Liam Walker
{{Short description|Gibraltarian association football player}}
{{EngvarB|date=September 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2022}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Liam Walker
| image = Liam Walker (cropped).jpg
| upright = 0.7
| caption = Walker lining up for Gibraltar in 2014
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1988|4|13|df=y}}
| birth_place = Gibraltar
| height = {{height|ft=5|in=8}}
| position = Midfielder
| currentclub = St Joseph's
| clubnumber = 11
| youthyears1 = | youthclubs1 = Peña Madridista Linense
| youthyears2 = | youthclubs2 = Atlético Zabal
| youthyears3 = | youthclubs3 = Calderón
| youthyears4 = | youthclubs4 = Algeciras
| years1 = 2006–2008 | caps1 = 2 | goals1 = 0 | clubs1 = Algeciras
| years2 = 2008 | caps2 = | goals2 = | clubs2 = Quintanar Rey
| years3 = 2008–2009 | caps3 = 8 | goals3 = 6 | clubs3 = Atlético Zabal
| years4 = 2009–2010 | caps4 = 4 | goals4 = 0 | clubs4 = Linense
| years5 = 2010 | caps5 = 13 | goals5 = 2 | clubs5 = Los Barrios
| years6 = 2010–2011 | caps6 = 13 | goals6 = 1 | clubs6 = Linense
| years7 = 2011 | caps7 = 6 | goals7 = 1 | clubs7 = → San Roque (loan)
| years8 = 2011–2012 | caps8 = 30 | goals8 = 10 | clubs8 = San Roque
| years9 = 2012–2013 | caps9 = 26 | goals9 = 2 | clubs9 = Portsmouth
| years10 = 2013–2014 | caps10 = 9 | goals10 = 2 | clubs10 = San Roque
| years11 = 2014 | caps11 = 13 | goals11 = 1 | clubs11 = Bnei Yehuda
| years12 = 2014–2016 | caps12 = 34 | goals12 = 25 | clubs12 = Lincoln Red Imps
| years13 = 2016–2017 | caps13 = 26 | goals13 = 15 | clubs13 = Europa
| years14 = 2017–2018 | caps14 = 11 | goals14 = 0 | clubs14 = Notts County
| years15 = 2018–2021 | caps15 = 53 | goals15 = 41 | clubs15 = Europa
| years16 = 2021–2024 | caps16 = 56 | goals16 = 23 | clubs16 = Lincoln Red Imps
| years17 = 2024– | caps17 = 21 | goals17 = 4 | clubs17 = St Joseph's
| nationalyears1 = 2011–2013 | nationalteam1 = Gibraltar XI (Non-FIFA)
| nationalcaps1 = 22 | nationalgoals1 = 4
| nationalyears2 = 2013– | nationalteam2 = Gibraltar
| nationalcaps2 = 88 | nationalgoals2 = 8
| club-update = 19:10, 3 May 2025 (UTC)
| nationalteam-update = 20:10, 9 June 2025 (UTC)
}}
Liam Walker (born 13 April 1988) is a Gibraltarian footballer who plays as a midfielder for Gibraltar Football League side St Joseph's and the Gibraltar national team.
Walker spent most of his career with lower-league Spanish clubs and in the Gibraltar Premier Division. He has also played in England with Football League sides Portsmouth and Notts County, and in the Israeli Premier League with Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv.
Walker made his international debut for Gibraltar in November 2013, during their first official match. He is Gibraltar's most capped player and all-time top goalscorer, with seven goals.
Club career
=Spanish lower levels=
Walker began his career in Algeciras CF, making his debut on 22 October 2006, against Ayamonte.{{cite web |url=http://www.lapreferente.com/index.php?IDpartido=63006 |title=El Algeciras golea el Ayamonte |trans-title=Algeciras thrash Ayamonte |publisher=La Preferente |date=22 October 2006 |language=Spanish}} He received his first start on 22 May 2007, against CD Mairena. He already had trials with Manchester United, Everton and Aston Villa as a teenager.
