Ollie Watkins

Oliver George Arthur Watkins{{cite web |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/1869523 |title=2020/21 Premier League squads confirmed |publisher=Premier League |date=20 October 2020 |access-date=26 March 2021}} was born on 30 December 1995{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/player/_/id/198825/ollie-watkins |title=Ollie Watkins: Overview |publisher=ESPN |access-date=26 March 2021}} in Torbay Hospital in Torquay, Devon.{{Cite web|url=https://www.torbayweekly.co.uk/news/home/1551610/south-devon-s-star-footballer-ollie-watkins-fires-england-into-euro-24-final.html |title= South Devon's star footballer Ollie Watkins fires England into Euro 24 final |date=10 July 2024|website=Torbay Today |access-date=13 July 2024}} He grew up in nearby Newton Abbot and attended South Dartmoor Community College in Ashburton together with Matt Jay{{cite news |url=https://www.torbayweekly.co.uk/from-the-playing-fields-of-south-devon-to-england-and-the-world-cup---star-footballer-ollie-does-mum--and-family-proud-/ |title=From the playing fields of South Devon to England and the World Cup – star footballer Ollie does mum and family proud|website=Torbay Weekly |publisher=Clear Sky Publishing |date=25 March 2021 |access-date=8 April 2023}} and Jamie Reid.{{cite web|title=Alumni |url=https://www.southdartmoor.devon.sch.uk/page/?title=Alumni&pid=7 |website=South Devon Community College }} Watkins is of Jamaican descent.{{cite web |last1=Dear |first1=Alice |title=Who is Ollie Watkins? Age, ethnicity, height, net worth, girlfriend and children explained |url=https://www.heart.co.uk/showbiz/celebrities/athletes/ollie-watkins-ethnicity-height-net-worth-girlfriend-children/ |website=Heart |access-date=8 September 2024 |date=11 July 2024}} He was raised by his mother Delsi-May, who is a professional singer.{{Cite web |date=2023-10-12 |title=Ollie Watkins: 'I used to shop in Sainsbury's ... I came to Villa and I couldn't' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/ollie-watkins-aston-villa-england-interview-b2428103.html |access-date=2024-11-02 |website=The Independent |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=2024-07-12 |title=A family man with a superstar mother: Ollie Watkins, the man behind that goal |url=https://m.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/european/a-family-man-with-a-superstar-mother-ollie-watkins-the-man-behind-that-goal/a1540746117.html |access-date=2024-11-02 |work=BelfastTelegraph.co.uk |language=en-GB |issn=0307-1235}}

Watkins began playing grassroots football with the academy of Buckland Athletic at six years of age.{{Cite web|url=https://www.cornwalllive.com/ollie-watkins-former-club-devon-9403917|title=Ollie Watkins' former club in Devon go wild after striker fires Lions to finals|first=Liam|last=Gilliver|date=11 July 2024|website=Devon Live}} Thereafter, Watkins joined neighbouring Newton Town F.C. for one season and he also represented the Devon County Football Association alongside Sam Gallagher.{{Cite web|title=My journey: Ollie Watkins on how he went from Newton Town to playing for England|url=https://www.englandfootball.com/articles/2024/Feb/26/ollie-watkins-grassroots-story-20240224|website=England Football}}

Watkins joined Exeter City's academy at Under-11 level, having previously failed a trial with the club at the age of nine in 2003.{{cite news |url=https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/2017/may/feature-article-ollie-watkins---one-of-our-own/ |title=Feature article: Ollie Watkins – one of our own |last=Baker |first=Derek |publisher=Exeter City F.C. |access-date=18 July 2017}} He rose through the youth ranks to sign a scholarship deal in 2012. In April 2014, he signed a two-year professional contract {{cite news |url=http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/Exeter-City-hand-professional-deals-young/story-20956189-detail/story.html |title=Exeter City hand professional deals to three young starlets |date=14 April 2014 |access-date=9 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140512223656/http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/Exeter-City-hand-professional-deals-young/story-20956189-detail/story.html |archive-date=12 May 2014 |publisher=Western Morning News}} after scoring 30 goals for the Under-18 team in its 2013–14 Football League Youth Alliance South West Conference-winning season.{{cite news |url=https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/2014/june/watkins-i-want-to-prove-what-i-can-do/ |title=Watkins: "I want to prove what I can do" |publisher=Exeter City F.C. |access-date=19 July 2017}}

