Lewis O'Brien (footballer)

{{Infobox football biography

|name = Lewis O'Brien

|image = Lewis O'Brien 2018.jpg

|caption = O'Brien in 2018

|full_name = Lewis John O'Brien{{cite web|url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/844127|title=2018/19 Premier League squads confirmed |publisher=Premier League |date=3 September 2018|accessdate=27 February 2019}}

|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1998|10|14|df=y}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/players/lewiso'brien/|title=Lewis O'Brien|accessdate=2 August 2022|publisher=Nottingham Forest F.C.}}

|birth_place = Colchester, England

|height = {{convert|1.73|m|order=flip}}

|position = Midfielder

|currentclub = Swansea City
(on loan from Nottingham Forest)

|clubnumber = 8

|youthyears1 = 2009–2018

|youthclubs1 = Huddersfield Town

|years1 = 2018–2022

|clubs1 = Huddersfield Town

|caps1 = 123

|goals1 = 8

|years2 = 2018–2019

|clubs2 = → Bradford City (loan)

|caps2 = 40

|goals2 = 4

|years3 = 2022–

|clubs3 = Nottingham Forest

|caps3 = 13

|goals3 = 1

|years4 = 2023

|clubs4 = → D.C. United (loan)

|caps4 = 17

|goals4 = 1

|years5 = 2023–2024

|clubs5 = → Middlesbrough (loan)

|caps5 = 21

|goals5 = 0

|years6 = 2024

|clubs6 = → Los Angeles FC (loan)

|caps6 = 9

|goals6 = 0

|years7 = 2025–

|clubs7 = → Swansea City (loan)

|caps7 = 15

|goals7 = 1

|club-update = 19:59, 26 April 2025 (UTC)

}}

Lewis John O'Brien (born 14 October 1998) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for {{English football updater|SwanseaC}} side Swansea City on loan from {{English football updater|NottingF}} club Nottingham Forest.

Career

=Huddersfield Town=

Born in Colchester,{{soccerway|id=531032|accessdate=7 March 2020}} O'Brien began his career with Huddersfield Town at the age of 11,{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/61658264|title=Huddersfield's O'Brien linked with Premier League|work=BBC Sport }} where he was named Academy Player of the Year for the 2017–18 season. After signing a new three-year contract with Huddersfield in May 2018, he moved on loan to Bradford City in August 2018 for the 2018–19 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/20163460.bradford-city-academy-boss-rise-lewis-obrien/|title=From City rookie to chasing Premier League place at Wembley: the rise of Lewis O'Brien|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/16611867.city-signing-obrien-joins-on-season-long-loan/|title=CITY SIGNING: O'Brien joins on season-long loan|date=31 August 2018|accessdate=2 September 2018|first=Simon |last=Parker|publisher=Telegraph & Argus}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/2018/august/obrien-joins-bantams/|title=O'BRIEN JOINS BANTAMS|date=31 August 2018|accessdate=31 August 2018|publisher=Bradford City A.F.C.}}{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45372923|title=Lewis O'Brien: Bradford City sign Huddersfield youngster on season-long loan|date=31 August 2018|accessdate=31 August 2018|work=BBC Sport}} His signing was met with some criticism on social media by Bradford City fans.

He made his professional debut for Bradford City on 8 September 2018, and later that month was praised by manager David Hopkin.{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/16892264.bradford-city-hopkin-impressed-by-obriens-start/|title=Bradford City: Hopkin impressed by O'Brien's start|date=21 September 2018|accessdate=21 September 2018|work=Telegraph & Argus}} By mid-November 2018 he had become a first-team regular.{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17217317.bantams-obrien-makes-splash-after-being-thrown-in-at-deep-end/|title=Bantams: O'Brien makes splash after being thrown in at deep end|date=13 November 2018|accessdate=13 November 2018|first=Simon |last=Parker|work=Telegraph & Argus}} In December 2018 he was praised by City teammates Hope Akpan,{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17297029.bradford-city-akpan-hails-attacking-midfield-trio/|title=Bradford City: Akpan hails attacking midfield trio|date=13 December 2018|accessdate=19 December 2018|first=Simon |last=Parker|work=Telegraph & Argus}} and Jack Payne.{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17302946.terriers-team-mates-rise-surpasses-paynes-expectations/|title=Terriers team-mate's rise surpasses Payne's expectations|date=18 December 2018|accessdate=19 December 2018|first=Simon |last=Parker|work=Telegraph & Argus}} Later that month, journalist Simon Parker said that O'Brien was "enjoying an outstanding first season in senior football" and was "a driving force in City's push to get out of the League One drop zone".{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17315538.bradford-city-obrien-says-team-fitness-has-improved/|title=Bradford City: O'Brien says team fitness has improved|date=22 December 2018|accessdate=22 December 2018|first=Simon |last=Parker|work=Telegraph & Argus}} O'Brien stated playing for City had been "fantastic", that he "felt ready for the challenge", and that he was "happy and determined to enjoy the experience".{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17319752.bradford-city-obrien-excited-for-sunderland-showdown/|title=Bradford City: O'Brien excited for Sunderland showdown|date=26 December 2018|accessdate=26 December 2018|first=Simon |last=Parker|work=Telegraph & Argus}}

