1. Overview
David Robert Brooks, born on July 8, 1997, is a prominent professional footballer who plays as a right winger or attacking midfielder for AFC Bournemouth and the Wales national team. Known for his skill and impact on the field, Brooks has overcome significant personal challenges, including a Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis, to continue his career at the highest level. His career includes notable spells at Sheffield United and AFC Bournemouth, with a recent loan period at Southampton. He has represented both England and Wales at youth international levels before making his senior debut for Wales, contributing to their participation in major tournaments like UEFA Euro 2020.
2. Early Life and Youth Career
David Brooks' early life and foundational years in football were shaped by his birth in Warrington, Cheshire, and his development within the youth academy systems of two prominent English clubs.
2.1. Early Life and Background
David Robert Brooks was born on July 8, 1997, in Warrington, Cheshire, England. He is eligible to play for both the England and Wales at the international level, qualifying for Wales through his mother, who hails from Llangollen.
2.2. Youth Academy Career
Brooks began his football journey at a young age, joining the Manchester City academy when he was seven years old in 2004, where he remained for a decade. In 2014, he transitioned to the Sheffield United academy, where his talent was further nurtured. His progress culminated in him signing his first professional contract with Sheffield United in March 2015.
3. Club Career
David Brooks' professional club career has seen him develop from a promising youth player into a key figure across various teams, navigating loan spells, transfers, and significant challenges, demonstrating resilience and consistent performance.
3.1. Early Professional Career
After signing professional terms with Sheffield United in March 2015, David Brooks was sent on a one-month loan to National League side FC Halifax Town on August 29, 2015, to gain first-team experience. This loan was subsequently extended into a second month. During his time at Halifax Town, Brooks made his professional debut, appearing in five matches and scoring one goal against Aldershot Town.
3.2. Sheffield United
Upon his return from loan, Brooks made his first-team debut for Sheffield United, known as the Blades, on August 30, 2016. He came on as a 63rd-minute substitute in a 0-0 draw against Leicester City U23 in an EFL Trophy group stage match at Bramall Lane. His first start for the club followed on October 4, in a 2-1 home defeat to Walsall in the same competition. Manager Chris Wilder acknowledged the difficulty for a young player to impress when the surrounding team was underperforming.
Brooks scored his first senior goal for Sheffield United on October 27, 2017, entering the match as a substitute and finding the net just six minutes later to secure a 2-1 victory over Leeds United in a Yorkshire derby. His impressive performances attracted interest from larger clubs, including Liverpool F.C.. In recognition of his development and to secure his future, Brooks signed a new long-term contract in October 2017, committing to Bramall Lane until the summer of 2021.
3.3. AFC Bournemouth
David Brooks' move to AFC Bournemouth marked a significant step in his career, where he established himself as a Premier League talent before facing major injury and health challenges, demonstrating remarkable determination in his recovery and return to the pitch.
3.3.1. 2018-19 season: Premier League debut and impact
In July 2018, Brooks completed a transfer to AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League for a fee of 11.50 M GBP. He signed a four-year contract and was assigned the number 20 jersey. His Premier League debut came on August 11, 2018, starting in Bournemouth's 2-0 home win against Cardiff City on the opening day of the 2018-19 season. He scored his first goal for the club, which was also his first Premier League goal, in a 2-1 home victory against Crystal Palace on October 1.
Throughout October, Brooks continued his strong form, scoring in Premier League wins against Watford (a 4-0 away victory) and Fulham (a 3-0 away victory). His impressive contributions earned him the club's Player of the Month award for October. His excellent performances continued into December, where he scored the first brace of his career in a 2-0 home win against Brighton & Hove Albion on December 22. Manager Eddie Howe expressed his pleasant surprise at Brooks' start to his Bournemouth career, praising his attitude and tactical understanding. Brooks was subsequently named the club's Player of the Month for December. On January 30, he scored Bournemouth's second goal in a comprehensive 4-0 home victory over Chelsea, showcasing his ability against a top-tier opponent.
In March 2019, he signed a new long-term contract with Bournemouth. Howe commented that this contract would allow Brooks to focus on developing his game, acknowledging his excellent start at the club. After scoring again in the Cherries' 5-0 away win over Brighton on April 13, Brooks concluded his debut top-flight season with seven goals across 33 total appearances. His outstanding performances led to his nomination for the PFA Young Player of the Year award, alongside talents like Raheem Sterling, Bernardo Silva, and Marcus Rashford.
