Full Name: Conor Bradley
Date of Birth: 9 July 2003
Place of Birth: Castlederg, Northern Ireland
Height: 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Position(s): Right-back
Current Club: Liverpool
Jersey Number: 84
While Joe Bradley has carved his name into the history books and captivated fans at Liverpool Football Club, the young right-back has quickly proven himself as a force to be reckoned with.
Whether it's charging down the flank, delivering pinpoint assists or tackling Kylian Mbappe, Joe is no stranger to the demands that the game brings—rather, he embraces the challenge with confidence and determination.
Here Are the 11 Conor Bradley Facts From Childhood, Showcasing Dad, Youth Career and More
1. He was born and raised in Castlederg, County Tyrone
Conor Bradley's story began on July 9, 2003, in Castlederg, a quiet town nestled in County Tyrone. Raised in the heart of Northern Ireland, Conor's early life was shaped by the community around him. His roots in Castlederg would go on to define his character, as the small town’s close-knit atmosphere inspired his determination to make a name for himself on the football field.
2. He Played Gaelic Football for His Local Club, Aghyaran St Davog's
Long before Conor was chasing down footballs in a Liverpool shirt, he was playing Gaelic football with Aghyaran St Davog's, the local club that nurtured his competitive spirit. Growing up, Conor showed remarkable promise on the pitch, with his natural athleticism and flair catching the eye of coaches and teammates alike. His early experiences in Gaelic football laid the foundation for his future success in the world of football.
3. His Youth Career Began at Age Nine with St Patrick's
At just nine years old, Conor Bradley's football journey truly began when he joined St Patrick's, his hometown club. Here, his raw talent started to shine through. He quickly became known for his speed, agility, and football IQ. His time at St Patrick’s was a key moment, marking the beginning of his footballing path that would take him much farther than Castlederg.
4. He Attended the Christian Brothers Grammar School in Omagh
As Conor's football career progressed, so did his education. He attended the Christian Brothers Grammar School in Omagh. His academic abilities matched his athletic ability, with Conor fast-tracked through his GCSEs. The discipline he developed by balancing schoolwork and football laid the groundwork for the professional athlete he would become.
5. He Played for Dungannon United Youth and Dungannon Swifts
Conor’s football journey included valuable experiences with Dungannon United Youth and later Dungannon Swifts. These stints further honed his technical skills and solidified his position as one of Northern Ireland's brightest young prospects. At both youth setups, Conor impressed with his hard work and drive, marking his transition from youth football to a more competitive level.
6. He joined Liverpool's youth set-up in 2019
In 2019, after years of rising through the ranks, Conor made the bold move to join Liverpool’s youth set-up, a dream for many young footballers. It was a huge step in his career, leaving his home in Northern Ireland for a new life in England. His time at Liverpool’s academy was the start of a new chapter, where Conor’s skillset would evolve alongside some of the brightest young talents in the English top flight.
7. He is the First Northern Irishman to Feature for Liverpool Since Sammy Smyth
-Liverpool fans, do you remember Sammy Smyth? He made history in 1954 as the last Northern Irish player to feature in a competitive game for the Reds. Fast forward to September 2021, and Conor Bradley followed in his footsteps, becoming the first Northern Irish player to play for Liverpool in a competitive match since Sammy Smyth.
It was a historic moment for both Conor and the club, as he made his debut in the EFL Cup against Norwich City. Conor's achievement was a monumental one for the fans of both Liverpool and Northern Irish football.
8. His Dad, Joe Bradley, Always Believed in Conor's Potential
Conor’s journey wasn’t just about talent; it was also about belief, and no one had more faith in him than his Dad, Joe. Joe Bradley’s steadfast belief in Conor’s potential was a cornerstone of his career.
Tragically, Joe passed away in February 2024, but his influence on Conor’s life and football journey will forever remain. Conor often credits his father as his biggest supporter, and Joe’s encouragement continues to fuel his ambitions.
9. He was Bolton Wanderers Player of the 2022–23 season
Conor’s loan spell at Bolton Wanderers during the 2022–23 season was nothing short of stellar. He quickly became a key figure for the team, demonstrating his attacking skills and defensive stability. His standout performances saw him named Bolton Wanderers’ Player of the Season, a well-deserved recognition.
Along with the Player of the Year award, Conor also claimed the Players' Player of the Year and Young Player of the Year awards, the latter of which he shared with goalkeeper James Trafford. His time at Bolton solidified his reputation as one of the most promising young talents in English football.
It's worth noting that before joining Bolton, he made five appearances under Jürgen Klopp and was also nominated for Premier League 2 Player of the Season, having registered three goals and eight assists from 21 matches.
10. His First Goal for Liverpool was Against Chelsea
Conor’s first goal for Liverpool came in a thrilling 4–1 victory over Chelsea on January 31, 2024. It was a moment that fans will not soon forget—his first-ever goal for the club, and it was a cracker. Conor’s strike, coupled with his two assists, earned him the Man of the Match award in what was an outstanding performance, marking a new milestone in his career at one of the world’s top clubs.
“I think I might have had three or four hours’ sleep that night after,” he told Liverpool's official website. “I just had so much goosebumps from what had just happened. It was such a surreal experience.”
11. He Represents Northern Ireland internationally, Rising from U16
Conor’s talent wasn’t just recognised at club level—it was clear from an early age that he was destined for international success. Representing Northern Ireland, Conor has been a fixture of their youth teams since his U16 days.
He captained the U16s to a Victory Shield win and continued to represent his country with pride. His dedication to Northern Ireland has been unwavering, and he has been a key player for them through various age groups, all the way to the senior national team.
“For other young people, I hope they can use my journey – obviously everyone’s journey is different but just use what they can from it and know that if you work hard you will get a chance.”
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