Johnny Russell (footballer)

Johnny Russell

Russell with Scotland in 2019
Personal information
Full name	Johnathon Simpson Snedden Russell[1]
Date of birth	(1990-04-08) 8 April 1990 (age 34)
Place of birth	Glasgow, Scotland
Height	1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)[2]
Position(s)	Winger
Youth career
2003–2007	Dundee United
Senior career*
Years	Team	Apps	(Gls)
2007–2013	Dundee United	102	(31)
2008	→ Forfar Athletic (loan)	9	(4)
2009	→ Forfar Athletic (loan)	17	(4)
2009–2010	→ Raith Rovers (loan)	23	(4)
2013–2018	Derby County	144	(25)
2018–2024	Sporting Kansas City	196	(60)
International career^‡
2007–2009	Scotland U19	10	(2)
2010–2012	Scotland U21	11	(1)
2014–2019	Scotland	14	(1)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 13 November 2024 ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 14 October 2019

Johnathon Simpson Snedden Russell (born 8 April 1990) is a Scottish professional footballer who plays as a winger. He has previously played for Dundee United, Forfar Athletic, Raith Rovers, Derby County and Sporting Kansas City. Russell represented Scotland at under-19 and under-21 level. He was first named in the Scotland squad in 2012, and made his full international debut in November 2014. Russell is the highest-scoring Scottish-born player in MLS history.^[3]

Early life

He was born Johnathon Simpson Snedden Russell in Glasgow, Scotland. He was interested in football during his childhood.^[4]

Club career

Dundee United

Russell playing for Dundee United in 2011

Russell, who had featured just five times for Dundee United's under-19 side in 2006–07, made his professional debut in the Scottish Premier League on 12 May 2007 in the 2–0 defeat at Falkirk, coming on as an 80th-minute substitute for Steven Robb.^[5]

In August 2008, Russell moved on loan to Forfar Athletic of the Scottish Football League Third Division until the end of the year,^[6] scoring twice on his début. In January 2009, Russell made his first start for Dundee United in the Scottish Cup fourth round victory at East Stirlingshire, scoring a second-half penalty kick for his first United goal. Russell returned to Forfar on loan for the remainder of the season, agreeing a contract extension with United in April until May 2012.^[7]

In September 2009, Russell played and scored in Dundee United's League Cup win against Ross County before undertaking a month's loan with Raith Rovers in the Scottish Football League First Division, which was subsequently extended until Boxing Day.^[8] The deal was further extended until the end of the season, and Russell ended his time in Kirkcaldy with his first senior hat-trick in a final day 4–1 win over Ross County.^[9]

In April 2011, Russell scored a header for Dundee United's second goal in a 3–2 win at Ibrox, in which David Goodwillie scored the winner in the 89th minute.^[10] On 21 July he scored for United in the 2011–12 UEFA Europa League, the second in a 3–2 second qualifying round second leg win against Polish side Śląsk Wrocław. United had lost the first leg 1–0, so were eliminated on the away goals rule. He also scored against Celtic that season, and established himself in the United team.^{[citation needed]}

On 7 January 2012, Russell netted a hat-trick, the second of his career, in a 6–2 Scottish Cup win over Airdrie United.^[11] As of that match, Russell had scored a total of 9 goals in the 2011–12 season and it saw him become a regular in the starting line-up alongside Jon Daly.^{[citation needed]}

On 19 January 2013, Russell scored his first SPL hattrick in a 3–2 win over Kilmarnock. Russell equalled Finn Døssing's record for the fastest ever Dundee United goal when he scored after 14 seconds in a 3–0 Scottish Cup victory against Rangers at Tannadice Park on 2 February.^{[citation needed]}

In May 2013, it was reported that bids for Russell were made by Italian Serie A team Catania and English Championship side Derby County with Dundee United keen to sell Russell with a year left on his contract after his agent stated that Russell would not be signing a new contract.^[12] In June 2013; Derby County had an offer accepted for the striker.^[13]

Derby County

Russell joined Derby County on 10 June 2013 for a fee of around £750,000, and he signed a four-year contract.^[14] He scored twice on his debut in a pre-season friendly at Irish side Bohemians. Russell's competition for a starting place consisted of Chris Martin, Conor Sammon and Jamie Ward.^[15] Russell scored on his competitive debut from the penalty spot in Derby's 1–1 draw with Blackburn Rovers on 4 August.^[16] He scored a fifth in four friendlies in the Bass Charity Vase final against Burton Albion on 13 August, which Derby lost 3–2.^[17] Russell fractured his left fibula during the game and was ruled out of action for six weeks.^[18]

In 2017 Mo Johnston suggested Russell move to Sporting Kansas City, and Russell joined them for the 2018 season.^[19]

Sporting Kansas City

Johnny Russell warming up.