3.3.2. 2019-20 season: Injury and return
The 2019-20 season was significantly impacted by an ankle injury Brooks sustained in a pre-season friendly against Brentford, which initially sidelined him until mid-October. In December 2019, he underwent a second ankle operation due to a prolonged recovery, with expectations of returning by mid-March. Brooks later noted that he hadn't anticipated the recovery period to be as long as six months. He eventually returned to training with the squad on March 11, after nearly eight months out.
Upon his return from injury, Brooks scored his first goal of the season on July 15 in a 2-1 loss to Manchester City. He concluded the 2019-20 season with nine league appearances and one goal, as Bournemouth was relegated to the Championship after a five-year stay in the Premier League.
3.3.3. 2020-21 season: Championship performance
Following Bournemouth's relegation from the Premier League, Brooks remained a key player. He featured as a substitute in the Cherries' 3-2 opening day win against Blackburn Rovers. On November 7, Brooks scored his first goals of the season, netting a brace in a 3-1 away victory at Birmingham City. His impressive form continued, leading to him being named the EFL Championship Player of the Month for November, having scored two goals and provided three assists in three matches during that period.
3.3.4. 2021-22 season: Injury and health issues
On August 14, Brooks received the first red card of his senior career during a 2-1 away win against Nottingham Forest in the Championship, after receiving two yellow cards. He had also scored the opening goal in that match. However, this season was tragically cut short for Brooks due to a significant personal health challenge. On October 13, 2021, it was publicly announced that he had been diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma, a form of cancer. This diagnosis immediately impacted his playing career, as he withdrew from the Wales squad due to illness the week prior, leading to the medical examination that confirmed his condition.
3.3.5. 2022-23 season: Recovery and return to play
The 2022-23 season marked a triumphant period for David Brooks as he successfully recovered from his cancer diagnosis. On May 3, 2022, he announced on social media that he had received the all-clear and was officially cancer-free, concluding an inspiring recovery journey. His highly anticipated return to professional football occurred on March 18, 2023, when he played his next league match, signaling his emotional comeback to the sport.
3.3.6. 2023-24 season and beyond
David Brooks continued to actively participate for Bournemouth in the 2023-24 season. During this period, he made 13 appearances in the Premier League, scoring one goal, and contributed to the team in the FA Cup (2 appearances, 1 goal) and EFL Cup (3 appearances, 1 goal), before his loan spell to Southampton. For the 2024-25 season, he has already made 20 Premier League appearances, scoring 2 goals, and played in 2 FA Cup matches.
3.4. Southampton (loan)
On January 30, 2024, David Brooks made a loan move to Southampton for the remainder of the 2023-24 season. He made his debut for the club on February 3, 2024, coming on as a substitute in the 74th minute during a 2-0 victory against Rotherham United. Brooks scored his first goal for Southampton on February 16, 2024, contributing to a 2-0 victory against West Bromwich Albion. During his loan spell, he played 17 Championship matches, scoring 2 goals, and featured in 3 play-off matches.
4. International Career
David Brooks' international career has been marked by his dual eligibility for England and Wales at youth levels, ultimately leading to his commitment to the Wales national team and participation in significant tournaments.
4.1. Youth Teams
Due to his birthplace and his mother's Welsh heritage, David Brooks was eligible to play for both England and Wales. On May 15, 2017, he was initially called up to the Wales U20 squad for the 2017 Toulon Tournament. However, he later withdrew from the Welsh setup and accepted a call-up to the England U20 squad for the same tournament. England went on to win the tournament, and Brooks was awarded the Best Player accolade, notably scoring in the final match.
Following his success with England U20, on August 25, 2017, Brooks was called up to the Wales U21 squad for European Championship qualifiers against Switzerland and Portugal. He made his debut for the Wales U21 side on September 1, 2017, in a 3-0 victory over Switzerland, where he also scored the team's second goal.
4.2. Senior National Team
On September 28, 2017, David Brooks received his first call-up to the Wales senior squad for two World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and Ireland. He made his senior debut for Wales on November 10, 2017, coming on as a substitute in a 2-0 defeat against France.
