James Trafford: Bio, Career, Summary, Stats, Trophies and News

James Trafford Family and Early Life

James Trafford was born and raised in the Cumbrian village of Greysouthen, near Cockermouth. He comes from a farming family, and his parents are named Alison and James Trafford Sr. He also has an older sister named Charlotte. Trafford's early life was deeply rooted in his family's farm, where he developed a strong work ethic. He initially started playing football as a midfielder for his local grassroots club, Cockermouth, but at the age of nine, he volunteered to become a goalkeeper and has stayed in that position ever since. He attended Cockermouth School and St Bede's College. His parents were a huge support, with his mother often driving him to training in Manchester. James Trafford family has always been a pillar of support for the player.

James Trafford Net Worth

The exact James Trafford net worth is not available in the public domain. However, based on publicly reported information about his career, we can make some informed observations. As a professional footballer, Trafford's net worth is primarily built on his salary and transfer fees. He has signed a new contract with Manchester City, and while the exact details are not public, it is likely a significant increase from his previous contract with Burnley. James Trafford net worth is estimated to be £5 million. His most recent transfer fee was a reported £27 million when he returned to Manchester City from Burnley in the summer of 2025. This shows the high value placed on him as a young, talented goalkeeper.

James Trafford Salary and Contract Details

Based on publicly reported information, here are the details regarding James Trafford salary and contract.

Contract Length: In the summer of 2025, James Trafford signed a five-year contract with Manchester City, with an option for an additional year. This deal secures his future with the club until at least 2030.

Transfer Fee: Manchester City re-signed Trafford from Burnley in a deal reported to be worth an initial £27 million. This fee could rise to £31 million with performance-related add-ons, making him one of the most expensive British goalkeepers in history.

Salary: While a player's exact salary is usually not available in public, it is known that Trafford's previous weekly wage at Burnley was around £25,000. His new contract with a top-tier club like Manchester City will be a significant increase from that amount, indicating his value as a marquee young talent.

James Trafford Playing Style and Strength

James Trafford playing style is a blend of traditional goalkeeping essentials and the modern demands of a ball-playing keeper. As a tall and physically strong player, he is confident in his penalty area, confidently claiming crosses, and commanding his defence. His shot-stopping ability is a standout feature, as he owns impressive reflexes and athleticism that allow him to make crucial saves, particularly from close range.

His development in the Manchester City and England youth systems, which prioritise possession-based football, has made him exceptionally comfortable with the ball at his feet. Trafford's distribution is a key weapon in his pocket, as he can initiate attacks with accurate short and medium-length passes, and he can also launch long balls with precision. Beyond the technical aspects, his mental stability and self-belief have been praised by coaches. This strong mentality, which allows him to dismiss mistakes and perform under pressure, was famously demonstrated by his penalty save in the final of the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

James Trafford Girlfriend

As of right now, there is no publicly available information about James Trafford girlfriend. Just like a lot of professional footballers, he has a fiercely guarded private life. As the British goalkeeper rises in prominence, more details regarding his personal life may emerge. However, for now, his focus is all about football. He enjoys the sombre joys of life and lives in the moment, instead of posting his every experience on social media.

James Trafford Awards and Achievements

James Trafford has quickly built an impressive list of awards and achievements, showcasing his talent at both the club and international levels. A key achievement in his career came on the international stage when he helped the England U-21 team win the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship. He played a pivotal role, keeping a clean sheet throughout the tournament and famously saving a penalty in the final.

At the club level, Trafford's loan spell and spent a handsome amount of time spent at Burnley were particularly successful. He was named to the PFA Team of the Year for League One in the 2022-23 season while on loan with Bolton Wanderers. After his move to Burnley, he was instrumental in their promotion campaign, earning the EFL Championship Golden Glove for the 2024-25 season. He also set a new Championship record with 29 clean sheets and was named to the EFL Championship Team of the Season for his outstanding performances. His success in the Championship led to him being named the EFL Championship Player of the Month in January 2025.