Joe Cole
{{short description|English footballer (born 1981)}}
{{For|other people of the same name|Joseph Cole (disambiguation){{!}}Joseph Cole}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Use British English|date=January 2013}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Joe Cole
| image = Joe Cole2023.jpeg
| caption = Cole in 2023
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|11|8|df=y}}
| birth_place = Paddington, London, England{{cite web|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/player/0,19754,11668_43188,00.html |title=Joe Cole – Sky Sports profile |work=Sky Sports |publisher=British Sky Broadcasting |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120531235743/http://www.skysports.com/football/player/0%2C19754%2C11668_43188%2C00.html |archive-date=31 May 2012 }}
| height = {{convert|1.75|m|order=flip}}{{cite web |title=Joe Cole |url=http://www.liverpoolfc.com/team/first-team/player/joe-cole |publisher=Liverpool F.C. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121028081745/http://www.liverpoolfc.com/team/first-team/player/joe-cole |archive-date=28 October 2012 |url-status=dead}}
| position = Attacking midfielder, winger
| youthclubs1 = Westward FC
| youthyears2 = 1990–1998
| youthclubs2 = West Ham United
| years1 = 1998–2003
| clubs1 = West Ham United
| caps1 = 126
| goals1 = 10
| years2 = 2003–2010
| clubs2 = Chelsea
| caps2 = 183
| goals2 = 27
| years3 = 2010–2013
| clubs3 = Liverpool
| caps3 = 26
| goals3 = 3
| years4 = 2011–2012
| clubs4 = → Lille (loan)
| caps4 = 32
| goals4 = 4
| years5 = 2013–2014
| clubs5 = West Ham United
| caps5 = 31
| goals5 = 5
| years6 = 2014–2016
| clubs6 = Aston Villa
| caps6 = 12
| goals6 = 1
| years7 = 2015–2016
| clubs7 = → Coventry City (loan)
| caps7 = 7
| goals7 = 1
| years8 = 2016
| clubs8 = Coventry City
| caps8 = 15
| goals8 = 1
| years9 = 2016–2018
| clubs9 = Tampa Bay Rowdies
| caps9 = 82
| goals9 = 20
| years10 = 2021
| clubs10 = Belstone
| caps10 = 0
| goals10 = 0
| totalcaps = 514
| totalgoals = 72
| nationalyears1 = 1997–1998
| nationalteam1 = England U16
| nationalcaps1 = 4
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 1999
| nationalteam2 = England U18
| nationalcaps2 = 5
| nationalgoals2 = 0
| nationalyears3 = 2000–2003
| nationalteam3 = England U21
| nationalcaps3 = 8
| nationalgoals3 = 2
| nationalyears4 = 2001–2010
| nationalteam4 = England
| nationalcaps4 = 56
| nationalgoals4 = 10
}}
Joseph John Cole (born 8 November 1981) is an English football coach and former professional footballer who played as an attacking midfielder or winger.{{cite web|url=https://news.paddypower.com/football/2018/11/13/joe-cole/|title=Farewell Joe Cole, a gifted player born a decade too early|date=13 November 2018 |publisher = Paddy Power.com|accessdate = 14 June 2022}}{{cite web| url=https://www.planetfootball.com/nostalgia/full-fantasy-joe-cole-captured-hearts-west-ham-chelsea/|title = Joe Cole Captured hearts at West Ham and Chelsea| date=8 November 2021 |publisher = Planet Football|accessdate = 14 June 2022}}{{cite web |title=Joe Cole - One of the most naturally gifted players Chelsea have ever seen |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/403958-joe-cole-one-of-the-most-naturally-gifted-players-chelsea-have-ever-seen |accessdate=14 June 2022 |publisher=Bleacher Report}}{{cite web|url = https://www.thesportsman.com/articles/joe-cole-the-golden-generation-s-lost-number-ten-that-shone-at-chelsea-and-lille|title = The Golden Generation's lost number 10 that shone at Chelsea| work=The Sportsman | date=22 February 2022 |accessdate = 14 June 2022}} He was long touted as a child prodigy{{cite news|title=Joe Cole at the crossroads as Liverpool dream turns sour once more|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/joe-cole-at-the-crossroads-as-liverpool-dream-turns-sour-once-more-8274615.html|access-date=7 May 2025|work=Independent.co.uk. Wallace, Sam|date=2 November 2012}} and as the hottest prospect in English football, with Manchester United reportedly offering to pay £10 million for his services as a 16-year-old.{{cite news|title=Football: A Factory of dreams?|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/1281489.stm|access-date=7 May 2025|work=BBC Sport|date=17 April 2001}}
Cole started his career with West Ham United, where, after breaking into the first team in January 1999, he played more than 120 Premier League games over five seasons. He was one of a number of players who left West Ham in the summer of 2003, after the club had been relegated to the Football League First Division, with Cole signing for Chelsea. He spent seven seasons at Chelsea, playing over 280 games in all competitions and winning seven trophies, including three Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a League Cup. He left Chelsea on a free transfer in July 2010 to join Liverpool, who a year later loaned him to Lille. After a season in France, he returned to Liverpool before re-joining West Ham in January 2013. He signed for Aston Villa in June 2014, then joined Coventry City on loan in October 2015, joining on a permanent deal in January 2016.
Capped by England at under-16, under-18 and under-21 level, Cole was a full international between 2001 and 2010, capped by the England national team on 56 occasions, scoring 10 goals. He was selected for the England squad at the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups and Euro 2004.
