1. Joe Allen began his career at Swansea City, making his first-team debut in January 2007 at age 16.
30 Facts About Joe Allen
1. 2.
Joe Allen played in 150 matches across all competitions in six years at the Liberty Stadium, having a loan at Wrexham.
3.
Joe Allen helped Wales qualify for the FIFA World Cup in 2022, the nation's first appearance at the competition since 1958.
4.
Joe Allen started his career playing in local team Tenby up to age ten.
5.
Joe Allen was part of the Swansea City youth set-up from age nine.
6.
Two weeks later, when Joe Allen was just 16, Swansea manager Kenny Jackett gave him his debut in the FAW Premier Cup away tie to local Welsh Premier League side Port Talbot Town.
7.
Joe Allen was named man of the match for his performance, which included assisting in the first goal by providing a left-footed chipped cross to Paul Anderson.
8.
Joe Allen made 14 appearances over the campaign, six in the Swans' victorious capture of the League One title.
9.
Joe Allen's loan was curtailed after only one more match, when he damaged ankle ligaments and was sidelined for a month.
10.
Joe Allen played 36 out of 38 top-flight fixtures that season, scoring four goals.
11.
Joe Allen started Liverpool's next match of the league campaign against Manchester City, where he was voted man of the match on the club's official website by fans and journalists.
12.
Joe Allen went on to win the Liverpool Player of the Month award for August 2012.
13.
Joe Allen was an unused substitute for Liverpool as they lost the final on penalties to Manchester City.
14.
Joe Allen then scored against Manchester United on 2 October as Stoke earned their first point at Old Trafford since 1980.
15.
In November 2016, Joe Allen was included in the 40-man shortlist for the UEFA Team of the Year.
16.
Joe Allen scored a vital winning goal against Crystal Palace on 11 February 2017.
17.
Joe Allen signed new four-year contract with the Potters in June 2018.
18.
Joe Allen scored six goals during the campaign most notably winning ones against Leeds United and his former club Swansea.
19.
Joe Allen was ruled out for the remainder of the season after suffering an achilles tendon rupture on 7 March 2020 playing against Hull City.
20.
Joe Allen returned to match fitness in December 2020 making his return from injury on Boxing day against Coventry City.
21.
Joe Allen left Stoke at the end of the season following the expiration of his contract.
22.
On 8 July 2022, Joe Allen returned to his first club Swansea City, signing a two-year contract.
23.
In May 2009, Joe Allen made his debut for the senior Wales team as an 80th-minute substitute for Jack Collison during a friendly against Estonia.
24.
Joe Allen was awarded the prize for the Wales' Player of the Year for 2012 in October of that year.
25.
Joe Allen captained Wales for the first time in the absence of Ashley Williams through injury on 4 June 2014 against the Netherlands.
26.
Joe Allen played throughout the nation's successful qualification for UEFA Euro 2016.
27.
Joe Allen was named to the team of the tournament for his performances.
28.
On 7 February 2023, Joe Allen officially announced his retirement from international football with the Wales national team.
29.
In October 2024 Joe Allen was recalled to the Wales national team squad by manager Craig Bellamy following injury to experienced Wales midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Ethan Ampadu.
30.
Allen's brother Harry lost his hearing at age three due to meningitis, and Joe became ambassador for Action on Hearing Loss Cymru in March 2015.