On 1 January 2019 he scored his first senior goal, in a 3–0 league win at home to Accrington Stanley. In that same match he was later injured and had to be substituted,{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17329342.hopkin-expects-obrien-to-bounce-back-as-he-waits-on-payne/|title=Hopkin expects O'Brien to bounce back, as he waits on Payne|date=2 January 2019|accessdate=2 January 2019|first=Simon |last=Parker|work=Telegraph & Argus}} although the injury was later announced to not be as serious as feared,{{cite web|url=https://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/2019/january/obrien-avoids-injury-lay-off/|title=O'BRIEN AVOIDS INJURY LAY-OFF|date=3 January 2019|accessdate=3 January 2019|publisher=Bradford City A.F.C.}}{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17333886.bantams-confirm-obrien-injury-not-serious/|title=Bantams confirm O'Brien injury not serious|date=3 January 2019|accessdate=4 January 2019|work=Telegraph & Argus}} and he trained in preparation for a league game away at Barnsley on 12 January.{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17351148.bradford-city-midfield-duo-both-ok-for-oakwell/|title=Bradford City: Midfield duo both OK for Oakwell|date=11 January 2019|accessdate=11 January 2019|first=Simon |last=Parker|work=Telegraph & Argus}} In January 2019 it was announced that his loan would continue until the end of the 2018–19 season, after Bradford reached a new deal with parent club Huddersfield.{{cite web|url=https://www.bradfordcityfc.co.uk/news/2019/january/huddersfield-pair-staying-put/|title=HUDDERSFIELD PAIR STAYING PUT|date=15 January 2019|accessdate=15 January 2019|publisher=Bradford City A.F.C.}}{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17359532.breaking-payne-and-obrien-staying-with-bradford-city/|title=BREAKING: Payne and O'Brien staying with Bradford City|date=15 January 2019|accessdate=15 January 2019|first=Simon |last=Parker|work=Telegraph & Argus}} In February 2019, following a poor run of results which saw the club drop into the relegation zone, O'Brien spoke about his confidence in the players turning things around.{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17425210.obrien-backs-bantams-to-find-answer-to-spoiling-tactics/|title=O'Brien backs Bantams to find answer to spoiling tactics|date=12 February 2019|accessdate=12 February 2019|first=Simon |last=Parker|work=Telegraph & Argus}} Later that month O'Brien was described by The Guardian as a "smash hit".

In March 2019 new manager Gary Bowyer rested O'Brien from first-team duties, ending "a run of 30 successive league starts" in order to be fully fit for the club's relegation battle.{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17515751.bradford-city-obrien-will-be-better-for-breather-says-boss/|title=Bradford City: O'Brien will be better for breather says boss|date=21 March 2019|accessdate=21 March 2019|first=Simon |last=Parker|work=Telegraph & Argus}} Following a return to first-team action, O'Brien spoke about his experience during his first year as a senior professional.{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17574153.bantams-fast-learner-obrien-still-top-of-class/|title=Bantams: Fast learner O'Brien still top of class|date=16 April 2019|accessdate=16 April 2019|first=Simon |last=Parker|work=Telegraph & Argus}} In May 2019 he praised David Ball for helping him develop during his time with Bradford,{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17614564.bradford-city-ball-has-had-role-in-midfielders-progress/|title=Bradford City: Ball has had role in midfielder's progress|date=2 May 2019|accessdate=4 May 2019|first=Simon |last=Parker|work=Telegraph & Argus}} having previously commended Ball for taking him under his wing.