After retirement in 2018, Cole took up a coaching role at Chelsea.{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/joe-cole-chelsea-coaching-staff-techincal-academy-epl-a8702586.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220609/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/joe-cole-chelsea-coaching-staff-techincal-academy-epl-a8702586.html |archive-date=9 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Joe Cole returns to Chelsea as a technical academy coach|date=28 December 2018|website=The Independent}}
Early life
Cole was born Joseph Rooks in Paddington, London,{{cite news |last1=Diss |first1=Sam |title=You Could Do Something Amazing with Your Life (You Are Joe Cole) |newspaper=Home |url=https://www.samdiss.com/work/you-could-do-something-amazing-with-your-life-you-are-joe-cole |access-date=28 March 2023 |location=London |date=2022}}{{cite web|title=Joe Cole|url=http://www.thefa.com/England/All-Teams/Players/C/Joe-Cole|publisher=The Football Association|access-date=20 November 2012|archive-date=22 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222005910/http://www.thefa.com/England/All-Teams/Players/C/Joe-Cole|url-status=dead}} and lived there until he moved to Somers Town at the age of six.{{cite book|last1=Macleay|first1=Ian|title=Cole Play: The Biography of Joe Cole|date=2006|publisher=Blake|isbn=1844542645|page=2}}
Club career
=West Ham United=
Cole is a product of the West Ham United youth system. Playing in a mould similar to former England favourite Paul Gascoigne, he progressed through the West Ham ranks and signed professional terms in November 1998{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/02/01/joe-cole-interview-15-story-came-5000-week-wasnt-true-just/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2019/02/01/joe-cole-interview-15-story-came-5000-week-wasnt-true-just/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Joe Cole interview: When I was 15 a story came out that I was on £5,000 a week - it wasn't true, I was just a kid|newspaper=The Telegraph|date=February 2019 |last1=Law |first1=Matt }}{{cbignore}} before making his first-team debut aged 17 on 2 January 1999 in an FA Cup third round tie against Swansea City. Eight days later he made his Premier League debut, away to Manchester United.{{cite web|title=Joe Cole|url=http://www.westhamstats.info/westham.php?west=2&ham=140&united=Joe_Cole|publisher=WestHamStats.info|access-date=4 January 2013}} In 1999, Cole was part of West Ham's victorious FA Youth Cup-winning squad (alongside Michael Carrick), defeating Coventry City 9–0 on aggregate in the final.{{cite web|url=http://nav.thefa.com/sitecore/content/TheFA/Home/Competitions/FACompetitions/TheFAYouthCup/History/TheClassOf99 |title=The Class Of '99 |publisher=The Football Association |access-date=1 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030195814/http://nav.thefa.com/sitecore/content/TheFA/Home/Competitions/FACompetitions/TheFAYouthCup/History/TheClassOf99 |archive-date=30 October 2014 }} Cole played only eight Premier League games in his first season but in the following season, he made 22 Premier League appearances, was a member of the West Ham team which won the 1999 UEFA Intertoto Cup, scored his first goal for West Ham, in a 3–2 League Cup win at Birmingham City on 30 November 1999 and scored his first Premier League goal, in a 5–4 home win against Bradford City, on 12 February 2000.{{cite news|title=Hammers win nine-goal epic|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sport/football/fa_carling_premiership/640512.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=4 January 2013}} In January 2003, then West Ham manager Glenn Roeder gave Cole the club captain's armband at the age of 21.{{cite news|last=Davies |first=Christopher |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2397245/Players-back-Cole-as-captain.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/2397245/Players-back-Cole-as-captain.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Players back Cole as captain |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |date=3 March 2003 |access-date=19 April 2010}}{{cbignore}} Cole's last game for West Ham came on 11 May 2003 in a 2–2 draw with Birmingham City, a game which saw West Ham relegated from the Premier League.{{cite news|title=Birmingham City 2–2 West Ham United|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/2978071.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=4 January 2013}} Cole won the "Hammer of the Year Award" for 2003.
=Chelsea=
On 6 August 2003, Cole signed for Chelsea for a fee of £6.6 million after he had rejected a new contract with West Ham. He was the sixth player signed after the club's takeover by billionaire Roman Abramovich, amongst those was his former West Ham teammate Glen Johnson. Manager Claudio Ranieri saw Cole as the perfect replacement for Gianfranco Zola, whom the club had released earlier that year, and West Ham declared that the transfer was enough for them not to sell any more players that summer.{{cite news|title=Chelsea agree Cole fee|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/3127141.stm|access-date=16 April 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=6 August 2003}}
==2003–04 season==
A week after signing for the club, Cole made his debut in a UEFA Champions League qualifier away to MŠK Žilina. He came on as a substitute for fellow new signing Damien Duff with 21 minutes remaining and caused Michal Drahno to score an own goal to conclude a 2–0 victory.{{cite news|title=Chelsea romp past Zilina|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/champions_league/3143791.stm|access-date=16 April 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=13 August 2003}} On 17 August, he played his first Premier League game for the club, again replacing Duff for the last 15 minutes in a 2–1 victory over Liverpool at Anfield.{{cite news|title=Hasselbaink sinks Liverpool|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3140907.stm|access-date=16 April 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=17 August 2003}} He scored his first goal on 29 October in the League Cup against Notts County, replacing Jesper Grønkjær in the 70th minute and netting the last goal in a 4–2 victory which put Chelsea into the last 16.{{cite news|title=Chelsea 4–2 Notts County|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/3204843.stm|access-date=16 April 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=29 October 2003}} On 17 December, in the next round, he started away to Aston Villa, finishing Hernán Crespo's cross to equalise in an eventual 1–2 defeat.{{cite news|last1=Brodkin|first1=Jon|title=Angel helps banish the Blues|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2003/dec/18/newsstory.carlingcup03041|access-date=16 April 2015|work=The Guardian|date=18 December 2003}} Cole's only other goal of the season was his only one in the league campaign, ending a one-two with Frank Lampard to open the scoring after five minutes away to Newcastle United, albeit in a 1–2 defeat.{{cite news|title=Newcastle 2–1 Chelsea|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/3628575.stm|access-date=16 April 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=25 April 2004}}
==2004–05 season==
Cole took advantage of injuries to wingers Duff and Arjen Robben to become a regular member of Chelsea's Premier League title winning team in 2004–05. He started in the League Cup Final at the Millennium Stadium on 27 February, making way for Johnson after 81 minutes of an eventual 3–2 win after extra time against Liverpool.{{cite news|title=Liverpool 2–3 Chelsea|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_cup/4279679.stm|access-date=16 April 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=27 February 2005}} His form saw him hit a run of goals towards the end of the season, and he scored a goal on 9 March against Norwich City blasted in from 20 yards off his weaker left foot{{cite web|url=http://www.chelseafc.com/matchday-live/match/27945 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20140415165815/http://www.chelseafc.com/matchday-live/match/27945 |url-status=dead |archive-date=15 April 2014 |title=Match Report: Norwich City 1 Chelsea 3 |publisher=Chelsea F.C |access-date=1 June 2014 }} Cole scored ten goals for Chelsea in 2004–05 and ended the season with a Premier League champions' medal.{{cite news|last=Hughes |first=Ian |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/6517343.stm |title=Chelsea 1–1 Valencia |publisher=BBC Sport |date=4 April 2007 |access-date=26 April 2011}}
==2005–06 season==
In the first half of the 2005–06 season, Cole secured himself in the Chelsea first-team lineup, ahead of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Damien Duff. Cole also extended his contract with Chelsea for another four seasons.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/5073402.stm |title=Cole extends contract at Chelsea |publisher=BBC Sport |date=12 June 2006 |access-date=26 April 2011}} He ended his season by scoring one of the goals in Chelsea's 3–0 win over Manchester United, which earned the Premier League title for the team.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/4933716.stm |title=Chelsea 3–0 Man United |publisher=BBC Sport |date=29 April 2006 |access-date=26 April 2011}} He was subsequently named in the PFA Team of the Year.