Watkins won his maiden first-team call up when he was named as a substitute for the final League Two match of the 2013–14 season versus Hartlepool United and made his senior debut when he replaced Aaron Dawson after 77 minutes of the 2–0 victory. Watkins was frequently named as a substitute by Paul Tisdale during the first three months of the 2014–15 season,{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.co.uk/player/198825/ollie-watkins?season=2014 |title=Ollie Watkins Player Profile |website=ESPN FC |access-date=18 July 2017}} but despite scoring his first senior goal (a late consolation in a 3–1 Football League Trophy second round defeat to Coventry City on 7 October 2014), he made just three appearances before departing on loan to Weston-super-Mare for the remainder of the season in December 2014.{{cite news |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2017/july/ollie-watkins-ten-things/ |title=Brentford FC Get to know Ollie Watkins |publisher=Brentford F.C. |access-date=19 July 2017}}

On 8 December 2014, Watkins joined Conference South club Weston-super-Mare on a one-month loan.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/30379535 |title=Exeter City: Ollie Watkins and Matt Jay loaned to Weston-super-Mare |date=8 December 2014 |website=BBC Sport|access-date=8 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406085154/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/30379535 |archive-date=6 April 2023}} Through repeated extensions of the loan,{{cite news |url=https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/2015/january/watkins-extends-loan-with-weston-super-mare/ |title=Watkins extends loan with Weston-super-Mare |publisher=Exeter City F.C. |access-date=18 July 2017}} Watkins would remain with the club until the end of the 2014–15 season. He featured regularly for the team, scoring 10 goals in 25 appearances before returning to Exeter at the end of the season.

After failing to be named in a first-team squad during the opening two months of the 2015–16 season,{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.co.uk/player/198825/ollie-watkins?season=2015 |title=Ollie Watkins Player Profile |website=ESPN FC |access-date=18 July 2017}} Watkins broke onto the substitutes' bench in October 2015 and made his first appearance of the season late in the month. He made his first start for Exeter City in a 2–1 Devon derby victory over Plymouth Argyle on 6 December and scored his first goal of the season with the Grecians' second in a 2–0 FA Cup second round victory over Port Vale in the following match.

During March 2016, Watkins had broken into the starting line-up. That same month, he scored four goals in six appearances to win the Football League Young Player of the Month and PFA Fans' Player of the Month awards.{{cite news |url=https://www.efl.com/news/2016/april/ollie-watkins-named-football-league-young-player-of-the-month/ |title=EFL Official Website Ollie Watkins named Football League Young Player of the Month |publisher=English Football League |access-date=19 July 2017}}{{cite news |url=https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/2016/april/ollie-watkins-wins-pfa-player-of-the-month-for-march/ |title=Ollie Watkins Wins PFA Player Of The Month For March |publisher=Exeter City F.C. |access-date=18 July 2017}} His goalscoring run extended into mid-April and finished with 8 goals in 10 appearances. Two of these goals came in the return Devon derby with Plymouth Argyle, in which his late brace sealed a 2–1 comeback victory and the second goal was subsequently voted as the club's Goal of the Season.{{cite news |url=https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/2016/april/match-report-exeter-city-2-1-plymouth-argyle/ |title=Match Report: Exeter City 2–1 Plymouth Argyle |publisher=Exeter City F.C. |access-date=18 July 2017}}{{cite news |url=https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/2016/may/end-of-season-ball-all-the-winners/ |title=End-of-season Ball: All The Winners |publisher=Exeter City F.C. |access-date=19 July 2017}} Watkins finished the 2015–16 season with 10 goals in 22 appearances.

