Craig Bellamy

Craig Bellamy is a former Wales international striker who turned to coaching in 2016 and is the current manager of the Wales senior men’s team.

He captained Wales during a 78-cap career and also represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympic Games, a decision the Football Association of Wales tried to dissuade him from taking.

In a long and distinguished career, Bellamy played for a number of top teams in the Premier League  - including Liverpool, Manchester City and Newcastle – and was recognised as one of the leading British players of his generation.

Renowned as one of Wales’ most passionate players, he was known for his fiery temperament, shrewd running into space, relentless energy, and impressive career highs in both club and international football.

Born in Cardiff in 1979, Bellamy played as a forward and winger, enjoying a career that spanned nearly two decades at the highest level of English football. 

A product of Norwich City’s academy, he made his professional debut for the club in 1996 and quickly established himself as one of the brightest young talents in British football.

Bellamy went on to play for several Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United, Blackburn Rovers, West Ham United, Manchester City, and Liverpool. 

He won the League Cup with Liverpool in 2012, marking one of the highlights of his club career. 

His time at Newcastle was particularly notable, forming a deadly attacking partnership with Alan Shearer and helping the club reach the Champions League in the early 2000s.

Towards the end of his career, Bellamy enjoyed two spells with his hometown club, Cardiff, either side of a second stint at Liverpool.

He first joined the Bluebirds on loan from Manchester City in 2010, a move that made him one of the biggest signings in the club’s history. 

He captained Cardiff to the Championship play-off semi-finals in his first season before returning permanently in 2012. 

His leadership and experience were crucial as he helped Cardiff secure promotion to the Premier League for the first time in their history in 2013.

On the international stage, Bellamy was a key figure for Wales, earning 78 caps and scoring 19 goals.

After making his senior Wales debut at the age of 18, he played a crucial role in the progression of Welsh football under Mark Hughes, John Toshack and Gary Speed, often captaining the team and setting the stage for the success that followed in later years. 

Bellamy’s passion and outspoken nature often landed him in controversy, but his commitment to the game – and to his own improvement - was never in doubt. 

He was known for his relentless work ethic and tactical intelligence, attributes that he carried into his post-playing career.

After retiring in 2014, Bellamy moved into coaching, working with Cardiff City’s academy before taking on roles as an assistant manager. 

He later joined former teammate Vincent Kompany’s coaching staff at Anderlecht, where he helped develop young talent. 

In 2022, Bellamy followed Kompany to Burnley and when the Belgian left to take charge at Bayern Munich, Bellamy stepped up as acting head coach at Turf Moor.

In 2024, Bellamy was appointed Wales manager after the sacking of Rob Page and quickly became the first Wales manager in history to remain unbeaten after his first four matches in charge.

Off the field, Bellamy has been involved in charitable initiatives – helping set up the Craig Bellamy Foundation in Sierra Leone – and has been a keen advocate for more support for those suffering mental health problems in sport.