==2006–07 season==
In January 2007, Cole underwent surgery for a stress fracture on his foot he suffered in late 2006.{{cite web|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid=113060.html |title=Joe Cole targets Valencia comeback |publisher=FIFA |date=10 March 2007 |access-date=26 April 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141101011508/http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/clubfootball/news/newsid%3D113060.html |archive-date= 1 November 2014 }} He made his return for Chelsea in the first leg of Chelsea's 1–1 draw in the Champions League quarter-final tie against Valencia. He started for Chelsea in their victory over Manchester United in the 2007 FA Cup Final, and went on to be substituted at half-time.{{cite web|url=http://www.facupfootball.co.uk/fa-cup-2007.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100328125253/http://www.facupfootball.co.uk/fa-cup-2007.html |url-status=usurped |archive-date=28 March 2010 |title=FA Cup 2007: Chelsea Winners, Manchester United Runners Up|publisher=Facupfootball.co.uk |date=19 May 2007 |access-date=26 April 2011}}
==2007–08 season==
In 2007–08, Cole scored a low driven shot that tucked into the corner against West Ham, opting not celebrate against his former club. He scored another goal in the League Cup semi-finals against Everton which sent Chelsea to another final.{{cite news|author=Hunter, Andy|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2008/jan/24/match.chelsea |title=Carling Cup semi-final, second leg: Everton 0–1 Chelsea|newspaper=The Guardian |date=24 January 2008|access-date=26 April 2011}} Cole played in the 2008 UEFA Champions League Final, which Chelsea lost on penalties to Manchester United; he was substituted in extra time for Nicolas Anelka, who missed Chelsea's crucial penalty.{{cite news|title=Man United earn dramatic Euro glory|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/7406252.stm|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=12 December 2012}}
File:Joe Cole George McCartney.JPG player George McCartney]] Joe Cole continued his excellent performances racking up a rate of ten goals and eight assists in all competitions, due to his performance he won the Chelsea Player of the Year 2008.
==2008–09 season==
On 17 August 2008, Cole scored the first Premier League goal of the management of Luiz Felipe Scolari in a 4–0 win against Portsmouth.{{cite news|last=McNulty |first=Phil |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_prem/7551171.stm |title=Chelsea 4–0 Portsmouth |publisher=BBC Sport |date=17 August 2008 |access-date=26 April 2011}} After surgery on his knee to repair an injury he picked up in the FA Cup clash with Southend United, Cole missed the rest of the season.{{cite news|author=Alan Gardner |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2009/jan/17/joe-cole-chelsea-knee-injury |title=Joe Cole out for season after knee surgery|newspaper=The Guardian |date=17 January 2009|access-date=26 April 2011}}
==2009–10 season==
Cole did not play for Chelsea in the 2009–10 pre-season due to a cruciate ligament damage in his knee, suffered in January 2009. He made a return to the starting line-up in Chelsea's League Cup match against Queens Park Rangers on 23 September 2009 in which he was also handed the captain's armband.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_cup/8257276.stm|title=Chelsea 1–0 QPR|publisher=BBC Sport|date=23 September 2009}} Cole made his first 2009–10 Premier League appearance for Chelsea against Blackburn Rovers, playing in attacking midfield in a 5–0 win.{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en/news/9/england/2009/10/24/1581781/alex-dimonds-chelsea-special-joe-coles-return-no-coincidence |title=Alex Dimond's Chelsea Special: Joe Cole's Return No Coincidence As Blues Make Title Statement |publisher=Goal.com |date=24 October 2009 |access-date=19 April 2010}}
On 8 November 2009, he played his 250th game for Chelsea, coming on as a substitute against Manchester United in the 62nd minute for Deco, on his 28th birthday.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/deco-struggles-to-shine-in-blues-rough-diamond-1817293.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220609/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/deco-struggles-to-shine-in-blues-rough-diamond-1817293.html |archive-date=9 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Deco struggles to shine in Blues' rough diamond|newspaper=The Independent|date=9 November 2009 |access-date=26 April 2011|first=Mark |last=Fleming}} On 3 April 2010, Cole scored the first goal in a 2–1 win at Old Trafford against Manchester United in a potential title deciding game. Described as a "clever flick", his goal helped Chelsea win and overtake Manchester United at the top of the league as they were at the end of the season.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_prem/8599045.stm | title=Man Utd 1 – 2 Chelsea | publisher=BBC Sport | access-date=14 August 2013}} He came on as a substitute as Chelsea won the 2010 FA Cup Final, his second appearance in an FA Cup Final for Chelsea. His contract with Chelsea expired on 30 June 2010, making him a free agent.{{cite web|url=http://www.chelseafc.com/news-article/article/2067102 |title=Joe Cole To Leave Chelsea |publisher=Chelsea F.C |date=9 June 2010 |access-date=1 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722040510/http://www.chelseafc.com/page/LatestNews/0%2C%2C10268~2067102%2C00.html |archive-date=22 July 2010 }} Cole ended his career at Chelsea having won three Premier League titles, two FA Cups and a League Cup.
=Liverpool=
==2010–11 season==
Cole joined Liverpool on a free transfer after signing a four-year deal in July 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/exclusive-reds-sign-joe-cole|title=Exclusive: Reds sign Joe Cole|publisher=Liverpool F.C|date=19 July 2010|access-date=19 July 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107045911/http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/exclusive-reds-sign-joe-cole|archive-date=7 January 2012}}{{cite news |url=http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/cole-signs-four-year-deal |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100724050959/http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/cole-signs-four-year-deal |archive-date=24 July 2010 |title=Joe Cole signs four-year deal |first=Paul |last=Hassall |publisher=Liverpool F.C|date=21 July 2010}} He was manager Roy Hodgson's first signing at the club and was given the number 10 shirt.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/jul/19/joe-cole-liverpool-contract-chelsea |title=Joe Cole joins Liverpool on four-year contract| work=The Guardian | date=19 July 2010}} Cole was to receive £90,000-a-week wages{{cite news|url=http://www.espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news/detail/item468506/Liverpool-favourites-to-sign-Joe-Cole|archive-url=https://archive.today/20100724211502/http://www.espnstar.com/football/premier-league/news/detail/item468506/Liverpool-favourites-to-sign-Joe-Cole|archive-date=24 July 2010|publisher=ESPN|title=Liverpool favourites to sign Joe Cole|url-status=usurped|date=21 July 2010}} and was advertised as a major coup by the club. Club captain Steven Gerrard even claimed Cole was as technically good as Lionel Messi.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/aug/10/joe-cole-messi-gerrard-liverpool|title=Joe Cole is better than Lionel Messi, claims Liverpool's Steven Gerrard|work=The Guardian|date=10 August 2012|accessdate=15 January 2013}} After leaving the club in 2013, Cole said that joining Liverpool was a mistake due to not feeling a connection with the club or fans.{{cite news|url=https://www.caughtoffside.com/2013/03/07/west-hams-joe-cole-admits-liverpool-move-was-a-mistake/|title=West Ham's Joe Cole Admits Liverpool Move Was A Mistake|last=Yaxley|first=Charlie|date=7 March 2013|work=Caught Offside|accessdate=2 October 2024}}