In 2008 summer, after a short period at CD Quintanar del Rey,{{cite web|url=https://www.europasur.es/deportes/Algeciras-quiere-vuelva-Liam_0_609239639.html|title=El Algeciras quiere que vuelva Liam|trans-title=Algeciras want Liam to return|publisher=Europa Sur|language=es|date=24 July 2012|accessdate=9 July 2024}} Walker joined Atlético Zabal (Real Balompédica Linense's farm team), but only appeared in eight matches (575 minutes overall), scoring six times. During the 2009–10 season, he was promoted to Linense's first team, but only made four appearances, all from the bench, 89 minutes overall, being later separated from the squad due to indiscipline problems.{{cite web|url=https://www.europasur.es/deportes/filial-carta-libertad-Liam-Walker_0_332067303.html|title=El filial niega la carta de libertad a Liam Walker|trans-title=The reserves deny a free transfer to Liam Walker|publisher=Europa Sur|language=es|date=12 January 2010|accessdate=9 July 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.europasur.es/deportes/Liam-Walker-nino-bueno_0_372563336.html|title=Liam Walker, un niño bueno|trans-title=Liam Walker, a good kid|publisher=Europa Sur|language=es|date=27 May 2010|accessdate=9 July 2024}}
In January 2010, Walker signed with UD Los Barrios,{{cite web |url=http://www.europasur.es/article/deportes/616191/los/barrenos/incorporan/ex/zabalista/liam/walker.html |title=Los Barrios incorporam ex-Zabalista Liam Walker |trans-title=Los Barrios sign ex-Zabal Liam Walker |publisher=Europa Sur |date=26 January 2010 |language=Spanish }} and made his debut on the 31st, against Puerto Real CF. He scored his first goals on 27 April, against Sevilla FC C.{{cite web|url=https://www.europasur.es/deportes/noche-Liam_0_364164126.html|title=La noche de Liam|trans-title=Liam's night|publisher=Europa Sur|language=es|date=29 April 2010|accessdate=9 July 2024}} In May 2010, Walker returned to Linense,{{cite web |url=http://www.lagoleada.net/?p=10077 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020075504/http://www.lagoleada.net/?p=10077 |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 October 2013 |title=Liam retoma por dos años su relación con la Balona |trans-title=Liam rejoins Balona for two years |publisher=La Goleada |date=25 May 2010 |language=Spanish }}{{cite web|url=https://www.europasur.es/deportes/Liam-Walker-vuelve-Balona_0_372263068.html|title=Liam Walker vuelve a la Balona|trans-title=Liam Walker returns to the Balona|publisher=Europa Sur|language=es|date=26 May 2010|accessdate=9 July 2024}} getting more playing time than his last spell, appearing in 13 matches (849 minutes overall) and scoring once (against UD Los Palacios on 26 September).
In January of the following year, Walker was loaned to CD San Roque, in the Spanish fifth division.{{cite web |url=http://www.lagoleada.net/?p=13510 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020075500/http://www.lagoleada.net/?p=13510 |url-status=dead |archive-date=20 October 2013 |title=El gibraltareño Liam Walker abandona de nuevo la Balona |trans-title=Gibraltarian Liam Walker leaves Balona again |publisher=La Goleada |date=18 January 2011 |language=Spanish }}{{cite web|url=https://www.europasur.es/deportes/Liam-contagia-ambicion-Sanro_0_455954867.html|title=Liam contagia su ambición al Sanro|trans-title=Liam brings his ambition to Sanro|publisher=Europa Sur|language=es|date=1 March 2011|accessdate=9 July 2024}} In his first season, he only appeared six times and scored once, with his team being promoted to fourth division. In his second season, now with a permanent deal,{{cite web|url=https://www.europasur.es/deportes/Liam-jugador-San-Roque_0_495251068.html|title=Liam ya es jugador del San Roque|trans-title=Liam is already a San Roque player|publisher=Europa Sur|language=es|date=10 July 2011|accessdate=9 July 2024}} he was the club's topscorer and best player of the season, scoring ten goals in 30 games (all starts).{{cite web |url=http://www.europasur.es/article/deportes/1146367/liam/walker/mvp/san/roque.html |title=Liam Walker, el 'MVP' del San Roque |trans-title=Liam Walker, San Roque's 'MVP' |publisher=Europa Sur |date=26 December 2011 |language=Spanish}}
=Portsmouth=
File:Liam Walker with Lincol Red Imps.jpg
In July 2012, Walker was called by Portsmouth manager Michael Appleton to train with the club, after an impressive performance for Gibraltar.[http://footballgibraltar.wordpress.com/2012/07/22/liam-walker-training-with-portsmouth/ Liam Walker training with Portsmouth]; Football Gibraltar, 22 July 2012 He was a part of the squad in the club pre-season matches, against Bolton Wanderers, on 4 August.[http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/LatestNews/news/Pompey-3-Bolton-0-3575.aspx Pompey 3 Bolton 0] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807012056/http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/LatestNews/news/Pompey-3-Bolton-0-3575.aspx |date= 7 August 2012 }}; Portsmouth F.C., 4 August 2012 In his next game, on 8 August, he scored the final goal, against AFC Wimbledon.[http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/LatestNews/news/AFC-Wimbledon-0-Pompey-2-3582.aspx AFC Wimbledon 0 Pompey 2] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120910163921/http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/LatestNews/news/AFC-Wimbledon-0-Pompey-2-3582.aspx |date=10 September 2012 }}; Portsmouth F.C., 8 August 2012