Watkins' performances in the final two months of the 2015–16 season saw him enter 2016–17 as an established member of the first-team squad.{{cite web |url=http://www.espnfc.co.uk/player/198825/ollie-watkins?season=2016 |title=Ollie Watkins Player Profile |website=ESPN FC |access-date=18 July 2017}} He had an eventful season, making 52 appearances, scoring 16 goals, and contributing 13 assists, though the campaign ended with Exeter losing 2–1 to Blackpool in the 2017 League Two play-off final at Wembley Stadium. Watkins scored the first hat-trick of his career in a 4–1 win over Newport County on 31 December 2016 and his two goals and five assists in January 2017 saw him win the League Two Player of the Month award.{{cite web |url=http://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/ollie-watkins-wins-player-of-the-month-award-for-january-3566347.aspx |title=Ollie Watkins wins player of the month award for January |access-date=18 July 2017}} On 9 April, he was awarded the EFL Young Player of the Year award for his performances during the season.{{cite web |url=http://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/ollie-watkins-named-efl-young-player-of-the-year-3667428.aspx |title=Ollie Watkins named EFL Young Player of the Year |access-date=18 July 2017}}

On 18 July 2017, Watkins joined Championship club Brentford on a four-year contract, with an option for a further year, for an undisclosed fee,{{cite web |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2017/july/watkins-signs/ |title=Brentford sign Ollie Watkins |date=18 July 2017 |publisher=Brentford F.C. |access-date=18 July 2017}} reported to be £1.8 million.{{cite news |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11748/10952820/brentford-agree-1-8m-deal-to-sign-exeter-striker-ollie-watkins |title=Brentford agree £1.8m deal to sign Exeter striker Ollie Watkins |website=Sky Sports|access-date=18 July 2017}} He scored his first goal for Brentford on 8 August in their 3–1 extra-time victory away to AFC Wimbledon in the EFL Cup first round.{{Cite news |date=8 August 2017 |title=AFC Wimbledon 1–3 Brentford |website=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/40785769 |access-date=30 March 2022}}

On 9 August 2019, Watkins signed a new four-year contract with a one-year extension option.{{cite web |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2019/august/ollie-watkins-contract-extension/ |title=Ollie Watkins signs long-term contract extension |date=9 August 2019 |publisher=Brentford F.C. |access-date=5 February 2019}} He scored his first hat-trick for the club in the Championship against Barnsley in a 3–1 win on 29 September.{{cite web |url=https://mobile.twitter.com/BrentfordFC/status/1178308882877358081 |title=Twitter |publisher=Brentford F.C. |access-date=29 September 2019 |via=Twitter}} Watkins made 50 appearances and scored 26 goals in all competitions during the 2019–20 season, which ended with defeat in the 2020 Championship play-off final.{{cite web |title=Brentford 1 Fulham 2 |url=https://www.brentfordfc.com/news/2020/august/match-report-for-brentford-vs-fulham-on-04-aug-20/ |publisher=Brentford F.C. |access-date=9 August 2020}}

File:Ollie Watkins 2021.jpg in 2021]]

On 9 September 2020, 24-year-old Watkins joined Premier League club Aston Villa on a five-year contract,{{Cite web |date=9 September 2020 |title=Villa announce Watkins signing |url=https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2020/september/Villa-announce-Watkins-signing-/ |access-date=5 August 2021 |publisher=Aston Villa F.C.}} for a then club-record fee of £28 million, which could rise to £33 million.{{Cite news |last=Dick |first=Brian |date=9 September 2020 |title=CONFIRMED: Aston Villa see off Tottenham challenge as £28m star completes transfer |newspaper=Birmingham Mail |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/aston-villa-spurs-transfers-watkins-18903077|access-date=9 September 2020}} Exeter City made £4 million and a further £750,000 in additional performance related add-ons from the transfer as they had inserted a sell-on clause when Watkins was sold to Brentford.{{cite web | last=Pilnick | first=Brent | title=Ollie Watkins: England goalscorer's friends react to Euro 2024 win | website=BBC Sport | date=11 July 2024 | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c1we033ggggo | access-date=11 July 2024}} In joining Aston Villa, Watkins was reunited with manager Dean Smith, who had signed him for Brentford.{{citation needed|date=April 2024}} On 15 September, Watkins made his Aston Villa debut, scoring in a 3–1 away win in the EFL Cup against Burton Albion.{{Cite news |last=Maher |first=Matt |date=15 September 2020 |title=Carabao Cup: Burton 1 Aston Villa 3 – Report |newspaper=Express & Star |url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/aston-villa/2020/09/15/carabao-cup-burton-1-aston-villa-3-report/|access-date=15 September 2020}} He went on to make his Premier League debut on 21 September, in a 1–0 home win against Sheffield United.{{Cite news |last=Sanders |first=Emma |date=21 September 2020 |title=Aston Villa 1–0 Sheffield United |website=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54142832|access-date=21 September 2020}}