Cole made his Liverpool debut on 5 August 2010 against Rabotnički in the UEFA Europa League assisting the opening goal for David Ngog in a 2–0 win.{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=300953&cc=5739&league=UEFA.EUROPA|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025234055/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=300953&cc=5739&league=UEFA.EUROPA|archive-date=25 October 2012|title=Cole shines as Reds cruise|date=5 August 2010|work=ESPN Soccernet|access-date=5 August 2010}} His league debut, against Arsenal at Anfield on 15 August 2010, lasted just 45 minutes as he was sent off for a challenge on Laurent Koscielny.[http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8915512.stm "Liverpool v Arsenal"]. BBC Sport. 15 August 2010. In his next match, on 19 August 2010, Cole missed a penalty against Trabzonspor in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg, though Liverpool still won 1–0.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/europe/8924283.stm|title=Liverpool 1–0 Trabzonspor|date=19 August 2010|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=19 August 2010}} Cole played in Jamie Carragher's testimonial match, where he scored his first goal for the club.{{cite news|url=http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/carra-on-target-in-derby-win |title=Carra on target in derby win |date=6 September 2010 |publisher=Liverpool F.C |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100907191820/http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/carra-on-target-in-derby-win |archive-date= 7 September 2010 }} He then scored his first competitive goal for the club against Steaua București in a Europa League group stage match at Anfield on 16 September 2010, converting just 27 seconds into the game. Liverpool ended up winning 4–1.{{cite news|url=http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/reds-smack-steaua-for-four|title=Reds smack Steaua for four|date=17 September 2010|publisher=Liverpool F.C|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100920082742/http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/reds-smack-steaua-for-four|archive-date=20 September 2010}} He scored his first Premier League goal for Liverpool in a 2–1 win against Bolton Wanderers on 1 January 2011.[https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/jan/03/liverpool-bolton-wanderers-premier-league "Joe Cole's late winner buys time for Roy Hodgson at Liverpool"]. The Guardian. 3 January 2011. On 17 February, Cole played his first match under new manager Kenny Dalglish in a 0–0 draw against Sparta Prague in the Europa League, in which he came on as a first-half substitute for the injured Fábio Aurélio. Cole scored his first and only goal under Kenny Dalglish's tenure in a 5–0 win against Birmingham City at Anfield in April.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}
==Loan at Lille==
On 31 August 2011, Cole signed for French champions Lille on a season-long loan.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14719179.stm|title=Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole joins Lille on loan|publisher=BBC Sport|date=31 August 2011|access-date=31 August 2011}} On his debut against Saint-Étienne, he gained his first assist after a solo run where he took on and beat four players to set up the third goal in Lille's 3–1 victory.{{cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/sport/football/article/cole-makes-instant-impact-on-lille-debut-nxz6dhq83tk|title=Cole makes instant impact on Lille debut|first=Ian|last=Hawkey|date=13 July 2023 |via=www.thetimes.co.uk}} Cole got another assist in his second Lille appearance against Bordeaux, assisting an Eden Hazard goal in a 1–1 draw.{{cite web|title=Match Report|url=http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/60757/girondins-de-bordeaux-vs-lille-osc/report|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930092127/http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/60757/girondins-de-bordeaux-vs-lille-osc/report|archive-date=30 September 2011|publisher=Goal.com|access-date=26 December 2011}} On 24 September, he scored his first goal for Lille, against Lorient, in a 1–1 draw.{{cite web|title=Joe Cole scores in Lille draw |url=http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/ligue1/story/lille-1-1-lorient-joe-cole-goal-france-match-report-recap-092411 |work=FoxSports.com |access-date=25 September 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927223701/http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/ligue1/story/lille-1-1-lorient-joe-cole-goal-france-match-report-recap-092411 |archive-date=27 September 2011 }} On 23 October, Cole came on as a 60th-minute substitute for Idrissa Gueye and scored his second goal for Lille in the 3–1 win over Lyon.[https://archive.today/20120714051409/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=320292&cc=5901 "Report: Lille v Lyon"]. ESPN Soccernet. 23 October 2011. Retrieved 30 November 2011. Following his successful substitute appearance, he was included in the starting line-up for Lille's Round of 16 Coupe de la Ligue match against Ligue 2 club Sedan on 26 October.[http://www.ligue1.com/coupeLigue/feuille_match/75645 "Coupe de la Ligue: LOSC Lille Métropole – CS Sedan"]. Ligue1. Retrieved 30 November 2011. In the match, Cole scored the team's second goal in the 40th minute, which turned out to be decisive in a 3–1 win.[https://archive.today/20120721025023/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/match?id=332011&cc=5901 "Match: Lille v Sedan – French Coupe de la Ligue"]. ESPN Soccernet. 26 October 2011. Retrieved 30 November 2011. Cole closed out the first half of the Ligue 1 season by scoring a goal in Lille's 4–4 draw with Nice on 21 December.{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/320216?cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120716193642/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/320216?cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=16 July 2012 |title=Report: Lille v Nice|work=ESPN Soccernet |date=21 December 2011 |access-date=3 January 2013}}
Cole netted his first hat-trick for Lille in a 6–0 victory over amateur club Chantilly in the Coupe de France Round of 64 on 7 January 2012.{{cite web|url=http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=fra/news/newsid=1739566.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120180405/http://www.uefa.com/memberassociations/association=fra/news/newsid=1739566.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 January 2012 |title=Lille and Marseille cruise to French Cup successes |publisher=UEFA |date=7 January 2012 |access-date=3 January 2013}}
Cole scored his fourth league goal of the season in a 4–1 triumph over Ajaccio on 15 April, firing the ball just inside the post following a cross from Nolan Roux.{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=320077&cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714061625/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report?id=320077&cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 July 2012 |title=Report: Lille v AC Ajaccio|work=ESPN Soccernet |date=15 April 2012 |access-date=3 January 2013}} The final appearance in his loan with Lille came in their 4–1 final day victory over Nancy, he provided an assist for one of Eden Hazard's three goals and was later substituted off in the 64th minute by Nolan Roux.{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/320018?cc=5901 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120714050713/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/report/_/id/320018?cc=5901 |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 July 2012 |title=Report: Lille v AS Nancy Lorraine|work=ESPN Soccernet |date=20 May 2012 |access-date=3 January 2013}} The playmaker underwent a career renaissance during his loan spell with Lille, scoring on four occasions in 27 league appearances and providing three assists. Following the season, Lille manager Rudi Garcia declared his desire to keep Cole at the club.{{cite web|url=http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1075867/rudi-garcia-wants-joe-cole-to-stay-at-lille?cc=5901 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120525120503/http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/story/_/id/1075867/rudi-garcia-wants-joe-cole-to-stay-at-lille?cc=5901 |archive-date=25 May 2012 |title=Rudi Garcia wants Joe Cole to stay at Lille|work=ESPN Soccernet |date=21 May 2012 |access-date=3 January 2013}} On 5 June 2012, however, he confirmed that Cole would not remain at Lille after stating that new Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers wanted the player to rejoin the Liverpool squad.{{cite web |url=http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/cole-set-for-anfield-return |title=Cole set for Anfield return |publisher=Liverpool F.C |date=5 June 2012 |access-date=3 January 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120608051459/http://www.liverpoolfc.tv/news/latest-news/cole-set-for-anfield-return |archive-date=8 June 2012 }}
==Return to Liverpool==