On 16 August, Walker signed a one-month contract with Pompey.[http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/LatestNews/news/New-Faces-At-Fratton-3598.aspx New Faces At Fratton] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108054652/http://www.portsmouthfc.co.uk/LatestNews/news/New-Faces-At-Fratton-3598.aspx |date= 8 January 2012 }}; Portsmouth FC's official website, 16 August 2012 However, due to his international clearance not being made by RFEF in time, he was unable to play on the opening day of the League One season against Bournemouth. He only made his debut on 21 August 2012, in an away match against Colchester United, coming in for Kieran Djilali who started on the bench. Walker played on the wing on his debut whilst Portsmouth captain Brian Howard and Lee Williamson played in the centre. Portsmouth drew with Colchester 2–2, with goals for Pompey through Luke Rodgers and Jordan Obita. Walker hit the post early in the second half and also assisted Rodgers in the first goal of the match.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19252494 Colchester 2–2 Portsmouth]; BBC Sport, 21 August 2012 He then started in the following two games (against Carlisle United and Oldham Athletic), before being dropped to the bench. Walker only received a start three months later, against Yeovil Town, on 29 December.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20823113 Portsmouth 1–2 Yeovil]; BBC Sport, 29 December 2012
Walker scored his first league goal for Portsmouth against Scunthorpe United on 2 February 2013.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21241413 Scunthorpe 2–1 Portsmouth]; BBC Sport, 2 February 2013 He scored his second on the 16th, against Carlisle United, from the penalty spot.[https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/21448206 Portsmouth 1–1 Carlisle]; BBC Sport, 16 February 2013 Walker finished the season with three assists, only behind Jed Wallace (five) and Howard (six).
At the end of the season, Walker was challenged to earn a new deal by manager Guy Whittingham.[http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/guy-challenges-walker-to-win-new-deal-1-5107899 Guy challenges Walker to win new deal] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609091714/http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/guy-challenges-walker-to-win-new-deal-1-5107899 |date=9 June 2013 }}; Portsmouth News, 20 May 2013 However, on 9 July, Walker announced that he would join a Greek club.[http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/no-pompey-return-for-walker-1-5266314 No Pompey return for Walker] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130713004044/http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/sport/pompey/no-pompey-return-for-walker-1-5266314 |date=13 July 2013 }}; Portsmouth News, 9 July 2013
=Trials and back to San Roque=
It was reported that Walker turned up at a training base of Dundee United in Spain without notice and requested a possible trial. This was however refused by Dundee United's management.[http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/sport/football/football-transfer-news/transfer-talk-july-18-news-2061957 Transfer Talk, July 18: All the news and latest rumours]; Daily Record, 18 July 2013 He was also linked to a move for Aris Thessaloniki, but the deal fell through.[http://footballgibraltar.wordpress.com/2013/07/20/liam-walkers-greek-deal-falls-through-scores-for-san-roque-last-night/ Liam Walker's Greek deal falls through; scores for San Roque last night]; Football Gibraltar, 20 July 2013
In late July, Walker returned to San Roque, only training with the club while waiting for a "convincing offer" from any club.{{cite web|url=http://www.europasur.es/article/deportes/1569011/san/roque/espera/liam/walker/sea/la/guinda.html|title=El San Roque espera que Liam Walker sea la guinda|trans-title=San Roque expects that Liam Walker becomes the cherry|language=Spanish|publisher=EuropaSur|date=22 July 2013|accessdate=25 July 2013}} On 2 August, he signed with San Roque.{{cite web|url=http://www.horasurdigital.com/2013/08/02/el-gibraltareno-liam-walker-podria-fichar-en-las-proximas-horas-por-el-san-roque/|title=El gibraltareño Liam Walker podría fichar en las próximas horas por el San Roque|trans-title=Gibraltarian Liam Walker could sign for San Roque in the following hours|language=Spanish|publisher=Hora Sur Digital|date=2 August 2013|accessdate=9 September 2013|url-status=dead|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131022151239/http://www.horasurdigital.com/2013/08/02/el-gibraltareno-liam-walker-podria-fichar-en-las-proximas-horas-por-el-san-roque/|archivedate=22 October 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.europasur.es/article/deportes/1596893/san/roque/no/tocara/lo/funciona.html |title=El San Roque no tocará lo que funciona|trans-title=San Roque will not change what works|language=Spanish|publisher=Europa Sur|date=6 September 2013|accessdate=9 September 2013}}
Walker scored in his San Roque re-debut on 5 October, but in a 1–2 home loss against Recreativo B.{{cite web|url=http://www.eldesmarquehuelva.com/futbol-provincial/31369-antonio-dominguez-y-merino-dan-la-victoria-al-recre-b-en-san-roque |title=Antonio Domínguez y Merino dan la victoria al Recre B en San Roque|trans-title=Antonio Domínguez and Merino give the victory to Recre B in San Roque |language=Spanish|publisher=El Desmarque de Huelva|date=5 October 2013|accessdate=21 January 2014}} He finished his second spell with the club with nine appearances, scoring two goals.
