Frank Lampard
Frank Lampard is undoubtedly one of Chelsea’s all-time legends. Before becoming manager of the club in 2019, he had a massively successful run of thirteen years as a midfielder for the club. But what were the origins of this modern great?
Background
Frank James Lampard was born in London in 1978, to his father of the same name, and his mother, Patricia Harris. His father was himself a successful footballer, playing for West Ham United, and his uncle is Harry Redknapp. Frank Junior was one of three children, and his cousin is Jamie Redknapp.
His family well supported Frank’s interests in sport and his education. He was intelligent and athletic as a child and left school with 11 GCSEs. His interest in reading and writing continues to this day, and he has written many children’s books as well as his autobiography.
Early Career
Frank started his football career at West Ham United in 1994, while his father was an assistant coach. The following year, he signed a professional contract with West Ham, but actually made his professional debut with Swansea city due to being on loan.
After returning to West Ham, he attracted praise and attention after scoring a hat-trick against Walsall in the 1997/8 season. By 2000, he was part of the England team’s senior squad.
Time at Chelsea FC
In 2001, Lampard was transferred to Chelsea for 11 million Euros. He quickly gained recognition, finishing in second place as FWA’s Footballer of the Year in 2004. Lampard’s two goals against Bolton Wanderers in 2004 were instrumental in Chelsea’s successful Premier League campaign, and they took home the trophy that season. The club’s 2007 FA Cup victory was largely down to Lampard providing a crucial assist to Didier Drogba.
In 2008, Lampard scored the winning goal in the final of the FA Cup, against Everton. He was named the best player in the Chelsea squad, and nominated for FIFA World Player of the Year in 2009.
In 2012, Lampard captained the team to victory in the European Champions League final, and in the UEFA Europa cup the following season.
Lampard’s personal life was as successful as his career during his time at Chelsea. In 2015, he married television presenter Christine Bleakley, and the couple are still married with a daughter who was born in 2018.
Post-Chelsea Career
After leaving Chelsea in 2014, he went on to play briefly for Manchester City for one season, and then in the US for New York City. In 2017, he retired as a professional football player.
Management Career
With the help of his old club Chelsea, Lampard studied for his UEFA A coaching license, and made his managerial debut with Derby County in 2018, leading the club to the finals that season.
In July 2019, Lampard made his return to Chelsea, this time as manager. That season he took the club to a fourth-place finish in the Premier League and was a nomination for the Barclays Manager of the Season award for the 2019/20 season.
Legacy
Frank Lampard will be remembered as one of Chelsea’s all-time greats. His contributions as player and manager were instrumental in the club’s success, and he has inspired and entertained millions of fans all over the world.