After a one-year loan to Lille, Cole returned to Liverpool with new manager Brendan Rodgers saying he wanted to have him in the squad for the upcoming season. He played three pre-season matches, against Toronto FC, Roma, and Tottenham Hotspur. On 2 August 2012, Cole started his first Liverpool game for over a year, playing in the Europa League first leg qualifier victory over FC Gomel. He was substituted after just 23 minutes being replaced by Raheem Sterling after tweaking his hamstrings.{{cite news|title=FC Gomel 0–1 Liverpool|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19010887|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=24 September 2012}} On 18 August 2012, he was able to return as a substitute in Liverpool's 3–0 defeat to West Bromwich Albion.{{cite news|title=West Brom 3–0 Liverpool|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19221306|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=24 September 2012}}
On 22 November 2012, Cole was given a start against BSC Young Boys in the Europa League, providing a cross to Jonjo Shelvey to score the opener and then scoring Liverpool's second, in the 2–2 draw.{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11669/8272113/Liverpool-were-held-to-a-2-2-draw-by-Young-Boys-in-the-Europa-League |title=Liverpool were held to a 2–2 draw by Young Boys in the Europa League |work=Sky Sports |date=22 November 2012}} On 9 December 2012, he scored the equaliser as Liverpool beat his former club West Ham 3–2.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20571807 |title=West Ham 2–3 Liverpool |publisher=BBC Sport |date=9 December 2012}}
=Return to West Ham=
In January 2013, West Ham signed Cole on a free transfer from Liverpool, with Cole returning to his first professional club on an 18-month deal.{{cite web |url=http://www.whufc.com/articles/20130104/cole-comes-home_2236884_3027456 |title=Cole Comes Home |publisher=West Ham United |date=4 January 2013 |access-date=4 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004221509/http://www.whufc.com/articles/20130104/cole-comes-home_2236884_3027456 |archive-date=4 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite news|title=Joe Cole: West Ham sign midfielder from Liverpool|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20908932|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=5 January 2013}} He made his second "debut" on 5 January in an FA Cup third round tie against Manchester United. The game finished 2–2 with Cole providing the assists for both of West Ham's goals which were scored by James Collins.{{cite news|title=West Ham United 2–2 Manchester United|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20863490|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 January 2013}} Cole scored his first league goal on his return to West Ham in a 1–1 home draw with Queens Park Rangers on 19 January 2013, scoring from close range after Carlton Cole's shot had been saved by QPR goalkeeper Júlio César.{{cite news|title=West Ham 1–1 QPR|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20996519|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=1 February 2013}}
Cole scored his second West Ham goal since his return on 25 February 2013 in a 2–3 defeat to Tottenham, putting the Hammers 2–1 up by turning with the ball to score.{{cite news|title=West Ham 2–3 Tottenham Hotspur|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21495920|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=17 February 2013}} On 17 August 2013, Cole scored West Ham's first Premier League goal of the 2013–14 campaign, netting the first in a 2–0 home victory over newly promoted Cardiff City.{{cite news|last=Mafham |first=Colin |url=http://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/422895/West-Ham-United-2-Cardiff-City-0-Cole-shows-flashes-of-Joe-of-old |title=West Ham United 2 – Cardiff City 0: Cole shows flashes of Joe of old |work=Daily Express |date=18 August 2013 |access-date=27 June 2014}}
Cole was ruled out of action for six weeks with a hamstring injury in September 2013.{{cite web |title=Joe Cole ruled out of West Ham trip to Hull |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/news/joe-cole-ruled-out-west-ham-trip-hull |website=FourFourTwo |access-date=22 November 2020 |date=27 September 2013}} On 30 November 2013, he scored his second goal of the season in a home victory over Fulham, coming off the bench to complete the 3–0 victory.{{cite web|author=Ken Dyer |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/joe-cole-storms-back-with-the-perfect-reply--a-goal-8977537.html |title=Joe Cole storms back with the perfect reply — a goal — Football — Sport — London Evening Standard |publisher=Standard.co.uk |date=2 December 2013 |access-date=27 June 2014}} At the end of the 2013–14 season, and the end of Cole's 18-month contract, his departure from West Ham was confirmed.{{cite web | url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11685/9310722 | title=Transfer news: Joe Cole has left West Ham and plans to find new club | publisher=Sky Sports | date=13 May 2014 | access-date=14 May 2014}} In his second spell, he had played in 37 games in all competitions, scoring five goals.{{cite web | url=http://www.westhamstats.info/westham.php?west=2&ham=140&united=Joe_Cole | title=Welcome to the Wonderful World of West Ham United Statistics — Jole Cole | publisher=www.westhamstats.info | access-date=24 May 2014}}
=Aston Villa=
In June 2014, Cole signed a two-year contract with Aston Villa on a free transfer after he was released by West Ham.{{cite web |url=http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~3895266,00.html |title=Joe Cole: Aston Villa sign former West Ham midfielder |publisher=Aston Villa Football Club |date=10 June 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222191516/http://www.avfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10265~3895266,00.html |archive-date=22 December 2015 }} His debut for the club came on 27 August, starting and being replaced by Andreas Weimann in the 62nd minute as they lost 0–1 to League One club Leyton Orient in the second round of the League Cup.{{cite news|title=Aston Villa 0–1 Leyton Orient|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/28862711|access-date=16 April 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=27 August 2014}}
Cole's first Premier League game was on 18 October, coming on for the final nine minutes in place of Christian Benteke in a 0–3 defeat away to Everton.{{cite news|last1=McNulty|first1=Phil|title=Everton 3–0 Aston Villa|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/29580149|access-date=16 April 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=18 October 2014}} On 29 November, Cole made his first start for Villa away to Burnley, opening the scoring in a 1–1 draw.{{cite web | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/30156609 | title=Burnley 1–1 Aston Villa | publisher=BBC Sport | date=29 November 2014 | access-date=30 November 2014}} He was an unused substitute on 30 May 2015 in the FA Cup Final, which Villa lost 0–4 to Arsenal.{{cite news|last1=McNulty|first1=Phil|title=Arsenal 4–0 Aston Villa|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/32856754|access-date=30 May 2015|work=BBC Sport|date=30 May 2015}}
=Coventry City=
On 16 October 2015, Cole signed for Coventry City on a 35-day, emergency loan deal,{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34572220 | title=Joe Cole: Coventry City sign Aston Villa's ex-England winger on loan | publisher=BBC Sport | access-date=22 October 2015}} and made his debut four days later, playing for just under an hour in an away 0–0 draw against Rochdale.{{cite news | url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11710/10037166/joe-cole-keen-on-coventry-stay-after-making-debut-at-rochdale | title=Joe Cole keen on Coventry stay after making debut at Rochdale | newspaper=Sky Sports | publisher=www.skysports.com | access-date=4 November 2015}} His debut goal came on 3 November in a 4–3 home win against Barnsley, a {{convert|20|yard|metres}} free-kick which put Coventry 4-2 up.{{cite news | url=http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/recap-coventry-city-4-barnsley-10381535 | title=Recap: Coventry City 4 Barnsley 3 - Joe Cole scores his first goal for Sky Blues as Adam Armstrong hits a double | work=Coventry Telegraph | date=3 November 2015 | access-date=4 November 2015 | author=McCartney, Aiden | location=Coventry}} In November, his loan with Coventry was extended until 3 January 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/coventry-city-digest-how-joe-10467383|title=Coventry City digest: How did Joe Cole end up at Sky Blues and Ryan Kent 'best placed to make the grade' with Liverpool|first=Aidan|last=McCartney|date=19 November 2015}}
On 7 January 2016, Cole signed on a free transfer on a deal lasting until the end of the season.{{cite news|title=Joe Cole: Aston Villa midfielder completes Coventry free transfer|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/35257601|access-date=8 January 2016|work=Coventry Telegraph|date=7 January 2016}} In all, Cole made 22 league appearances for the Sky Blues, scoring twice, both from long-range free kicks.