=Bnei Yehuda=
On 9 January 2014, it was announced that Walker had been released from his contract with CD San Roque after his buyout clause had been met.{{cite web|title=El San Roque da la carta de libertad a Walker para que se marche a la liga israelí|trans-title=San Roque gives green light to Walker for an Israeli league move|url=http://www.sanropolis.com/el-san-roque-da-la-carta-de-libertad-a-walker-para-que-se-marche-a-la-liga-israeli/|publisher=Sanropolis|accessdate=21 January 2014|language=Spanish|date=9 January 2014}} On 21 January, he joined Israeli Premier League side Beni Yehuda Tel Aviv on a two-and-a-half year contract, after being recommended by Yossi Benayoun and reuniting with former teammate James Keene.{{cite web|script-title=he:נסגרה מכסת הזרים: ליאם ווקר חתם לשנתיים וחצי|trans-title=Closed foreign quota: Liam Walker signs a two-and-a-half year|url=http://bneiyehuda.co.il/?p=30696|publisher=Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv F.C.|accessdate=21 January 2014|language=Hebrew}}
He played 14 total games during his time in the Middle East, scoring a long-range free kick in a 2–0 win at Hapoel Ra'anana on 1 February.{{cite news |last1=Campbell |first1=Paul |title=The best goals of the week |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2014/feb/03/the-best-goals-of-the-week |accessdate=17 October 2018 |work=The Guardian |date=3 February 2014}}
=Lincoln Red Imps=
On 16 September 2014, Lincoln Red Imps announced that Walker had returned to Gibraltar to play for them. In his first season, Walker scored 13 goals in 10 league matches, placing him third in the league in scoring.{{cite web|title=Top Scorers|url=https://www.uefa.com/nationalassociations/gib/domestic/league/1087/|publisher=UEFA|access-date=7 July 2015}} In August 2016, it was Lincoln Red Imps announced that Walkers recently expired contract would not be extended. In total Walker appeared in 43 league matches for the club, scoring 24 goals.{{cite web|last1=Fortuna|first1=Julian|title=Walker to leave Lincoln|url=http://gibraltarfootballtalk.com/walker-to-leave-lincoln/?platform=hootsuite|publisher=GibFootballTalk|accessdate=5 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820013411/http://gibraltarfootballtalk.com/walker-to-leave-lincoln/?platform=hootsuite|archive-date=20 August 2016|url-status=dead}}
=Europa FC=
On 18 August 2016 it was announced that Walker had signed for Europa FC, a regular Europa League participant and fellow Gibraltar Premier Division club.{{cite web|last1=Fortuna|first1=Julian|title=Walker joins Europa|url=https://gibraltarfootballtalk.com/walker-joins-europa/?platform=hootsuite|archive-url=https://archive.today/20161115234853/https://gibraltarfootballtalk.com/walker-joins-europa/?platform=hootsuite|url-status=dead|archive-date=15 November 2016|publisher=GibFootballTalk|accessdate=18 August 2016}} Walker debuted for Europa on 18 September 2016 in the 2016 Pepe Reyes Cup against his former club Lincoln. Europa won the match 2–0 with Enrique "Kike" Gomez scoring a brace.{{cite web|last1=Fortuna|first1=Julian|title=Kike brace sinks Imps|url=https://gibraltarfootballtalk.com/kike-brace-sinks-imps/|publisher=GibFootballTalk|accessdate=18 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161008214143/https://gibraltarfootballtalk.com/kike-brace-sinks-imps/|archive-date=8 October 2016|url-status=dead}} Walker tallied an assists and played all 90 minutes of the match.