On 4 October 2020, Watkins scored his first Premier League goals, scoring through a left footed strike, a right footed strike and a header for a perfect hat-trick in a 7–2 home victory over champions Liverpool.{{Cite web |date=4 October 2020 |title=Aston Villa 7–2 Liverpool |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54313270|access-date=4 October 2020 |website=BBC Sport}} It was Liverpool's heaviest defeat in 57 years and was the first time in Premier League history that a reigning champion had conceded 7 goals in a single match.{{cite web |url=https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/premier-league-champs-liverpool-stunned-72-by-aston-villa-201337111.html#:~:text=Liverpool%2C%20reigning%20champions%20of%20England,the%20second%20tier%20last%20season. |title=Premier League champs Liverpool stunned 7–2 by Aston Villa; Reds worst loss in 57 years |website=Yahoo |date=4 October 2020|access-date=5 October 2020}} On 10 April 2021, Watkins scored against Liverpool again, becoming the first player since Andrey Arshavin in the 2008–09 season to score as many as four goals against Liverpool in a single Premier League season.{{Cite web |title=Twitter |url=https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/1380898129583742976 |publisher=Premier League |access-date=12 April 2021 |via=Twitter}} With 14 goals, he became Aston Villa's top scorer of the 2020–21 season.{{cite web |title=English Premier League Scoring Stats 2020–21 |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/stats/_/league/ENG.1/season/2020 |publisher=ESPN}}

On 25 February 2023, Watkins scored in his fifth consecutive Premier League match, a 2–0 win away to Everton, becoming the first Aston Villa player to achieve this feat.{{cite news |url=https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2023/february/26/ollie-watkins-on-everton-victory/ |title=Watkins on history-making five goals in five|access-date=7 October 2023 |publisher=Aston Villa F.C.}}

On 23 August 2023, Watkins scored a hat-trick in Villa's 5–0 win against Hibernian in the 2023–24 UEFA Europa Conference League play-off round, which ensured the team's qualification for the group stage.{{cite news |title=Hibernian 0–5 Aston Villa |url=https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2023/august/23/hibernian---aston-villa/|access-date=7 October 2023 |publisher=Aston Villa F.C.}} On 30 September, he scored his second hat-trick of the 2023–24 season and his third for Aston Villa in a 6–1 home win over Brighton & Hove Albion.{{cite news |url=https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20230930-watkins-treble-fires-villa-s-rout-of-hapless-brighton |title=Watkins treble fires Villa's rout of hapless Brighton|access-date=7 October 2023 |publisher=France24}} On 6 October, Watkins signed a new contract with Aston Villa, committing his future to the club until 2028.{{Cite news |last=Tanswell |first=Jacob |title=Watkins signs new Aston Villa contract until at least 2028 |url=https://theathletic.com/4937378/2023/10/06/ollie-watkins-aston-villa-new-contract/ |website=The Athletic |access-date=2024-04-12}} On 14 April 2024, he scored a goal in a 2–0 away win over Arsenal, in which he became the joint-top scorer for Aston Villa in a single Premier League season, 19 goals without penalty kicks, equalling Christian Benteke's record in 2012–13.{{cite web |last1=Mendola |first1=Nicholas |last2=Prince-Wright |first2=Joe |url=https://www.nbcsports.com/soccer/news/should-ollie-watkins-be-the-premier-league-player-of-the-season# |title=Should Ollie Watkins be the Premier League Player of the Season? |publisher=NBC Sports |date=15 April 2024 }} On 14 May 2024, at Aston Villa's 2023–24, Watkins was voted Supporters' and Players' Player of the Season.{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-05-14 |title=Ollie Watkins collects End of Season Awards double |url=https://www.avfc.co.uk/news/2024/may/14/Watkins-voted-Supporters--Player-of-the-Season/ |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=Aston Villa Football Club}}

