Chris Gunter

Chris Gunter, born on July 21, 1989, is a distinguished Welsh former professional footballer who made his mark as a versatile defender. Known for his attacking prowess, Gunter primarily played on the right flank, showcasing his skills throughout his career. In 2023, he transitioned into coaching, taking on the role of coach for the Wales national team.

Gunter's football journey began in Cardiff City's youth system, leading to a significant move to Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur for a fee of four million pounds in January 2008. Despite limited opportunities at Tottenham, he returned to the Championship, initially joining Nottingham Forest on loan before making a permanent move to Reading in 2012. Over his tenure at Reading, he made an impressive 314 appearances before his release in 2020, subsequently playing for Charlton Athletic and AFC Wimbledon.

On the international stage, Gunter has been a stalwart for Wales since his under-17 days, holding the record as the second youngest debutant for the under-21 team. He earned his first senior cap in 2007, amassing a remarkable total of 109 caps over a fifteen-year international career. Gunter was a key member of the Wales squad that reached the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 2016 and also participated in Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.

In recognition of his contributions, Gunter was named Welsh Footballer of the Year in 2017, surpassing Neville Southall's record of 92 caps in 2018. By 2021, he became the first Welshman to achieve the milestone of 100 caps, solidifying his legacy in Welsh football.