{{cite web|title=Lincoln Red Imps v Europa|url=https://gibraltarfootballtalk.com/event/lincoln-red-imps-v-europa/|publisher=GibFootballTalk|accessdate=18 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919082041/https://gibraltarfootballtalk.com/event/lincoln-red-imps-v-europa/|archive-date=19 September 2016|url-status=dead}} During Europa's first match of the 2016–17 season, Walker scored his first goal for his new club on his league debut, the only goal in 1–0 victory over Lions Gibraltar.{{cite web|last1=Fortuna|first1=Julian|title=Lincoln demolish Lynx as Europa leave it late against Lions|url=https://gibraltarfootballtalk.com/lincoln-demolish-lynx-as-europa-leave-it-late-against-lions/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20161008161414/https://gibraltarfootballtalk.com/lincoln-demolish-lynx-as-europa-leave-it-late-against-lions/|url-status=dead|archive-date=8 October 2016|publisher=GibFootballTalk|accessdate=25 September 2016}}
=Notts County=
After scoring in the Greens' Champions League exit to The New Saints, Walker went on trial with EFL League One club Southend United, appearing in the second half of their friendly with Braintree Town.[http://www.gazette-news.co.uk/sport/15413576.Iron_are_defeated_by_Southend_but_there_should_be_plenty_to_encourage_fans/ Iron are defeated by Southend but there should be plenty to encourage fans] Daily Gazette. 15 July 2017. He then went on trial with Notts County of EFL League Two and appeared in a pre-season friendly against Nottingham Forest.{{cite web|title=WATCH: Who is Notts County's number eight?|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11768/10954772/watch-who-is-notts-countys-number-eight|publisher=Sky Sports|accessdate=20 July 2017}}
On 25 July 2017, it was confirmed that he had impressed manager Kevin Nolan enough to earn a permanent deal with the Magpies.[https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40715865 Notts County: Gibraltar international Liam Walker joins League Two club] BBC Sport. 25 July 2017. He made his debut on 5 August, starting in a 3–0 loss at Coventry City in the season opener.{{cite news |last1=Curtis |first1=Leigh |title=Notts County suffer defeat to Coventry City in League Two opener thanks to Jodi Jones hat-trick |url=https://www.nottinghampost.com/sport/football/match-reports/notts-county-suffer-defeat-coventry-285603 |accessdate=17 October 2018 |work=Nottingham Post |date=5 August 2017}} On 30 April 2018, Walker left the Meadow Lane club after 19 official games "to pursue opportunities elsewhere".{{cite news |title=Liam Walker departs |url=https://www.nottscountyfc.co.uk/news/2018/april/liam-walker-departs/ |accessdate=17 October 2018 |publisher=Notts County F.C. |date=30 April 2018}} He signed a three-year contract back at Europa in June.{{cite news |title=Liam Walker: I want to carry on making history |url=http://europafc.gi/liam-walker-making-history/ |accessdate=17 October 2018 |publisher=Europa FC |date=7 June 2018}}
=Back to Gibraltar=
In 2021, Walker returned to Lincoln Red Imps.[https://www.lincolnredimpsfc.co.uk/news/breaking--back-at-the-best-as-walker-returns Back at the Best as Walker Returns] Lincoln Red Imps FC. 13 June 2021. Retrieved 13 June 2021. Three years later he moved again, joining rivals St Joseph's.[https://www.stjosephsfcgib.co.uk/news/breaking--statement-of-intent-as-saints-complete-walker-signing BREAKING: STATEMENT OF INTENT AS SAINTS COMPLETE WALKER SIGNING] St Joseph's FC. 2 June 2024. Retrieved 2 June 2024.
International career
File:Liam Walker against Slovakia.jpg in 2013.]]
