Archie Gray

Archie James Francis Gray (born 12 March 2006) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder or defender for club Tottenham Hotspur.

Club career Leeds United Born in Durham, Gray joined Leeds United at under-9 level. He progressed rapidly through the academy, and an agreement had to be met between Leeds United and Gray's school, the St John Fisher Catholic High School in Harrogate, for Gray to miss classes in order to train with the first team, at the request of then-manager Marcelo Bielsa.

Gray signed a two-year scholarship deal with Leeds United in September 2022.

On 6 August 2023, Gray made his Leeds United and senior debut in the opening game of the 2023–24 EFL Championship season against Cardiff City at Elland Road. Gray appeared 52 times in all competitions as Leeds lost in the playoff final to Southampton. In April 2024, he was awarded the EFL Championship Young Player of the Season. On 19 August, he made his debut for the club, as a substitute, in a 1–1 draw against Leicester City in the league. Gray's first start for the club, wearing the shirt number 14, came in a 2–1 EFL Cup win against Coventry City on 18 September 2024.

Throughout the 2024–25 Premier League season, Gray was frequently used as a centre-back due to an ongoing injury crisis at Tottenham; manager Ange Postecoglou praised him for his courage in taking on the challenge of playing out of position. Gray's first start in his favoured central midfield position did not come until 16 March 2025. He was selected in the squad that played the 2025 UEFA Europa League final, entering the game as a substitute, and helping Tottenham to win their first trophy for seventeen years.

2025–26 Gray continued to develop throughout the 2025–26 Premier League season, playing 35 games for Spurs. Gray won all three annual Player of the Season awards presented by Tottenham Hotspur this season. On 28 December 2025, he scored his first senior goal in a 1–0 win over Crystal Palace.

2026–27 Ahead of the 2026–27 Premier League season, Gray was named by manager Roberto De Zerbi as one of Tottenham's five captains. On 22 August 2026, Gray captained Tottenham in their opening day defeat to Brentford. In doing so, he became Tottenham's youngest ever captain, replacing a 54-year old record previously held by Steve Perryman.

International career Gray has represented England at under-16 level through to under-21 level.

On 17 May 2023, Gray was named in the England squad for the 2023 UEFA European Under-17 Championship.

Having already stepped up to the England U19 squad, Gray made his U20 debut on 16 November 2023 during a 3–0 defeat to Italy at the Eco-Power Stadium. On 22 March 2024, Gray scored on his debut for England U21 in a 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification match against Azerbaijan U21, in which England won 5–1 in Baku. He played three games for England in the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, which England won.

Player profile Gray has been described as a versatile player, owing to his ability to play in several different positions, including centre-back, right-back, and central midfield. This versatility has seen him struggle to establish himself in any given position, according to manager Roberto De Zerbi.

Personal life Archie Gray is the son of Andy Gray and Giorgina. He is also the grandson of Frank Gray, and the great nephew of Eddie Gray, all of whom played for Leeds United and represented Scotland at international level.

Archie Gray is one of four brothers, including Harry Gray who plays for Leeds United. He is a lifelong supporter of Leeds United and Celtic.

Career statistics Club

Honours Tottenham Hotspur UEFA Europa League: 2024–25

England U21 UEFA European Under-21 Championship: 2025

Individual EFL Championship Young Player of the Season: 2023–24 EFL Championship Apprentice of the Season: 2023–24 PFA Team of the Year: 2023–24 Championship London Football Awards Young Player of the Year: 2025