When Chris Kirkland’s father placed a bet that his son would one day play for England, the odds were 100/1. Kirkland’s path to the English national team was an unlikely one. He didn’t attract scouts until he was 18, but by age 20 he had joined Liverpool for £6 million, a record fee for a British goalkeeper. He lived up to his promise, earning his first call to the national team at 22 and making his debut at 25—but his first match was also his last. His career was blighted by injury and personal struggles, but he did fulfill his father’s prediction.
Kirkland’s football career was tinged with torment and trauma due to a battle with depression and painkiller addiction. His lowest moment happened in Portugal during a pre-season training camp with Bury, a club he joined after leaving Preston North End. His addiction had become dangerous and life-threatening. Kirkland endured withdrawal symptoms after quitting football, but spiraled back into addiction during the COVID-19 lockdown. However, in 2022, he again vowed to beat his addiction, aided by ongoing therapy, family support, and an agreement with his wife Leeona that he would undergo random drug tests.
In recent years, Kirkland has worked with the Liverpool FC Foundation and the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) on various charity walks. His dedication to these causes led to an honorary degree from Liverpool Edge Hill University. His work has connected him more closely than ever to the club he grew up supporting, and reconnected him with Lucy, his daughter. He cited this reconnection as the most rewarding part of his journey.
Kirkland’s career was forecasted to be bigger than it ended up being, but the experience taught him many valuable lessons. His life may have taken a different path if he hadn’t suffered from a series of injuries during his career. An example of these injuries included a ruptured posterior cruciate ligament in his right knee which occurred during an FA Cup tie match. Though he could not reveal his struggles to the public at the time, Kirkland recalled the pain and difficulties he faced as he struggled to maintain his professional career.
Despite the label of being “injury-prone,” Kirkland went on to play for Wigan Athletic, leading them towards staying in the Premier League and bagging the club’s player-of-the-year award in 2008. He described his time at Wigan as “the best of my career”. However, the injury issue came haunting him back when he signed with Sheffield Wednesday. The club’s contract specified his deal could be terminated if he missed a certain number of games due to a back injury. This triggered his panic and dependence on painkillers, a situation that spiralled out of control and jeopardised both his career and personal life.
Kirkland’s story isn’t just about his career and personal struggles; it’s also about overcoming them. His battles with depression and addiction nearly cost him his life, but he fought back. Today, he is more at peace with himself than ever before. With newfound purpose from his charity work and commitment to living a clean life, Kirkland is finally preparing to receive an England cap – a nod to his father’s belief in him decades ago. Despite the hardship and challenges he endured, he maintained his love for the sport and his desire to give back to those who supported him during his darkest hours. He encourages others suffering from addiction to seek help and believe in their ability to overcome their struggles.