Walker played in 2011 Island Games, starting in all Gibraltar's matches, and scoring a hat-trick against Ynys Môn on 27 June.[http://www.natwestiowresults2011.com/Sports/SOCCER/default.aspx?SportID=28&EventID=139&HeatID=1599&ResultID=13957&ViewResult=True Island Games Results | 2011 | Sports | Football]; 27 June 2011 Walker stood as the only professional player in the national team.{{cite web |url=http://www.teinteresa.es/deportes/Liam-Walker-futbolista-Gibraltar-futbol_0_925109513.html |title=Liam Walker, el único futbolista de Gibraltar que vive del fútbol |trans-title=Liam Walker, the only Gibraltarian footballer who lives from football |publisher=TeInteresa.es |date=24 May 2013 |language=Spanish }}
After Gibraltar was accepted as a member of UEFA, Walker was selected as part of the 23-man squad for Gibraltar's official debut against Slovakia on 19 November 2013.{{cite web|title=23 man squad for Slovakia game selected|url=http://footballgibraltar.wordpress.com/2013/11/13/23-man-squad-for-slovakia-game-selected/|publisher=Football Gibraltar|accessdate=13 November 2013}} He earned a starting spot in the 0–0 draw, played in Faro, Portugal.{{cite web|title=Gibraltar 0–0 Slovakia|url=http://footballgibraltar.wordpress.com/2013/11/19/gibraltar-0-0-slovakia/|publisher=Football Gibraltar|accessdate=19 November 2013}}
On 6 September 2016, Walker scored his first international goal as Gibraltar made their World Cup qualifying debut against Greece. Walker hit the net with a curling left-footed shot from just inside the box, levelling the score at 1–1 before his side eventually fell to a 1–4 defeat. This was Gibraltar's first competitive goal as a member of FIFA.{{cite web |url=http://chronicle.gi/2016/09/gibraltar-shrugs-off-4-1-defeat-to-make-football-history/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180531121553/http://chronicle.gi/2016/09/gibraltar-shrugs-off-4-1-defeat-to-make-football-history/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=31 May 2018 |title=Gibraltar shrugs off 4–1 defeat to make football history |date=6 September 2016 |newspaper=Gibraltar Chronicle |first=Stephen |last=Ignacio }} Walker was named the FIFA Player of the Day following the match.{{cite web|title=EURO finalists disappoint as Belgium and Greece dominate|url=https://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2016/m=9/news=euro-finalists-disappoint-as-belgium-and-greece-dominate-2831121.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160907153342/http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/news/y=2016/m=9/news=euro-finalists-disappoint-as-belgium-and-greece-dominate-2831121.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=7 September 2016|publisher=FIFA|accessdate=7 September 2016}} Walker scored his second international goal on 25 March 2018, a deflected free-kick which proved decisive as Gibraltar beat Latvia 1–0 in a friendly, their first win on home soil since joining UEFA.{{cite web|title=1-0 win for Gibraltar against Latvia in international friendly |url=https://www.gbc.gi/news/1-0-win-gibraltar-against-latvia-international-friendly |date=25 March 2018 |accessdate=9 September 2024 |website=gbc.gi |publisher=Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation}}
In November 2020, Walker became the first player to reach 50 caps for Gibraltar since the side joined UEFA. On 9 June 2022, he scored his fourth goal for his country from the penalty spot as Gibraltar held Bulgaria - a side then ranked 130 places higher in the FIFA rankings - to a 1–1 draw.{{cite web |url=https://www.chronicle.gi/gibraltar-grab-their-first-point-in-league-c/ |title=Gibraltar grab their first point in League C |date=9 June 2022 |access-date=9 September 2024 |website=chronicle.gi |publisher=Gibraltar Chronicle |first=Stephen |last=Ignacio}}
On 8 September 2024, Walker scored directly from a corner and saw a penalty saved as Gibraltar drew 2–2 with Liechtenstein in the 2024-25 Nations League.{{cite web |url=https://www.gbc.gi/news/gibraltar-draws-2-2-against-liechtenstein-rollercoaster-match |title=Gibraltar draws 2-2 against Liechtenstein in rollercoaster match |date=8 September 2024 |access-date=9 September 2024 |website=gbc.gi |publisher=Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation}} This goal saw Walker again become Gibraltar's outright top goalscorer, with six goals.