In July 2019, following the end of his loan spell with Bradford and upon his return to parent club Huddersfield, O'Brien was given an improved three-year contract.{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/17774297.former-bantam-lewis-o-39-brien-awarded-improved-deal-huddersfield/|title=Former Bantam Lewis O'Brien awarded improved deal at Huddersfield|date=16 July 2019|accessdate=16 July 2019|first=Simon |last=Parker|work=Telegraph and Argus}} He won the EFL Goal of the Month in January 2020.{{cite news|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/sport/18235896.ex-city-loanee-lewis-obrien-collects-goal-month-award/|title=WATCH: Former City player gains Goal of the Month award|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus}} He was Huddersfield Town's 'Player of the Year' for the 2019–20 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/huddersfield-town-player-year-named-18705849|title=Resounding victory crowns new Huddersfield Town Player of the Year|first=Steven|last=Chicken|date=3 August 2020|website=YorkshireLive}}

In August 2020, O'Brien suffered a quad injury, missing the start of the 2020–21 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/carlos-corberan-reveals-lewis-obrien-18808125|title=Corberan blow as O'Brien to miss start of Town season|first=Mel|last=Booth|date=21 August 2020|website=YorkshireLive}} He remained injured a month later.{{cite web|url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/huddersfield-town-injury-update-brentford-18952409|title=Ward, O'Brien, Daly – Huddersfield Town injury update for Brentford trip|first=Steven|last=Chicken|date=17 September 2020|website=YorkshireLive}}

O'Brien signed a new contract with the club in September 2021.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/58639536|title=O'Brien signs new Huddersfield deal|work=BBC Sport }} At the end of the 2021–22 season he was linked with a move to the Premier League.

=Nottingham Forest=

Following Huddersfield's defeat in the 2022 EFL Championship play-off final, O'Brien, along with his teammate Harry Toffolo, moved to Premier League side Nottingham Forest, who defeated Huddersfield in the aforementioned final.{{cite news |title=FOREST SECURE SIGNING OF LEWIS O'BRIEN |url=https://www.nottinghamforest.co.uk/news/2022/july/20/forest-securing-signing-of-lewis-o-brien/ |access-date=20 July 2022 |publisher=Nottingham Forest FC |date=20 July 2022}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62231147|title=Promoted Forest sign O'Brien & Toffolo|work=BBC Sport}}

In January 2023, O'Brien was due to be loaned to Blackburn Rovers, but the transfer was not ratified by the English Football League due to late submission of paperwork.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64510611|title=Blackburn 'devastated' over failed transfers|date=3 February 2023|work=BBC Sport}} O'Brien was subsequently left out of Nottingham Forest's 25-man Premier League squad for the rest of the season.{{cite web|url=https://theathletic.com/4153642/2023/02/03/lewis-o-brien-blackburn-forest-transfer/|title=O'Brien 'let down' by Blackburn — Cooper|date=3 February 2023|website=The Athletic}}

In March 2023 he began talks with Major League Soccer team D.C. United for a loan move.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/64910426|title=Forest's O'Brien close to DC United loan move|work=BBC Sport }}{{cite web|url=https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/sport/football/news/huddersfield-town-lewis-obrien-rooney-26436721|title=Ex-Huddersfield Town player Lewis O'Brien in talks over loan move to DC United|first=Dom|last=Howson|date=10 March 2023|website=YorkshireLive}} A short-term loan deal was signed on 16 March, running until 16 July 2023.{{cite news |title=D.C. United acquires Lewis O'Brien on short-term loan from Nottingham Forest |work=Washington Post |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2023/03/16/dc-united-lewis-obrien-loan/ |access-date=26 April 2023 |issn=0190-8286}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/65018920|title=Limbo ends for Forest's O'Brien as he joins Rooney in MLS|work=BBC Sport }}

On 31 August 2023, O'Brien joined Championship club Middlesbrough on loan until the end of the 2023–24 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.mfc.co.uk/news/2023/august/31/lewis-o-brien-joins-boro-on-loan-from-forest/|title=Lewis O'Brien Joins On Loan From Forest|website=www.mfc.co.uk|date=31 August 2023|accessdate=31 August 2023}} He suffered leg and ankle injuries on 30 September and was ruled out for at least two months.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/67016214|title=Boro's O'Brien out with leg and ankle injuries|work=BBC Sport}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/middlesbrough-injured-duo-undergo-surgery-27884758|title=Boro injured duo undergo surgery successfully as road to recovery begins|first=Craig|last=Johns|date=11 October 2023|website=Teesside Live}}

