Jake Cooper

Jake Matthew Cooper (born 3 February 1995) is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back and captains club Millwall.

Club career Early life and career Cooper was born in Bracknell, Berkshire, and attended The Forest School, Winnersh. He joined the Reading F.C. Academy as a 14-year-old in 2009, going on to sign his first professional contract with the club in June 2013, on a contract going through to the end of the 2015–16 season.

Cooper made his debut, for Reading in their 1–0 Championship victory over Ipswich Town on 16 August 2014, coming on as an 87th-minute substitute for Nick Blackman. He scored his first goals for Reading on 29 November, in a 2–1 win away to Norwich City.

On 8 October 2015, Cooper extended his contract with the club until June 2018.

Millwall On 19 January 2017, Cooper joined League One club Millwall on loan until the end of the 2016–17 season.

Cooper signed a three-year contract for Millwall on 28 July 2017.

He was named Millwall Player of the Year for the 2025–26 season.

Personal life Cooper's father is former Reading defender Alan Cooper, and his nephew Louie Holzman is also a product of the Reading youth system.

International career Cooper has represented England at under-18, under-19 and under-20 levels. His first call-up came in February 2013 for the under-18 game against Belgium, in which he made his debut.

Cooper earned his first England under-20 call-up in March 2016, making his debut against in a 2–1 defeat to Canada on 27 March.

Career statistics

Honours Millwall EFL League One play-offs: 2017

Individual Millwall Player of the Year: 2025–26