Career statistics
=Club=
{{updated|5 July 2024}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" | |||||||||||
| rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National cup !colspan="2"|League cup !colspan="2"|Continental !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total | |||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division
!Apps !Goals !Apps !Goals !Apps !Goals !Apps !Goals !Apps !Goals !Apps !Goals | |||||||||||
| rowspan="3"|Algeciras
|2006–07{{Cite web | title = Liam Walker | url = http://www.lapreferente.com/index.php?IDjugador=13110 | publisher = La Preferente | language = Spanish | accessdate = 12 February 2014}} |2 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 2 | 0 | ||||
| 2007–08{{Cite web
| title = Liam: Liam Walker: 2007–08 | url = http://www.bdfutbol.com/en/p/j13475.html?temp=2007-08 | publisher = BDFutbol | accessdate = 12 February 2014}} |0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 1 | 0 | |||
| colspan="2"|Total
!2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 3 | 0 | |||
| Atlético Zabal
|8 | 6 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 8 | 6 | ||||
| Linense
|Tercera División |4 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 4 | 0 | ||||
| Los Barrios
|Tercera División |13 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 13 | 2 | ||||
| Linense
|Tercera División |13 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 13 | 1 | ||||
| rowspan="3"|San Roque
|6 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 6 | 1 | ||||
| 2011–12
|Tercera División |30 | 10 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 30 | 10 | ||||
| colspan="2"|Total
!36 | 11 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 36 | 11 | ||||
| Portsmouth
| title = L. Walker | url = https://int.soccerway.com/players/liam-walker/259724/ | publisher = Soccerway | accessdate = 12 February 2014}} |26 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 1{{efn|Appearance in Football League Trophy}} | 0 | 28 | 2 | |
| San Roque
|Tercera División |9 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 9 | 2 | ||||
| Bnei Yehuda
|13 | 1 | 1 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 14 | 1 | |||
| rowspan="4"|Lincoln Red Imps
|rowspan="3"|Gibraltar Premier Division |10 | 13 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 3 | colspan="2"|— | colspan="2"|— | 17 | 19 | ||
| 2015–16
|24 | 12 | ? | ? | colspan="2"|— | 4{{efn|Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League}} | 0 | 1 | 0 | 29 | 12 | |
| 2016–17
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 4 | 0 | colspan="2"|– | 4 | 0 | ||
| colspan="2"|Total
!34 | 25 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 50 | 31 |
| rowspan="3"|Europa
|rowspan="2"|Gibraltar Premier Division |26 | 15 | 4 | 1 | colspan="2"|— | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 31 | 16 | |
| 2017–18
|0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!26 | 15 | 4 | 1 | colspan="2"|– | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 33 | 17 | |
| Notts County
|11 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | colspan="2"|— | 3 | 0 | 15 | 0 | |
| rowspan=4|Europa
|rowspan=3|Gibraltar Premier Division |25 | 12 | 3 | 2 | colspan="2"|— | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 31 | 14 | |
| 2019-20
|16 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 20 | 21 |
| 2020-21
|12 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 17 | 11 |
| colspan=2|Total
!53||41||6||4||0||0||8||1||1||0||68||46 | |||||||||||
| rowspan=4|Lincoln Red Imps
|rowspan=3|Gibraltar Premier Division |16 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 28 | 15 |
| 2022-23
|17 | 7 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 8 |
| 2023-24
|23 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 27 | 5 |
| colspan=2|Total
!56||23||2||1||0||0||20||4||0||0||78||28 | |||||||||||
| colspan="3"|Career total
!304 | 129 | 18 | 9 | 5 | 3 | 38 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 372 | 147 |
{{notelist}}
=International=
{{updated|match played 9 June 2025}}{{cite web |url=http://www.national-football-teams.com/player/44344.html |title=Liam Walker |website=National Football Teams |access-date=12 February 2014}}{{cite web |url=https://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=28460 |title=Liam Walker |website=EU-Football.info |access-date=8 September 2024}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year !National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals | ||
| rowspan="13"|Gibraltar
|2013 | 1 | 0 |
| 2014 | 7 | 0 |
| 2015 | 7 | 0 |
| 2016 | 7 | 1 |
| 2017 | 6 | 0 |
| 2018 | 7 | 1 |
| 2019 | 9 | 0 |
| 2020 | 6 | 0 |
| 2021 | 7 | 1 |
| 2022 | 10 | 2 |
| 2023 | 8 | 0 |
| 2024 | 10 | 3 |
| 2025 | 3 | 0 |
| colspan="2"|Total | 88 | 8 |
|---|
:Scores and results list Gibraltar's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Walker goal.