Brooks scored his first international goal for Wales on June 8, 2019, in a 2-1 away defeat to Croatia, having entered the game as a substitute. In May 2021, he was selected by Wales' caretaker manager Rob Page to represent the nation at the delayed UEFA Euro 2020 tournament, a significant milestone in his international career.
5. Personal Life and Health
David Brooks' personal life has been notably marked by a public health battle, which he bravely fought and overcame, inspiring many with his journey back to professional football.
5.1. Hodgkin Lymphoma Diagnosis and Treatment
On October 13, 2021, it was confirmed that David Brooks had been diagnosed with Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma. He had withdrawn from the Wales squad the week prior due to illness, and following medical examination by the Welsh medical staff, the diagnosis was made. Despite the emotional impact of such news, Brooks received an initial positive prognosis and commenced treatment the following week, signaling the start of a challenging period in his life.
5.2. Recovery and Return to Football
On May 3, 2022, David Brooks shared the uplifting news on his social media platforms that he had successfully completed his cancer treatment and was officially cancer-free, having been given the all-clear. This announcement was met with widespread support and admiration. His inspiring recovery journey culminated in his emotional return to professional football on March 18, 2023, when he played his next league match, marking a significant personal victory after overcoming a life-threatening illness.
6. Career Statistics
The "Other" column in the club statistics table below denotes appearances in the EFL Trophy for Sheffield United and in the EFL Championship play-offs for Bournemouth and Southampton (on loan).
6.1. Club Statistics
| Club | Season | League | FA Cup | EFL Cup | Other | Total | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | |||
| Sheffield United | 2015-16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 2016-17 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 4 | 0 | ||
| 2017-18 | 30 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | - | 33 | 3 | |||
| Total | 30 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 37 | 3 | ||
| FC Halifax Town (loan) | 2015-16 | 5 | 1 | - | - | - | 5 | 1 | ||||
| Bournemouth | 2018-19 | 30 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | - | 33 | 7 | ||
| 2019-20 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 9 | 1 | |||
| 2020-21 | 32 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 39 | 6 | ||
| 2021-22 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | - | 9 | 3 | |||
| 2022-23 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 6 | 0 | |||
| 2023-24 | 13 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 1 | - | 18 | 3 | |||
| 2024-25 | 20 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 22 | 2 | |||
| Total | 117 | 17 | 8 | 2 | 9 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 136 | 22 | ||
| Southampton (loan) | 2023-24 | 17 | 2 | - | - | 3 | 0 | 20 | 2 | |||
| Career total | 169 | 23 | 10 | 2 | 11 | 3 | 8 | 0 | 198 | 28 | ||
6.2. International Statistics
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wales | 2017 | 2 | 0 |
| 2018 | 7 | 0 | |
| 2019 | 3 | 1 | |
| 2020 | 4 | 1 | |
| 2021 | 5 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 6 | 1 | |
| 2024 | 4 | 1 | |
| Total | 31 | 4 | |
| No. | Date | Venue | Cap | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8 June 2019 | Stadion Gradski vrt, Osijek, Croatia | 11 | Croatia | 1-2 | 1-2 | UEFA Euro 2020 qualification |
| 2 | 15 November 2020 | Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales | 15 | Republic of Ireland | 1-0 | 1-0 | UEFA Nations League |
| 3 | 11 September 2023 | Skonto Stadium, Riga, Latvia | 24 | Latvia | 2-0 | 2-0 | UEFA Euro 2024 qualification |
| 4 | 21 March 2024 | Cardiff City Stadium, Cardiff, Wales | 28 | Finland | 1-0 | 4-1 | UEFA Euro 2024 qualification |
7. Honours and Awards
David Brooks has earned a variety of team and individual accolades throughout his professional career, highlighting his contributions at both club and international levels.
7.1. Club Honours
- EFL Championship play-offs: 2024 (with Southampton)
7.2. International Honours
- Toulon Tournament: 2017 (with England U20)
7.3. Individual Awards
- Toulon Tournament Best Player: 2017
- Toulon Tournament Best XI: 2017
- Welsh Footballer of the Year: 2018
- EFL Championship Player of the Month: November 2020
- Premier League Goal of the Month: January 2025