At the end of the season, Watkins won the Premier League Playmaker of the Season award for the most assists of the season, with 13.{{Cite web |title=Man City make history with fourth title in a row|publisher=Premier League |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/4019801 |access-date=19 May 2024|date=19 May 2024}} Watkins was also named in the Premier League Fan Team of the Season.{{Cite web |title=Revealed: 2023/24 Fan Team of the Season |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/4029023 |access-date=28 May 2024 |website=premierleague.com}}

Watkins' first goals of the 2024–25 season season came in a 3–2 home win against Everton in the Premier League, with Watkins scoring twice in the second half to earn him the Man of the Match award.{{Cite web|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12309/13213064/aston-villa-x-x-everton-report|title= Aston Villa 3–2 Everton: Jhon Duran strike adds to two from Ollie Watkins as Toffees lose two-goal lead again|access-date=17 September 2024|website=Sky Sports}} On 29 January 2025, he scored his first UEFA Champions League goal, provided two assists and missed a penalty in a 4–2 victory over Celtic.{{cite web |last=Mashiter |first=Nick |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/cj91vdkvnrnt |title=Aston Villa 4–2 Celtic |publisher=BBC Sport |date=29 January 2025 }} Watkins scored after 30 seconds against Newcastle United on 19 April, a game Villa went on to win 4-1. This put him on 74 Premier League goals for Villa, drawing him level with Gabriel Agbonlahor for most goals in the league for the club.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c9w878e5r4qo|title=Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins channelled 'anger' in 'dynamite' display against Newcastle United|last=Rindl|first=Joe|date=19 April 2025|website=BBC Sport}}

On 18 March 2021, Watkins was named in Gareth Southgate's England squad for 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification matches against San Marino, Albania and Poland.{{Cite news |last=Hincks |first=Michael |date=18 March 2021 |title=England squad: Ollie Watkins earns first England call-up; Jesse Lingard, Luke Shaw, John Stones all recalled |website=Sky Sports |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12016/12249463/england-squad-ollie-watkins-earns-first-england-call-up-jesse-lingard-luke-shaw-john-stones-all-recalled|access-date=18 March 2021}} On 25 March 2021, 25-year-old Watkins made his England debut as a second-half substitute in a 5–0 victory over San Marino at Wembley. He subsequently scored his first England goal with his first shot on target in an England shirt.{{Cite news |last=McNulty |first=Phil |date=25 March 2021 |title=England 5–0 San Marino: Ollie Watkins scores on debut in easy Three Lions win |website=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56438741|access-date=25 March 2021}}

Watkins was named in the provisional England squad for UEFA Euro 2020 in May 2021.{{Cite news |date=25 May 2021 |title=Uncapped quartet in 33-man England squad |website=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57239842|access-date=25 May 2021}} However, he was not selected in the final 26-man squad for the tournament.{{Cite news |last=Watson |first=Chris |date=1 June 2021 |title=Watkins decision confirmed as Southgate names final England squad |url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/ollie-watkins-england-squad-breaking-20714932|access-date=1 June 2021 |newspaper=Birmingham Mail}}

Watkins made his first start for England on 29 March 2022 at Wembley in a friendly against the Ivory Coast, scoring the opening goal in the 30th minute of the 3–0 win.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2022/03/29/england-vs-ivory-coast-live-score-international-friendly-latest/ |title=England cruise to victory over 10-man Ivory Coast as Serge Aurier sees red in first half |first1=Jason |last1=Burt |first2=Mike |last2=McGrath |first3=Harri |last3=Thomas |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=29 March 2022 |access-date=29 March 2022}}

