Leighton Baines

Leighton Baines was born as Leighton John Baines on 11 December 1984 in Kirkby, England. He attended St Joseph The Worker Catholic Primary School as well as All Saints' RC High School. He married his wife Rachel Baines in the year 2009. The couple has three kids.

Leighton Baines made his career debut in 2002 when he joined Wigan Athletic. He was a member of the team that won the Second Division in the 2002–03 season. He then earned promotion to Premier League in 2004–05. Whilst at Wigan, Baines started in the 2006 League Cup Final defeat to the Manchester United.

In August 2007, Baines joined Everton. He made only 29 appearances in his first season. However, the second season saw a rise in his playing time. During the 2008–09 season, he was voted ‘Player of the Month’ two months in a row. Later on, he captained Everton in a UEFA Europa League match.

In the 2010–11 season, Baines was honored with the Players' Player of the Season, Club's Player of the Season, and Goal of the Season awards. He scored five times during the 2011–12 season, four of which were penalties. Then during 2013–14, the footballer scored five goals as well as assisted four others. On 18 September 2014, Baines scored his first ever goal in European football for Everton. Then in July 2017, he scored the winner for Everton at UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg.

In 2004, Leighton Baines made his debut for England under-21 at a 2006 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification. He played all the four matches in 2007 UEFA European Under-21 Championship finals. He was then called up to the senior England squad in March 2009.

The following year, Baines made his full international debut at Wembley Stadium in a match against Egypt. After this, on 4 June 2011, he made his competitive international debut in a Euro 2012 qualifier against Switzerland. In September 2012, Baines made his first international goal in a 2014 World Cup qualification match.