How a teenage winger chose Champions League glory over England's youth squad
In short: In 2016, Patrick Roberts faced a defining career crossroads. While many young players prioritize international recognition, Roberts made a calculated decision to prioritize club success with Celtic. This choice helped him navigate the highest levels of European football, including the Champions League, during a formative period of his professional career.
Patrick Roberts' career has been defined by a series of high-stakes decisions and rapid transitions. After being signed by Fulham at age 13, he signed his first professional contract in February 2014. His talent was recognized early; Fulham manager Felix Magath described him as an "extraordinary talent" following his Premier League substitute appearance against Newcastle United in March 2014. Before joining Fulham, he played grassroots football for Molesey Juniors and AFC Wimbledon. He eventually secured a professional deal shortly after turning 17.
A pivotal moment occurred in 2016. Roberts famously rejected an opportunity to represent England at the U19 European Championship to ensure he could help Celtic progress in the Champions League. This commitment to club football paid off during a prolific spell in Scotland. In the 2016–17 season, Roberts made 43 appearances and scored 15 goals, contributing to Celtic's sixth consecutive league title and an unbeaten domestic season. During this period, he was named the Scottish Player of the Month for April. He also made his debut in the Champions League against Lincoln Red Imps.
His journey has since taken him through various leagues to test his development. This included a move to Manchester City's Spanish partner club, Girona, in 2018, where he was the only English player in the Spanish top flight. Following stints at Norwich City, Middlesbrough, Derby County, and Troyes, Roberts found success at Sunderland, where he scored a vital winning goal in the League 1 play-off semi-final in May 2022. He has since moved to Birmingham City, joining on loan in September 2025 before signing permanently in February 2026. His time in Spain was marked by a difficult campaign that resulted in relegation to the Segunda División. Before his recent moves, he also played for the French club Troyes.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Patrick Roberts
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-patrick-roberts.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