Watkins was not included in England's squad for any of their 2022–23 UEFA Nations League matches or the 2022 FIFA World Cup.{{cite news |url=https://theathletic.com/3814470/2022/11/11/aston-villa-world-cup-omissions-unai-emery/ |title=World Cup omissions highlight how Aston Villa's progress has stalled |date=11 November 2022|access-date=17 October 2023 |publisher=The Athletic}} He was recalled to the squad in October 2023 for the first time in 18 months{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2023/10/11/ollie-watkins-england-most-prolific-player-over-last-year/ |title=There is no recency bias over Ollie Watkins – England's most prolific player over last year |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |date=12 October 2023}}, and, on 13 October, started in a friendly with Australia, scoring the only goal of the match.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/oct/13/england-australia-international-friendly-match-report |title=Ollie Watkins strike gives England scrappy win over Australia |newspaper=The Guardian |location=London |date=14 October 2023 |access-date=17 October 2023}}

He was named in England's 26-man squad for UEFA Euro 2024.{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cv22menk7dno |title=Eze & Wharton named in England squad for Euro 2024 |website=BBC Sport |date=6 June 2024 |access-date=6 June 2024}} In England's semi-final against the Netherlands, Watkins along with Cole Palmer came off the bench in the 81st minute,{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2024/jul/10/netherlands-v-england-euro-2024-semi-final-live|title=Netherlands 1–2 England: Euro 2024 semi-final – as it happened|first=Rob|last=Smyth|newspaper=The Guardian |date=10 July 2024|via=www.theguardian.com}} with the latter assisting him to score the winning goal in the 90th minute, sending England to the final.{{cite web |last1=McNulty |first1=Phil |title=Late Watkins winner sends England into Euro 2024 final |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cjern44reddt |website=BBC Sport |access-date=10 July 2024 |date=10 July 2024}}

Throughout 2023 and 2024, Watkins was frequently described by media sources as one of the best centre-forwards in Europe{{Cite web |title=Why Watkins is now one of Europe's most complete forwards |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/3978048 |access-date=20 July 2024 |website=www.premierleague.com}}{{Cite web |last=King |first=Kieran |date=14 July 2024 |title=Chelsea planning Watkins swap deal involving £50m star as Doue valuation emerges |url=https://www.football.london/chelsea-fc/chelsea-plan-ollie-watkins-transfer-29538166 |access-date=20 July 2024 |website=Football London}}{{Cite web |date=11 April 2024 |title=Unai Emery 'one of the best managers in the world', Ollie Watkins 'one of the best forwards in Europe' - Paulo Fonseca full of praise for Aston Villa - Get French Football News |url=https://www.getfootballnewsfrance.com/2024/unai-emery-one-of-the-best-managers-in-the-world-ollie-watkins-one-of-the-best-forwards-in-europe-paulo-fonseca-full-of-praise-for-aston-villa/ |access-date=20 July 2024}}{{Cite news |last=McAleer |first=Ben |date=17 April 2024 |title=Ollie Watkins is a real contender to be Premier League player of the season |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/who-scored-blog/2024/apr/17/ollie-watkins-contender-premier-league-player-of-season |access-date=20 July 2024 |work=The Guardian |issn=0261-3077}} and the world.{{Cite web |last=Thompson |first=Lewis |date=2024-07-25 |title=The best strikers in the world right now (Ranked) |url=https://www.footballfancast.com/football-best-strikers-in-the-world-today-ranked/ |access-date=2024-09-17 |website=FootballFanCast |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=11 November 2022 |title=The 25 best strikers in world football - ranked |url=https://www.90min.com/posts/the-25-best-strikers-in-world-football-ranked |access-date=20 July 2024 |website=90min.com}}{{Cite web |last=Mewis |first=Joe |date=19 January 2024 |title=Ranked! The 10 best strikers in the world |url=https://www.fourfourtwo.com/features/best-strikers-in-the-world-ronaldo-lewandowski-harry-kane |access-date=20 July 2024 |website=fourfourtwo.com}}{{Cite web |date=2024-04-12 |title=Ollie Watkins recoge el testigo de Dwight Yorke en el Aston Villa |url=https://www.marca.com/futbol/premier-league/2024/04/12/66195cbde2704ee34d8b457c.html |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=MARCA |language=es}}{{Cite web |last=Nwokolo |first=Collins |date=2024-03-03 |title=Top 10 Best Strikers In The World (2024) |url=https://topsoccerblog.com/top-best-strikers-in-world/ |access-date=2025-03-11 |website=Top Soccer Blog |language=en-US}}

