Joe Cole, a former professional footballer born in London, built a notable career with clubs like Chelsea and West Ham United, retiring in 2018 before transitioning into coaching.
Joseph Rooks, better known as Joe Cole, entered the world on November 8, 1981, in Paddington, London. At the age of six, his family relocated to Somers Town. His early education included primary attendance at St. Mary's Bryanston Square, followed by Haverstock School in London, and St. Aloysius College in Highgate. Cole launched his football journey within West Ham United's youth program and turned professional with the club in November 1998. His senior team debut arrived in the FA Cup during January 1999, when he was just 17 years old. Eight days afterward, Cole made his Premier League debut. In 1999, West Ham secured both the FA Youth Cup and the UEFA Intertoto Cup. By 2003, Cole earned the Hammer of the Year Award and, in August of that year, transferred to Chelsea for £6.6 million. During the 2004–05 season, Chelsea claimed the Premier League title, with Cole contributing 10 goals. He established himself as a first-team regular in the 2005–06 campaign, signed a four-year contract extension, and was selected for the PFA Team of the Year. Late in 2006, a stress fracture in his foot necessitated surgery, sidelining him for part of the 2006–07 season. In 2008, Cole participated in the UEFA Champions League Final and was named Chelsea Player of the Year. He underwent knee surgery in the 2008–09 season, missing the 2009–10 pre-season. Cole returned to action in a September 2009 League Cup match and reached his 250th appearance for Chelsea on November 8, 2009, coinciding with his 28th birthday. Chelsea triumphed in the 2010 FA Cup Final, and Cole became a free agent following his contract’s expiration in June 2010. In July 2010, Cole committed to a four-year agreement with Liverpool. August 2011 saw him loaned to French side Lille for a season; though manager Rudi Garcia expressed interest in retaining him, Cole returned to Liverpool. He departed the club in January 2013, earlier than his contract’s end, and re-signed with West Ham United on an 18-month deal. A hamstring injury in September 2013 sidelined him for six weeks. In June 2014, Cole agreed to a two-year contract with Aston Villa, followed by a 35-day emergency loan to Coventry City in October 2015. The loan was extended until early 2016, after which he signed on until season’s end. By May 2016, Cole joined the Tampa Bay Rowdies in the North American Soccer League, committing to the remainder of the 2017 NASL season. Later that month, he earned league Player of the Week honors after defeating Minnesota United. In October, Cole received a nomination for the NASL Golden Ball award. In June 2018, he took on the role of assistant coach, retiring from playing football in November. He subsequently began coaching duties for Chelsea. Cole also represented the England national team, beginning at the U16 level in 1997 and appearing in the World Cups of 2002, 2006, and 2010. Cole began a relationship with Carly Zucker, a fitness instructor, in 2002, and they became engaged in 2007. Their wedding took place on June 20, 2009, and the couple has two children: daughter Ruby, born in 2010, and son Harrison, born in 2012. In 2009, Cole faced a suspended driving ban and a £750 fine after being caught traveling at 105 mph in a 70 mph zone on a divided highway in Surrey. Among his career accolades, Cole was named West Ham United Hammer of the Year for the 2002–03 season, Premier League Player of the Month in March 2005, included in the PFA Team of the Year for the 2005–06 Premier League season, and honored as Chelsea Player of the Year in 2008. He received a Ballon d'Or nomination in 2006 and was selected for the North American Soccer League Best XI in 2016. In 2021, Cole listed his Merseyside mansion for sale at £2.25 million. The property features five bedrooms, five bathrooms, an open-plan kitchen, and a heated pool. © 2026 Celebrity Net Worth / All Rights Reserved