=Tampa Bay Rowdies and retirement=
On 4 May 2016, Cole signed with the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the North American Soccer League (NASL), signing a contract through the end of the 2017 NASL season, with a club option for 2018.{{cite web|title=THREE-TIME ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPION JOE COLE SIGNS WITH ROWDIES|url=http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news/2016/05/04/three-time-english-premier-league-champion-joe-cole-signs-with-rowdies|website=rowdiessoccer.com|publisher=Tampa Bay Rowdies|access-date=4 May 2016|date=4 May 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160507115748/http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news/2016/05/04/three-time-english-premier-league-champion-joe-cole-signs-with-rowdies|archive-date=7 May 2016}} He made his debut ten days later, playing the full 90 minutes of a 1–1 home draw against Rayo OKC.{{cite news|title=Joe Cole reflects on Rowdies debut|url=http://www.nasl.com/news/2016/05/16/watch--joe-cole-reflects-on-rowdies-debut|access-date=2 June 2016|publisher=North American Soccer League|date=16 May 2016}} Two weeks later, away to Minnesota United, he scored his first goal to open a 2–0 win, assisting Eric Avila for the other; he was voted the league's Player of the Week.{{cite news|title=Player of the Week: Rowdies midfielder Joe Cole|url=http://www.nasl.com/news/2016/05/31/player-of-the-week--rowdies-midfielder-joe-cole|access-date=2 June 2016|publisher=North American Soccer League|date=31 May 2016}} On 19 October, Cole was one of ten players nominated for the NASL Golden Ball award.{{cite news|last=Williams|first=Bob|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/18/joe-cole-nominated-for-nasl-most-valuable-player-award/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/10/18/joe-cole-nominated-for-nasl-most-valuable-player-award/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|website=The Telegraph|title=Joe Cole nominated for NASL Most Valuable Player award|date=19 October 2016|access-date=19 October 2016}}{{cbignore}} In June 2018, Cole was promoted to assistant coach with the Rowdies, while still acting as a player as well.{{cite news |title=JOE COLE PROMOTED TO PLAYER/ASSISTANT COACH FOR TAMPA BAY ROWDIES |url=https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/925137-joe-cole-promoted-to-player-assistant-coach-for-tampa-bay-rowdies |newspaper=Tampa Bay Rowdies |date=8 June 2018 |access-date=2 January 2020}}
Cole retired from football on 13 November 2018.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/46192309|title=Joe Cole retires: Former England, Chelsea & West Ham midfielder quits at 37|date=13 November 2018|access-date=13 November 2018|publisher=BBC Sport}} He took up a coaching role at Chelsea.
=Belstone=
On 21 April 2021, Cole briefly came out of retirement to play for Belstone of the Hertfordshire Senior County League Premier Division, who are managed by his friend Aaron Lincoln.{{cite news|url=https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/19234871.ex-chelsea-liverpool-star-joe-cole-turns-belstone-fc/|title=Ex Chelsea and Liverpool star Joe Cole turns out for Belstone FC|date=15 April 2021|access-date=24 March 2025|publisher=Watford Observer}} Cole played the first half of a Premier Division Cup tie away to Harefield United Reserves. Belstone won the fixture 2–1. Cole continues to occasionally train with Belstone, and has since made two further appearances for the club in pre-season matches.{{cite news|url=https://www.watfordobserver.co.uk/sport/23669128.premier-leagues-joe-cole-plays-second-belstone-fc-game/|title=Premier League's Joe Cole plays second Belstone FC game|date=20 July 2023|access-date=25 March 2025|publisher=Watford Observer}}
International career
As a youngster, Cole played for the England's under-17 team, where he scored the winning goal against Norway in a final of the Nordic Tournament.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/liverpool/8841389.stm |title=Can Joe Cole fulfill early promise and revive Liverpool?|publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 July 2010 |access-date=24 July 2010 |first=David |last=Ornstein}} Cole made his senior international debut against Mexico in May 2001.{{cite web|url=http://www.footballdatabase.com/index.php?page=player&Id=12&pn=Joseph_John_Cole |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101215093750/http://footballdatabase.com/index.php?page=player&Id=12&pn=Joseph_John_Cole |archive-date=15 December 2010 |title=Joseph John Cole|publisher=Football Database |access-date=19 April 2010}} He was a member of England's 2002 World Cup squad, making one substitute appearance in the tournament.{{cite news |last=Macaskill |first=Sandy |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/players/6598665/Joe-Cole-England-midfielder-at-World-Cup-2010.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/england/players/6598665/Joe-Cole-England-midfielder-at-World-Cup-2010.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |title=Joe Cole: England midfielder at World Cup 2010 |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=10 May 2010 |access-date=30 August 2011 |location=London}}{{cbignore}} Cole was also a squad member at UEFA Euro 2004, but did not play.{{cite news | url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/euro_2004/england/3842383.stm | title=England player ratings | publisher=BBC Sport | date=26 June 2005 | access-date=6 October 2011 | author=McNulty, Phil}}
Cole's displays in England's friendlies leading up to the 2006 World Cup enhanced his reputation ahead of the summer's finals in Germany. In May 2006, he was confirmed in the England squad for the World Cup, ahead of Chelsea teammate Shaun Wright-Phillips. He played on the left side of midfield in England's opening game against Paraguay on 10 June 2006.{{cite news|last=McNulty |first=Phil |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4852606.stm |title=England 1–0 Paraguay |publisher=BBC Sport |date=10 June 2006 |access-date=30 August 2011}} On 20 June 2006, England drew with Sweden in Group B play, with a final score of 2–2. Cole scored a volley in the 34th minute of the match{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2006/4853282.stm |title=Sweden 2–2 England |publisher=BBC Sport |date= 20 June 2006|access-date=30 August 2011}} and got an assist in the 85th when he sent in a ball to Steven Gerrard, with this contribution earning him the Man of the match award.
Cole lined up for the England squad for the first time since the 2006 World Cup in the 1–1 friendly draw against the Netherlands, on 15 November 2006 providing an assist for Wayne Rooney from a cross.{{cite news|last=McNulty |first=Phil |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6131836.stm |title=Holland 1–1 England |publisher=BBC Sport |date=15 November 2006 |access-date=30 August 2011}} After another injury, he returned to start the friendly against Brazil at Wembley Stadium on 1 June 2007.{{cite news|last=McNulty |first=Phil |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6696153.stm |title=England 1–1 Brazil |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 June 2007 |access-date=30 August 2011}}
Cole scored his seventh goal for England in June 2007, in Euro 2008 qualifying, away to Estonia.{{cite news|last=McNulty |first=Phil |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/6716859.stm |title=Estonia 0–3 England |publisher=BBC News |date=6 June 2007 |access-date=30 August 2011}}
On 7 February 2008, Cole was one of the 23-man squad selected for the friendly against Switzerland which they won 2–1, courtesy of Jermaine Jenas and Shaun Wright-Phillips goals.{{cite news|last=Stevenson |first=Jonathan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7229823.stm |title=England 2–1 Switzerland |publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 February 2008 |access-date=30 August 2011}} For Jenas' goal, Cole skipped down the left and crossed to Jenas. Cole was named Man of the match for his performance.