| class="wikitable sortable"
|+ List of international goals scored by Liam Walker !scope=col|No. !scope=col|Date !scope=col|Venue !scope=col|Opponent !scope=col|Score !scope=col|Result !scope=col|Competition | |||||
| style="text-align:center"|1
| 6 September 2016 | Estádio Algarve, Faro, Portugal | {{fb|GRE}} | style="text-align:center"|1–1 | style="text-align:center"|1–4 | 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| style="text-align:center"|2
| 25 March 2018 | Victoria Stadium, Gibraltar | {{fb|LVA}} | style="text-align:center"|1–0 | style="text-align:center"|1–0 | Friendly |
| style="text-align:center"|3
| 16 November 2021 | Victoria Stadium, Gibraltar | {{fb|LVA}} | style="text-align:center"|1–0 | style="text-align:center"|1–3 | 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| style="text-align:center"|4
| 9 June 2022 | Victoria Stadium, Gibraltar | {{fb|BUL}} | style="text-align:center"|1–1 | style="text-align:center"|1–1 | 2022–23 UEFA Nations League C |
| style="text-align:center"|5
| 16 November 2022 | Victoria Stadium, Gibraltar | {{fb|LIE}} | style="text-align:center"|2–0 | style="text-align:center"|2–0 | Friendly |
| style="text-align:center"|6
| 8 September 2024 | Europa Point Stadium, Gibraltar | {{fb|LIE}} | style="text-align:center"|1–0 | style="text-align:center"|2–2 | 2024–25 UEFA Nations League D |
| style="text-align:center"|7
| 15 November 2024 | San Marino Stadium, Serravalle, San Marino | {{fb|SMR}} | style="text-align:center"|1–0 | style="text-align:center"|1–1 | 2024–25 UEFA Nations League D |
| style="text-align:center"|8
| 19 November 2024 | Europa Point Stadium, Gibraltar | {{fb|MDA}} | style="text-align:center"|1–1 | style="text-align:center"|1–1 | Friendly |
Honours
- Gibraltar Premier Division: 2014–15, 2015–16, 2021–22, 2022–23, 2023–24
- Rock Cup: 2014–15, 2015–16, 2021–22, 2023–24
- Pepe Reyes Cup: 2015, 2022
- Gibraltar Premier Division: 2016–17
- Rock Cup: 2016–17, 2019
- Pepe Reyes Cup: 2019
St Joseph's
- Pepe Reyes Cup: 2024
Individual
- Gibraltar Premier Division Player of the Month: November 2019[http://footballgibraltar.com/2019/12/walker-and-escobar-win-fg-awards-in-november/ Walker and Escobar win FG Monthly Awards in November] Football Gibraltar. 4 December 2019. Retrieved 6 December 2019.
- Gibraltar Premier Division Midfielder of the Season: 2019–20[http://footballgibraltar.com/2020/05/fg-awards-20-part-1-positional-awards-and-manager-of-the-season/ FG Awards 20: Part 1 - Positional Awards and Manager of the Season] Football Gibraltar. 28 May 2020. Retrieved 28 May 2020.
- Gibraltar Premier Division Player of the Season: 2019–20[http://footballgibraltar.com/2020/06/fg-awards-20-part-2-young-player-player-and-team-of-the-season-2/ FG Awards 20: Part 2 - Young Player, Player and Team of the Season] Football Gibraltar. 1 June 2020. Retrieved 1 June 2020.
- Gibraltar Premier Division Fans' Player of the Season: 2019–20
- Gibraltar Premier Division Fans' Team of the Season: 2019–20
References
{{reflist|30em}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
- {{BDFutbol|13475}}
- {{Soccerbase}}
- {{UEFA|250067520}}
- [http://wiki.byfans.co.il/wiki/%D7%9C%D7%99%D7%90%D7%9D_%D7%95%D7%95%D7%A7%D7%A8 Bnei Yehuda Museum]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Walker, Liam}}
Category:Gibraltarian men's footballers
Category:Gibraltar men's international footballers
Category:Gibraltarian expatriate men's footballers
Category:Men's association football midfielders
Category:Algeciras CF footballers
Category:UD Los Barrios footballers
Category:CD San Roque footballers
Category:Portsmouth F.C. players
Category:Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv F.C. players
Category:Lincoln Red Imps F.C. players
Category:Notts County F.C. players
Category:Segunda División B players
Category:Tercera División players
Category:Primera Andaluza players
Category:Divisiones Regionales de Fútbol players
Category:English Football League players
Category:Israeli Premier League players
Category:Gibraltar Premier Division players
Category:Gibraltar pre-UEFA men's international footballers
Category:Gibraltar National League players
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Israel
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in England
Category:Expatriate men's footballers in Spain
Category:Gibraltarian expatriate sportspeople in England
Category:Gibraltarian expatriate sportspeople in Spain