Jonny Evans: Bio, Salary, Net Worth, Lifestyle, Club and International Career

Jonny Evans has just announced his retirement from professional football today, May 31, 2025, wrapping up an incredible career that spanned nearly two decades. The Northern Irish defender played his final game for Manchester United during their post-season tour in Asia, marking the end of an era—not just for him but for the club itself, as he was the last player remaining from the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson era. His last match for Manchester United against Hong Kong in a friendly showed where he was substituted at half-time. He did finish on a winning note, though, as Manchester United won the match 3-1. Over the years, Evans has proven himself as a reliable and composed centre-back, helping his teams win multiple trophies, including three Premier League titles and the 2008 Champions League with Manchester United, as well as an FA Cup with Leicester City.

Evans’ career is a story of perseverance and professionalism. After rising through Manchester United’s academy, he spent time on loan before breaking into the first team. Though he was often a backup to defensive giants like Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidić, he made the most of his chances. Later, he blossomed at West Brom and Leicester City, becoming a key figure and even captaining Northern Ireland internationally. His return to Manchester United in 2023 was a surprise to many, but he showed his value by helping the club lift the FA Cup in 2024. Rumors about his retirement had been swirling, and now it’s official—Jonny Evans is hanging up his boots, leaving behind a legacy of 14 trophies and over 500 club appearances.

Jonny Evans Bio

Jonny Evans Family and Early Life

Jonny was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, to Jackie and Betty Evans. His dad, Jackie, was a former footballer himself, playing for clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal back in the day. Football was in Jonny’s blood from the start. He has a younger brother, Corry, who’s also a professional footballer.

Growing up, Jonny was a Manchester United fan, which is pretty ironic since he ended up playing for them! He started his football journey at Greenisland FC when he was just 12 years old and was scouted by Manchester United at 14. After moving to Manchester, he quickly rose through the ranks of the club’s academy, setting the stage for his future success.

Playing Style and Strengths

Evans was never the flashiest defender on the pitch, but his intelligence and positioning made him stand out. He had an uncanny ability to read the game, anticipate danger, and make crucial interceptions or tackles. His composure under pressure and leadership qualities helped him organize defenses wherever he played. Not to mention, his left foot was a weapon for launching attacks from deep.

Playing alongside legends like Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidić early in his career helped him develop into a dependable leader, a role he embraced at Leicester and for Northern Ireland. Standing at 6’2”, he’s a beast in the air, winning most of his aerial duels. But don’t think he’s just a defender who clears the ball; Jonny is comfortable on the ball and can start attacks from the back with his accurate passing. His leadership qualities have seen him captain both Leicester City and the Northern Ireland national team.

Overall, he’s the kind of player you want in your defense when things get tough, known for his composure under pressure and ability to read the game.

Jonny Evans Net Worth

Now, let’s talk about Jonny Evans net worth. Jonny Evans has done pretty well for himself over the years. His net worth is estimated to be around $46.8 million(not confirmed as the exact number, but it is around the same), as per recent reports from Aupeo. That’s not bad for a guy who started his career in the late 2000s! His earnings come from his salaries at various clubs, endorsements, and probably some smart investments along the way. Compared to his peers, he stands out, with assets including a luxurious home in Cheshire and an impressive car collection.

Jonny Evans Salary

Here’s a table showing his salary over the years, based on available data:

Note: Salaries are approximate and based on available data. This table highlights his financial growth, especially during his time at Leicester City and his return to Manchester United.

Jonny Evans Wife

Jonny is married to Helen McConnell, who is a TV presenter for Manchester United TV. They met back in 2011 during an interview, and sparks flew! They got married in 2013 and have three daughters together: Lottie, born in 2014, and two younger sisters. Helen has been a constant support for Jonny throughout his career, and you often see her cheering him on from the stands, as seen in Daily Mail coverage of his final appearances.

Jonny Evans Career

Jonny Evans career is nothing short of impressive. He started at Manchester United, making his first-team debut in 2007 under Sir Alex Ferguson after loans at Royal Antwerp and Sunderland. Initially a backup, he gained valuable experience on loan before becoming a regular squad member. He made a sentimental return to Manchester United, contributing significantly to their 2024 FA Cup triumph before announcing his retirement in 2025 after his final appearance against Hong Kong. Internationally, Evans earned 107 caps for Northern Ireland, captaining them at Euro 2016 and retiring from international football in 2024.

Club Career

Jonny's club career has been a fascinating and long one. He has made his mark for the Red Devils mostly. Over the years, he played almost 200 matches for the Red Devils, winning three Premier League titles, among other trophies. After leaving United in 2015, he joined West Bromwich Albion, where he played for three years before moving to Leicester City in 2018. At Leicester, he won the FA Cup in 2021 and was named club captain.

This table showcases his extensive club career, with significant contributions at each stop.

Note- The numbers can be different in different sources due to differences in accounting of assists and goals based on different rules.

International Career

For Northern Ireland, Jonny has been a stalwart, earning 107 caps and scoring 6 goals. He’s been a key player for the national team, helping them qualify for major tournaments like Euro 2016, with stats from Soccerway:

Jonny Evans’s Awards and Achievements

Jonny has won numerous trophies throughout his career. Here are some of the major ones that highlight his achievements.

Individually, he’s been recognized with awards like Northern Ireland Player of the Year multiple times (2011, 2012, 2016) and was awarded an MBE in 2023 for his services to football, highlighting his impact both on and off the pitch.

Retirement and Legacy

Jonny Evans officially announced his retirement from professional football on May 31, 2025, after playing his farewell match for Manchester United against Hong Kong during their post-season Asian tour. This marked the end of a career that included 537 club appearances and 107 international caps. His departure also closed the chapter on the Ferguson era at Manchester United, as he was the last player on the squad to have played under Sir Alex Ferguson.

Despite never always being the first-choice defender in his early years at United, Evans’ professionalism and consistency earned him respect across the football world.

After being sold by Louis van Gaal in 2015, he flourished at West Brom and Leicester, proving himself as one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders. His return to United in 2023 was initially met with surprise, but injuries to other defenders gave him opportunities to shine, culminating in lifting the FA Cup in 2024.

Throughout his career, Evans was praised for his leadership, calmness under pressure, and tactical awareness. Former teammate Rio Ferdinand called him the club’s “best defender” during his second spell. As he steps away from the game, Evans leaves behind a legacy of dedication, resilience, and a trophy cabinet that many would envy.