In August 2008, Cole scored a late equalising goal in a 2–2 draw at Wembley against the Czech Republic after coming on as a substitute.{{cite news|last=Sanghera |first=Mandeep |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7554604.stm |title=England 2–2 Czech Rep |publisher=BBC Sport |date=18 August 2008 |access-date=30 August 2011}} He then scored England's two goals in the next fixture after coming on as a second-half substitute in the 2–0 defeat of Andorra in the opening match for 2010 World Cup qualifying.{{cite news|last=Bevan |first=Chris |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7593908.stm |title=Andorra 0–2 England |publisher=BBC Sport |date=6 September 2008 |access-date=30 August 2011}} In England's next World Cup qualifier, against Croatia, he suffered a head injury in a clash with Croatian defender Robert Kovač which resulted in the Croat's sending off.{{cite news|last=Stevenson |first=Jonathan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/internationals/7602774.stm |title=Croatia 1–4 England |publisher=BBC Sport |date=10 September 2008 |access-date=30 August 2011}}
Cole was named in the final 23-man selection for England's 2010 World Cup squad.{{cite web|last=Mackem |first=Pocklington |url=http://www.thefa.com/England/News/2010/Squad_010610 |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20120501234632/http://www.thefa.com/England/News/2010/Squad_010610 |url-status=dead |archive-date= 1 May 2012 |title=Capello names final 23 |publisher=The Football Association |date=1 June 2010 |access-date=26 June 2010 }} He played, and scored, in a 3–0 victory against Platinum Stars, of South Africa's Premier Soccer League, in an unofficial warm-up game.{{cite news|last=McNulty |first=Phil |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/8725349.stm |title=World Cup 2010: Platinum Stars 0–3 England |publisher=BBC Sport |date=7 June 2010|access-date=26 June 2010}} However, he was limited to only two substitute appearances in the tournament itself,{{cite web | url=http://www.metro.co.uk/sport/football/833117-joe-cole-england-squad-had-a-lot-of-issues-at-world-cup | title=Joe Cole: England squad had 'a lot of issues' at World Cup 2010 |work=Metro | date=28 June 2010 | access-date=6 October 2011}} as England lost to Germany in the second round in what was to be his final international appearance.{{cite news|last=Mackem |first=Pocklington |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/world_cup_2010/matches/match_51/default.stm |title=England 1–4 Germany |date= June 2010 |access-date=11 January 2011|publisher=BBC Sport}}
Style of play
A clever, versatile, and technically gifted midfielder, Cole was capable of playing in several offensive midfield positions, as an attacking midfielder, winger or supporting striker.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/c/chelsea/3127141.stm|title=Chelsea agree Cole fee|publisher=BBC|date=6 August 2003|access-date=21 July 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.tuttomercatoweb.com/serie-a/lazio-il-sogno-si-chiama-joe-cole-211982|title=Lazio, il sogno si chiama Joe Cole|trans-title=Lazio, the dream is called Joe Cole|publisher=Tutto Mercato|language=it|author1=Francesco Ponticiello|date=9 June 2010|access-date=21 July 2015}} A quick, strong and creative player, Cole was known in particular for his dribbling skills, and was capable of both scoring and creating goals due to his vision, passing and striking ability.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/these-football-times/2015/nov/19/joe-cole-england-coventry-city-west-ham-chelsea-liverpool|title=How did Joe Cole, once England's great hope, end up on loan in League One?|work=The Guardian|author1=Tom Mason|date=19 November 2015|access-date=22 December 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.espnfc.com/story/280896/the-lost-art-of-dribbling|title=The lost art of dribbling?|publisher=ESPN FC|date=19 October 2003|access-date=21 July 2015}} His dribbling and overall flair was praised by Pelé, who stated that, "He has the skills of a Brazilian," during Cole's spell at Chelsea.{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11668/2367235/pele-praise-for-cole|title=Pele praise for Cole|newspaper=Sky Sports}} Despite his talent, some pundits have argued that he failed to live up to the potential he demonstrated in his youth, partially due to the recurring injuries he sustained throughout his career.{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/west-ham/9776861/Liverpool-midfielder-Joe-Cole-to-rejoin-West-Ham-with-3m-pay-off.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/west-ham/9776861/Liverpool-midfielder-Joe-Cole-to-rejoin-West-Ham-with-3m-pay-off.html |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole to rejoin West Ham with £3m pay-off|work=The Daily Telegraph|author1=Chris Bascombe|date=2 January 2013|access-date=21 July 2015}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/sam-wallace-for-all-his-honours-and-england-caps-joe-cole-has-become-the-forgotten-man-of-the-premier-league-is-this-the-end-of-his-career-9323006.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220609/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/sam-wallace-for-all-his-honours-and-england-caps-joe-cole-has-become-the-forgotten-man-of-the-premier-league-is-this-the-end-of-his-career-9323006.html |archive-date=9 June 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live|title=Sam Wallace: For all his honours and England caps, Joe Cole has become the forgotten man of the Premier League. Is this the end of his career?|work=The Independent|author1=Sam Wallace|date=5 May 2014|access-date=24 July 2015}}
Media
In 2001, aged 19, he was the subject of the BBC documentary Football's Dream Factory presented by Alan Hansen.{{cite news|title=Football's Dream Factory|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/1256528.stm|access-date=7 May 2025|work=BBC Sport|date=2 April 2001}}
He is currently a pundit on TNT Sports.{{cite web |title=TNT Sports launches as ultimate home for sports fans - Who are the pundits, presenters and commentators? |url=https://www.tntsports.co.uk/all-sports/tnt-sports-launches-as-ultimate-home-for-sports-fans-who-are-the-pundits-presenters-and-commentators_sto9706133/story.shtml |accessdate=18 July 2023 |publisher=TNT Sports}}
Personal life
Cole married fitness instructor{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/latest/2008/11/17/follow-carly-zucker-s-diet-and-exercise-routine-to-lose-weight-115875-20902546/|title=Follow Carly Zucker's diet and exercise routine to lose weight|author=Jones, Caroline|work=Daily Mirror|date=17 November 2008|access-date=17 November 2008}} Carly Zucker in June 2009.{{cite web|url=https://www.marieclaire.co.uk/news/celebrity-news/the-wedding-of-joe-cole-and-carly-zucker-189127|title=The wedding of Joe Cole and Carly Zucker|first=Marie|last=Claire|date=22 June 2009|website=Marie Claire}} Cole had been dating Zucker since 2002 and proposed to her in 2007. The couple have a daughter, Ruby Tatiana Cole, born in March 2010, and a son, Harrison "Harry" Cole, born in October 2012.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/woman/celeb-news/carly-cole-shows-off-new-baby-son-harrison-28903332.html|title=Carly Cole shows off new baby son Harrison|work=The Independent}}
In November 2009, Cole was caught driving his Audi A4 at 105 mph on a 70 mph section of dual carriageway in Claygate, Surrey.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-11013805 Footballer Joe Cole found guilty of speeding in Surrey] BBC News, 18 August 2010 Subsequently Cole received a suspended driving ban, and was fined £750 and ordered to pay £600 costs.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-surrey-11114297 Joe Cole avoids an immediate ban for speeding in Surrey] BBC News, 27 August 2010{{cite news |title=Joe Cole driving ban suspended to spare wife 'traumatised' by carjacking |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2010/aug/27/joe-cole-driving-ban-suspended#:~:text=Joe%20Cole%20driving%20ban%20suspended%20to%20spare%20wife%20'traumatised'%20by%20carjacking,-This%20article%20is&text=The%20England%20footballer%20Joe%20Cole,%22eight%20thugs%20on%20motorbikes%22. |access-date=28 March 2023 |work=Guardian |agency=Press Association |date=28 August 2010 |location=London}}
Cole is a wearer of contact lenses.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyC9fsl35k8| archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211103/kyC9fsl35k8| archive-date=2021-11-03 | url-status=live|title=Joe Cole - Football, Vision & Me|last=Beyond Content|date=15 May 2014|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}} He has worn them since his early days at Chelsea.{{cite web|url=http://chelseanews.com/blog/joe-cole-on-how-lenses-made-him-a-better-player |title=Joe Cole On How Lenses Made Him A Better Player | Chelsea News — The Blog |publisher=Chelsea News |date=21 May 2014 |access-date=27 June 2014}}
Career statistics
=Club=
{{notelist}}
=International=
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year | |||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="10"|England{{NFT|2179|name=Joe Cole|accessdate=9 August 2018}}
|2001 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2002 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2003 | 5 | 2 | |
| 2004 | 6 | 0 | |
| 2005 | 10 | 2 | |
| 2006 | 9 | 2 | |
| 2007 | 9 | 1 | |
| 2008 | 6 | 3 | |
| 2009 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2010 | 3 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total | 56 | 10 |
:Scores and results list England's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Cole goal.{{Englandstats|ref=y|access-date=19 November 2015}}
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Joe Cole | |||||||
| scope="col"|No.