Watkins has described himself as "a number 10",{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/36048681 |title=Exeter City's Ollie Watkins: Scoring goals for the club that once turned him away |last=Law |first=James |date=19 April 2016 |website=BBC Sport}} and in 2017 named Thierry Henry as his idol, saying "I try to base my game on his, by driving at defenders and looking to make something happen when I get the ball".{{cite news |url=https://www.tedbaker.com/blog/uk/qa-ollie-watkins/|title=Q&A: Ollie Watkins – BEHIND THE SEAMS |publisher=Ted Baker |date=9 June 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211011030935/https://www.tedbaker.com/blog/uk/qa-ollie-watkins/ |archive-date=11 October 2021 }} He is also adept as a winger. He was adapted into a more traditional centre-forward at Brentford during the 2019–20 season.{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2020/01/24/inside-brentford-hotbed-talent-development-valid-claim-best/ |title=Inside Brentford: The hotbed of talent development with a valid claim for best-run club in the country |last=Dean |first=Sam |date=24 January 2020 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |location=London |access-date=27 January 2020 |url-access=subscription}} Under Unai Emery at Aston Villa, Watkins began to play as a number 9, not only scoring but setting up goals for teammates. He has been described as a complete forward{{Cite web |last=Tweedale |first=Ali |date=22 December 2023 |title=Ollie Watkins: The Premier League's Most Complete Striker? |url=https://theanalyst.com/2023/12/ollie-watkins-premier-league-most-complete-centre-forward/ |access-date=20 July 2024 |website=The Analyst}} and received praise for his attacking runs,{{Cite web |last=Bate |first=Adam |date=15 November 2023 |title=Ollie Watkins' Aston Villa form analysed: Attacking runs challenging the back line and the importance of being in the box |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11677/13008631/ollie-watkins-aston-villa-form-analysed-attacking-runs-challenging-the-back-line-and-the-importance-of-being-in-the-box |website=Sky Sports}} speed,{{Cite web |title=Player Analysis: Ollie Watkins |url=https://breakingthelines.com/player-analysis/player-analysis-ollie-watkins/ |access-date=20 July 2024 |website=Breaking The Lines}}{{Cite web |last=Wright |first=Nick |date=10 March 2024 |title=Why Ollie Watkins' movement is his secret weapon, how Joe Gomez snubbed Man City for Liverpool - The Radar |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/33799/13089834/why-ollie-watkins-movement-is-his-secret-weapon-how-joe-gomez-snubbed-man-city-for-liverpool-the-radar |website=Sky Sports}} work ethic,{{Cite web |title=Ollie Watkins: Premier League Player Watch |url=https://www.coachesvoice.com/cv/ollie-watkins-aston-villa-brentford-liverpool/ |access-date=20 July 2024 |website=The Coaches' Voice}}{{Cite web |date=11 July 2024 |title=There's one big reason Aston Villa can ignore the inevitable Ollie Watkins transfer tsunami |url=https://uk.news.yahoo.com/theres-one-big-reason-aston-082516359.html |access-date=20 July 2024 |website=Yahoo News}} finishing{{Cite news |last=Tanswell |first=Jacob |title=Witnessing the rise of England hero Ollie Watkins - 'I walked off saying, 'He was too good for me' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5561802/2024/07/11/england-hero-ollie-watkins-aston-villa/ |access-date=20 July 2024 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} and versatility.{{Cite web |last=Benson |first=Ryan |date=10 March 2024 |title=How Ollie Watkins Became Central to Aston Villa's Champions League Bid {{!}} Opta Analyst |url=https://theanalyst.com/2024/03/how-ollie-watkins-found-next-level-aston-villa/ |access-date=20 July 2024 |website=The Analyst}}{{Cite web |date=20 July 2024 |title=Aston Villa consider offering new deal to Ollie Watkins amid Chelsea interest {{!}} Sporting News |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/us/premier-league/news/aston-villa-new-deal-ollie-watkins-chelsea-interest/efcde8f12b74dd3fca7ca9a0 |access-date=20 July 2024 |website=www.sportingnews.com}}