On 30 July 2024, O'Brien returned to Major League Soccer to join Los Angeles FC on loan for the remainder of the 2024 season, with a purchase option.{{cite web|date=30 July 2024|title=LAFC Acquires Midfielder Lewis O'Brien On Loan From Nottingham Forest|url=https://www.lafc.com/news/lafc-acquires-midfielder-lewis-o-brien-on-loan-from-nottingham-forest|access-date=30 July 2024|publisher=Los Angeles FC}}

In February 2025 O'Brien moved on loan to Swansea City.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cy08dvwv54jo|title=Swansea City transfers: Swans seal loan deal for Forest's O'Brien|date=3 February 2025|website=BBC Sport}}

Personal life

O'Brien is a Manchester City fan, and grew up watching the team with his father. During his time with Bradford City, O'Brien used to entertain his teammates by singing.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2019/feb/19/bradford-lewis-obrien-huddersfield-twitter-critics-singing|title=Bradford's Lewis O'Brien: 'I used Twitter critics as a drive to show who I am'|date=19 February 2019|accessdate=4 May 2019|first=Paul |last=Doyle|work=The Guardian}}

Career statistics

rowspan=2\|Club !rowspan=2\|Season !colspan=3\|League !colspan=2\|National cup{{efn\|Includes FA Cup, US Open Cup}} !colspan=2\|League cup{{efn\|Includes EFL Cup}} !colspan=2\|Other !colspan=2\|Total
class=wikitable style="text-align: center;" \|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
rowspan=5\|Huddersfield Town \|2018–19{{soccerbase season\|110101\|2018\|accessdate=1 February 2019}} \|Premier League \|0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2019–20{{soccerbase season\|110101\|2019\|accessdate=11 August 2019}} \|Championship \|38	2	1	0	0	0	0	0	39	2
2020–21{{soccerbase season\|110101\|2020\|accessdate=26 September 2020}} \|Championship \|42	3	0	0	0	0	0	0	42	3
2021–22{{soccerbase season\|110101\|2021\|accessdate=1 August 2021}} \|Championship \|43	3	2	0	2	0	3{{efn\|Appearances in the EFL Championship play-offs}}	0	50	3
colspan=2\|Total !123	8	3	0	2	0	3	0	131	8
Bradford City (loan) \|2018–19 \|League One \|40	4	4	0	0	0	2{{efn\|Appearances in the EFL Trophy}}	0	46	4
rowspan=4\|Nottingham Forest \|2022–23{{soccerbase season\|110101\|2022\|accessdate=20 July 2022}} \|Premier League \|13	1	1	0	3	0	0	0	17	1
2023–24{{soccerbase season\|110101\|2023\|accessdate=12 August 2023}} \|Premier League \|0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
2024–25{{soccerbase season\|110101\|2024\|accessdate=17 August 2024}} \|Premier League \|0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
colspan=2\|Total !13	1	1	0	3	0	0	0	17	1
D.C. United (loan) \|2023 \|Major League Soccer \|17	1	1	0	0	0	0	0	18	1
Middlesbrough (loan) \|2023–24 \|Championship \|21	0	0	0	2	0	0	0	23	0
Los Angeles FC (loan) \|2024 \|Major League Soccer \|9	0	2	0	0	0	4{{efn\|Appearances in MLS Cup Playoffs}}	0	15	0
Swansea City (loan) \|2024–25 \|Championship \|15	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	15	1
colspan="3"\|Career total !237	15	10	0	7	0	9	0	264	15

Honours

Los Angeles FC

U.S. Open Cup: 2024{{Cite web |last=mlssoccer |title=Champions! LAFC win US Open Cup over Sporting Kansas City {{!}} MLSSoccer.com |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/champions-lafc-win-us-open-cup-over-sporting-kansas-city |access-date=26 September 2024 |website=mlssoccer |language=en}}

Individual

Huddersfield Town Player of the Year: 2019–20{{cite news|url=https://www.htafc.com/news/2020/august/lewis-obrien-named-towns-player-of-the-year/ |title=Lewis O'Brien named Town's Player of the Year |first=Adam |last=Tomlinson |publisher=Huddersfield Town AFC |date=3 August 2020 |access-date=31 August 2023}}