!scope="col"|Date !scope="col"|Venue !scope="col"|Cap !scope="col"|Opponent !scope="col"|Score !scope="col"|Result !scope="col"|Competition | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| align="center"|1 | 3 June 2003 | Leicester, England | align="center"|10 | {{fb|SCG}} | align="center"|2–1 | align="center"|2–1 | Friendly |
| align="center"|2 | 16 November 2003 | Manchester, England | align="center"|13 | {{fb|DEN}} | align="center"|2–1 | align="center"|2–3 | Friendly |
| align="center"|3 | 26 March 2005 | Manchester, England | align="center"|20 | {{fb|NIR}} | align="center"|1–0 | align="center"|4–0 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| align="center"|4 | 3 September 2005 | Cardiff, Wales | align="center"|25 | {{fb|WAL}} | align="center"|1–0 | align="center"|1–0 | 2006 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| align="center"|5 | 1 March 2006 | Liverpool, England | align="center"|30 | {{fb|URU}} | align="center"|2–1 | align="center"|2–1 | Friendly |
| align="center"|6 | 20 June 2006 | Cologne, Germany | align="center"|35 | {{fb|SWE}} | align="center"|1–0 | align="center"|2–2 | 2006 FIFA World Cup |
| align="center"|7 | 6 June 2007 | Tallinn, Estonia | align="center"|40 | {{fb|EST}} | align="center"|1–0 | align="center"|3–0 | UEFA Euro 2008 qualification |
| align="center"|8 | 20 August 2008 | London, England | align="center"|51 | {{fb|CZE}} | align="center"|2–2 | align="center"|2–2 | Friendly |
| align="center"|9 | rowspan="2"|6 September 2008 | rowspan="2"|Barcelona, Spain | rowspan="2" align="center"|52 | rowspan="2"|{{fb|AND}} | align="center"|1–0 | rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;"|2–0 | rowspan="2"|2010 World Cup qualification |
| align="center"|10 | align="center"|2–0 |
Honours
West Ham United
- UEFA Intertoto Cup: 1999{{cite web |url=http://www.11v11.com/matches/metz-v-west-ham-united-24-august-1999-721/ |title=Metz v West Ham United, 24 August 1999 |publisher=www.11v11.com |access-date=18 November 2015}}
Chelsea
- Premier League: 2004–05, 2005–06, 2009–10{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/1632/Joe-Cole/overview |title=Joe Cole: Overview |publisher=Premier League |access-date=28 September 2018}}
- FA Cup: 2006–07, 2009–10{{cite web |url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/joseph-john-cole/184/ |title=J. Cole |publisher=Soccerway |access-date=18 November 2015}}
- Football League Cup: 2004–05; runner-up: 2007–08{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/7256729.stm |title=Tottenham 2–1 Chelsea |first=Jonathan |last=Stevenson |website=BBC Sport |date=24 February 2008 |access-date=25 March 2024}}
- FA Community Shield: 2005
- UEFA Champions League runner-up: 2007–08
Individual
- West Ham United Hammer of the Year: 2002–03{{cite web |url=http://www.whufc.com/articles/20130104/cole-comes-home_2236884_3027456 |title=Cole comes home |publisher=www.whufc.com |access-date=18 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131004221509/http://www.whufc.com/articles/20130104/cole-comes-home_2236884_3027456 |archive-date=4 October 2013 |url-status=dead }}
- Premier League Player of the Month: March 2005
- Ballon d'Or: Nominated: 2006{{cite web|url=https://www.rsssf.org/miscellaneous/europa-poy.html|title=European Footballer of the Year ("Ballon d'Or")|first1=Rob|last1=Moore|first2=Karel|last2=Stokkermans|date=21 January 2011|website=RSSSF|access-date=7 May 2025}}
- PFA Team of the Year: 2005–06 Premier League{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/4935884.stm |title=Gerrard named player of the year |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=18 November 2015}}
- Chelsea Player of the Year: 2008{{cite web |url=http://www.chelseafc.com/news/special/joe-is-fan-s-number-one.htm |website=chelseafc.com |title=Chelsea supporters have voted Joe Cole the club's Player of the Year for 2008. |date=8 May 2008 |access-date=9 January 2017}}{{dead link|date=December 2017 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
- NASL Best XI: 2016{{cite web|url=http://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/733394|title=Cole, Vingaard and Collins set to Return for 2017 Rowdies Season|first=Rowdies|last=Communications|date=12 December 2016|access-date=12 December 2016|archive-date=19 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210919081225/https://www.rowdiessoccer.com/news_article/show/733394|url-status=dead}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- [https://www.liverpoolfc.com/info/joe-cole Profile] at the Liverpool F.C. website
- [http://www.thefa.com/England/All-Teams/Players/C/Joe-Cole Joe Cole] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222005910/http://www.thefa.com/England/All-Teams/Players/C/Joe-Cole |date=22 December 2015 }} at TheFA.com
- {{FIFA player}}
- {{UEFA player}}
- {{Englandstats}}
- {{ESPN FC|7976}}
{{Navboxes
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| bg = white
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| list1 =
{{England squad 2002 FIFA World Cup}}
{{England squad UEFA Euro 2004}}
{{England squad 2006 FIFA World Cup}}
{{England squad 2010 FIFA World Cup}}
}}
{{Navboxes
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| title = Awards
| list1 =
{{2005–06 Premier League PFA Team of the Year}}
{{West Ham United F.C. Player of the Year}}
{{Chelsea F.C. Player of the Year}}
}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cole, Joe}}
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