford signed a contract extension that committed his professional future to the football club Sunderland until the year 2020.

September 2022: First Clean Sheet of 2022-23 Season

On 3 September 2022, Jordan Pickford achieved his first clean sheet of the 2022-23 Premier League season during a Merseyside derby match against Liverpool at Goodison Park, earning praise for his performance.

February 2023: Contract Extension with Everton

On 24 February 2023, Jordan Pickford solidified his commitment to Everton by signing a new contract that extends his tenure with the club through June 2027.

2023: Everton Player of the Season Award

In 2023, Jordan Pickford was honored as the Everton Player of the Season for the third year in a row, marking the conclusion of the 2023–24 football campaign.

2024: UEFA Euro 2024 Final Appearance

In 2024, Jordan Pickford continued his role as England's primary goalkeeper as the team successfully navigated the tournament to reach the final of UEFA Euro 2024.

October 2025: Contract Extension with Everton

On 16 October 2025, Jordan Pickford signed a new four-year contract, officially securing his commitment to his club until the year 2029.

June 2027: Contract Expiration Date

As of the contract signed on 24 February 2023, Jordan Pickford's employment with Everton is scheduled to conclude in June 2027.

2029: Conclusion of Contract Term

As of the contract signed in October 2025, Jordan Pickford's tenure with his club is scheduled to run through the year 2029.

25 May 2022: Everton Player of the Season Award

On 25 May 2022, Jordan Pickford was honored with the Everton Player of the Season award in recognition of his exceptional performance throughout the campaign.

28 May 2022: 2021–22 Castrol Save of the Season Award

On 28 May 2022, Pickford received the 2021–22 Castrol Save of the Season award for his crucial defensive stop, which occurred during a 1–0 victory against Chelsea on 1 May 2022.