In 2020, Watkins and his partner announced the birth of their first child, a daughter. The couple had a son in 2022. Watkins is an Arsenal supporter.{{cite news |date=8 November 2020 |title=Ollie Watkins: 'I'm an Arsenal fan – my grandad won't be too happy!' |url=https://www.standard.co.uk/sport/football/arsenal-fc-news-ollie-watkins-grandad-b58739.html |access-date=25 November 2020 |newspaper=Evening Standard |location=London}}

{{updated|match played 26 April 2025}}

{{notelist}}

{{updated|match played 14 November 2024}}{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/player_summary/ollie-watkins/4/ |title=Ollie Watkins: Internationals |website=worldfootball.net |date=23 August 2023 |publisher=HEIM:SPIEL |access-date=10 October 2024}}

{{updated|match played 14 November 2024}}

:England score listed first, score column indicates score after each Watkins goal

England

• UEFA European Championship runner-up: 2024{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cp68zzx8x4rt |title=Spain 2–1 England: Heartbreak for England in Euro 2024 Final |first=Phil |last=McNulty |website=BBC Sport |date=14 July 2024 |access-date=15 July 2024 |archive-date=15 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715010859/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cp68zzx8x4rt |url-status=live }}

Individual

• PFA Fans' Player of the Month: March 2016
• Football League Young Player of the Month: March 2016
• EFL League Two Player of the Month: January 2017
• EFL Young Player of the Year: April 2017{{Cite web|url=https://www.exetercityfc.co.uk/news/2017/april/ollie-watkins-named-efl-young-player-of-the-year|title= Ollie Watkins Named EFL Young Player of the Year|date=9 April 2017|website=Exeter City F.C. |access-date=13 July 2024}}
• EFL Championship Player of the Year: 2019–20{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53929973 |title=EFL Awards: Brentford striker Ollie Watkins wins Championship Player of the Season |website=BBC Sport |date=27 August 2020 |access-date=27 August 2020}}
• PFA Team of the Year: 2019–20 Championship,{{cite news |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/jordan-henderson-among-five-liverpool-183100275.html |title=Jordan Henderson among five Liverpool players in PFA team of the year |website=Yahoo! Sport |date=8 September 2020 |access-date=15 January 2023}} 2023–24 Premier League{{cite news|url=https://www.thepfa.com/news/2024/8/20/pfa-premier-league-team-of-the-year-2024|title=PFA Premier League Team of the Year|publisher=Professional Footballers' Association|access-date=20 August 2024|date=20 August 2024}}
• Aston Villa Supporters' Player of the Season: 2023–24
• Aston Villa Players' Player of the Season: 2023–24
• Premier League Playmaker of the Season: 2023–24
• Premier League Fan Team of the Season: 2023–24

{{reflist}}

{{commons category}}

• [https://www.avfc.co.uk/players/olliewatkins/ Ollie Watkins] at Aston Villa F.C.
• [https://www.englandfootball.com/england/mens-senior-team/squad/ollie-watkins Ollie Watkins] at the Football Association
• {{Premier League player}}
• {{UEFA player}}

{{Aston Villa F.C. squad}}

{{England squad UEFA Euro 2024}}

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{{2019–20 EFL Championship PFA Team of the Year}}

{{2023–24 Premier League PFA Team of the Year}}

{{The Football League Young Player of the Year}}

{{Football League Championship Player of the Year}}

{{EFL Championship top scorers}}

{{Aston Villa F.C. Player of the Season}}

{{Premier League Playmaker of the Season}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Watkins, Ollie}}

Category:1995 births

Category:Living people

Category:Footballers from Torquay

Category:Sportspeople from Newton Abbot

Category:English men's footballers

Category:Men's association football forwards

Category:Exeter City F.C. players

Category:Weston-super-Mare A.F.C. players

Category:Brentford F.C. players

Category:Aston Villa F.C. players

Category:English Football League players

Category:English people of Jamaican descent

Category:Sportspeople of Jamaican descent

Category:National League (English football) players

Category:Premier League players

Category:England men's international footballers

Category:UEFA Euro 2024 players

Category:Black British sportsmen

Category:21st-century Black British people

Category:People from Teignbridge (district)

Category:21st-century English sportsmen