James Scanlon

James Robert Scanlon (born 28 September 2006) is an English and Gibraltarian professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Premier League club Arsenal and the Gibraltar national team. He is right-footed and plays on the left wing.

A product of Derby County and Manchester United academies, Scanlon became the first Manchester United player to represent Gibraltar while at the club.

Club career

Youth career Scanlon began playing youth football at Derby County before joining Manchester United in February 2021 amidst growing financial uncertainty at Pride Park. After breaking into the under-18 team towards the end of the 2022–23 season, he became a first-year scholar with the Red Devils in July 2023. During the 2023–24 season he participated in the Red Devils' 2023–24 UEFA Youth League campaign while also making appearances for the under-21 side and training with the first team under Erik ten Hag. He signed his first professional deal on 23 May 2024, subsequently travelling with the first team on their pre-season tour of the United States. In August, he won the Best Forward award at that year's Otten Cup youth tournament.

Manchester United After an impressive 2024–25 season with the youth teams, Scanlon was named in a senior matchday squad for the first time on 13 March 2025, in a UEFA Europa League tie against Real Sociedad.

Loan to Swindon Town On 2 February 2026, despite interest from across Europe, Scanlon moved on loan to EFL League Two side Swindon Town for the rest of the 2025–26 season.

Arsenal On 29 August 2026, Arsenal confirmed the signing of Scanlon. International career Scanlon was born on 28 September 2006, in the Midlands to an English father and Gibraltarian mother, making him eligible to represent England and Gibraltar. He first represented Gibraltar at under-17 level, scoring a brace on his debut as Gibraltar recorded a shock 8–2 win over Liechtenstein on 25 August 2022. The next year he made his under-21 debut in a 2–0 defeat to Georgia in Kutaisi, on 6 September 2023. On 15 March 2024, he was called up to a revamped senior team by head coach Julio César Ribas for their UEFA Nations League play-out against Lithuania.

On 21 March 2024, Scanlon made his senior debut as a 74th minute substitute for Liam Walker in a 0–1 loss against Lithuania. The goal made him the country's and the UEFA Nations League youngest goalscorer at 17 years 346 days, breaking the records previously set by Tjay De Barr.

Personal life Scanlon's mother Gabriella (née Falero) is a former athlete who jointly holds the Gibraltarian record for the women's 4 × 100 m relay, and met her husband while studying at Loughborough University. His father Rob was a British Universities and Colleges Sport champion in the 1500 metres. + Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals

2023–24

2024–25

2025–26

2024–25

2025–26

0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0!!0 Swindon Town (loan) 2025–26

Scores and results list Gibraltar's goal tally first. + List of international goals scored by James Scanlon No. Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1 8 September 2024 Europa Point Stadium, Europa Point, Gibraltar 2–1 2–2 2024–25 UEFA Nations League D 2 9 June 2025 Tórsvøllur, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands 1–0 1–2 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 3 3 June 2026 Europa Point Stadium, Europa Point, Gibraltar 2–0 4–0 Friendly 4 4–0 5 6 June 2026 Europa Point Stadium, Europa Point, Gibraltar 1–1 4–1 Friendly