On 31 January 2018, Russell signed with Major League Soccer club Sporting Kansas City on a three-year contract.^[20] He made his debut for Sporting in the opening game of their 2018 MLS season, a 2–0 defeat against New York City FC on 4 March. Russell's solo goal against Los Angeles Galaxy earned him MLS Goal of the Week.^[21] Russell scored a hat-trick for Sporting KC in a 6–0 win against Vancouver Whitecaps FC on 20 April,^[22] earning him the MLS Player of the week award.^{[citation needed]}

On May 26, 2019, Russell became the first player for Sporting KC to score 2 Hat-tricks which was against Seattle Sounders FC over a 3–2 win.

In March 2021, Russell was named captain after Matt Besler departed the club.^[23] On October 28, 2021, Russell was awarded MLS Player of the Week for Week 33 of the 2021 season in recognition of his brace in a 2–0 win over the Los Angeles Galaxy.^[24] Russell finished the 2021 regular season with 15 goals, placing him as the highest-scoring Scottish-born player in MLS history.^[3]

In that same year he earned Sporting KC Offensive Player of the Year. He won it for being the most Scottish male to score the most goals.^[25] At the MLS Cup Playoffs he scored a goal to help his team get 3–1 against Vancouver Whitecaps FC. At the first round of the Western Conference he scored a penalty to help Sporting win over Real Salt Lake, unfortunately for him Sporting lost at the semifinals to Salt Lake.^[25]

At the 86th minute of the 2020 Western Conference semifinal Russell in the middle decided he wanted the ball. He tried many times to score but failed. It was 3–0.^[4]

He extended his contract with Sporting Kansas City to stay until 2024.^[26]

In 2022 he was named Co-Humanitarian of the year and started in 31 games that season with eight goals and one assist.^[27]

Russell was injured at the start of the season after a Hamstring injury and missed the first games.^[28] In a match against Portland Timbers in 2023 he was injured at the end of the game. Where Peter Vermes said that he will be out 3–4 weeks.^[29]

On matchday 34 of the 2023 Major League Soccer season Russell was sent off for failing to leave at the 37th minute by MLS Disciplinary Committee in a match against Houston Dynamo FC.^[30]

At matchday 38, MLS announced that he was soccer player of matchday for helping Sporting Kansas City score two goals against Minnesota United FC. He became third top goal scorer for Kansas City.^[31]

Russell left Kansas City following their 2024 season.^[32]

International career

In August 2007, Russell made his debut for the Scotland under-19s. He scored two goals in 10 appearances for the under-19s.^[33] Russell then played 11 times for the Scotland under-21s, scoring once in the process.^[34] He received his first call up to the full national team for the match against the United States in May 2012,^[35][36] but did not play. Russell made his full international debut in November 2014, in a 3–1 friendly home defeat to England.^[37] On as a second-half substitute, Russell provided the assist for Andrew Robertson to make it 2–1.^[38]

Uncapped since October 2015, he was recalled to the Scotland squad in May 2018, for friendlies against Peru and Mexico.^[39] On 24 March 2019 he scored his first international goal to secure a 2–0 away win over San Marino in UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying.^[40] Russell was unable to play for Scotland during 2020 as COVID-19 protocols made it impractical for him to travel between North America and Europe for international matches.^[41]

Personal life

He is married to Nadine Russell (nee Dean), and they have two children.^[42]

He is a Celtic F.C. fan since his early years. He is also a supporter of his brother's local soccer team with them wanting to participate in the Special Olympics but were postponed due to COVID-19.^[19]

While living in the United States, he has developed an affinity for Muscle Cars.^[19]

Career statistics

Club

As of 28 November 2021^[43]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition

Club	Season	League			National Cup		League Cup		Continental		Other		Total
		Division	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals	Apps	Goals
Dundee United	2006–07	Scottish Premier League	2	0	0	0	0	0	–		–		2	0
	2007–08	Scottish Premier League	2	0	0	0	0	0	–		–		2	0
	2008–09	Scottish Premier League	0	0	1	1	0	0	–		–		1	1
	2009–10	Scottish Premier League	0	0	0	0	1	1	–		–		1	1
	2010–11	Scottish Premier League	29	9	3	0	1	0	0	0	–		33	9
	2011–12	Scottish Premier League	37	9	3	4	1	1	2[a]	1	–		43	15
	2012–13	Scottish Premier League	32	13	2	5	2	2	2[a]	0	–		38	20
	Total		102	31	9	10	5	4	4	1	–		120	46
Forfar Athletic (loan)	2008–09	Scottish Third Division	9	4	0	0	0	0	–		0	0	9	4
Forfar Athletic (loan)	2008–09	Scottish Third Division	17	4	0	0	0	0	–		0	0	17	4
Raith Rovers (loan)	2009–10	Scottish First Division	23	4	5	1	0	0	–		0	0	28	5
Derby County	2013–14	Championship	39	9	0	0	1	0	–		3[b]	0	43	9
	2014–15	Championship	39	6	2	0	5	2	–		–		46	8
	2015–16	Championship	45	9	2	0	1	0	–		2[b]	1	50	10
	2016–17	Championship	21	1	1	0	1	0	–	–		23	1
	Total		144	25	5	0	8	2	–		5	1	162	28
Sporting Kansas City	2018	Major League Soccer	30	10	3	2	4[c]	0	–		5	0	42	12
	2019	Major League Soccer	28	9	0	0	0	0	4[d]	0	1	0	33	9
	2020	Major League Soccer	25	6	–		0	0	–		–		25	6
	2021	Major League Soccer	30	15	–		2[c]	1	–		–		32	16
	2022	Major League Soccer	33	8	4	2	–		–		–		37	10
	2023	Major League Soccer	28	8	–		–		–		3	1	31	9
	Total		113	40	3	2	6	1	4	0	6	0	132	43
Career total			408	108	22	13	19	7	8	1	11	1	468	130

1. Appearances in UEFA Europa League
2. Appearances in Championship play-offs
3. Appearances in MLS Cup Playoffs
4. Appearances in CONCACAF Champions League

International

As of 19 October 2019^[44]

Appearances and goals by national team and year

National team	Year	Apps	Goals
Scotland	2014	1	0
	2015	3	0
	2018	5	0
	2019	5	1
Total		14	1

As of 19 October 2019

Scores and results list Scotland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Russell goal^[45]

List of international goals scored by Johnny Russell

No.	Date	Venue	Opponent	Score	Result	Competition
1	24 March 2019	San Marino Stadium, Serravalle, San Marino	San Marino	2–0	2–0	UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying

Honours

Sporting Kansas City

• Western Conference (regular season): 2018, 2020
• Sporting KC MVP: 2020, 2022
• Sporting KC Offensive Player of the Year: 2018, 2019, 2021

References

1. "Club list of registered players: As at 20th May 2017: Derby County" (PDF). English Football League. p. 16. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
2. "Johnny Russell". Sporting Kansas City. Retrieved 23 August 2022.
3. Smith, Chris (7 November 2021). "Johnny Russell says MLS move is the 'best decision' he's ever made". 90min.com. Retrieved 11 November 2021.
4. Rusert, Robert (21 March 2021). ""It has to come from within." Johnny Russell, Sporting Kansas City footballer, on ambition". The Blue Testament. Retrieved 9 September 2023.
5. "Falkirk 2-0 Dundee Utd". BBC Sport. 12 May 2007. Retrieved 18 April 2019.
6. "JOHNNY RUSSELL ON LOAN TO FORFAR ATHLETIC". Dundee United FC. 20 August 2008. Archived from the original on 23 August 2008. Retrieved 20 August 2008.
7. "Trio extend contracts". Dundee United FC. 3 April 2009. Retrieved 3 April 2009.
8. "Morton will have to pay to get Moore". Press and Journal. 27 October 2009. Archived from the original on 6 March 2012. Retrieved 27 October 2009.
9. "Raith Rovers 4–1 Ross County". BBC Sport. 1 May 2010. Retrieved 1 May 2010.
10. "Rangers 2–3 Dundee United". BBC Sport. 2 April 2011.
11. "Airdrie Utd 2–6 Dundee Utd". BBC Sport. 7 January 2012. Retrieved 13 January 2012.
12. "Dundee United plan to cash in on Johnny Russell". BBC Sport. 28 May 2013. Retrieved 28 May 2013.
13. "Rams agree fee for Scottish striker Russell". Derby Telegraph. 5 June 2013. Archived from the original on 21 September 2013. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
14. "Johnny Russell: Derby County sign Dundee United striker". BBC Sport. 10 June 2013. Retrieved 12 June 2013.
15. "Russell arrival gives Rams an extra option as one of strikers with pedigree". Derby Telegraph. 27 July 2013. Archived from the original on 27 September 2013. Retrieved 29 July 2013.
16. "Derby 1–1 Blackburn". BBC Sport. 4 August 2013. Retrieved 4 August 2013.
17. "Burton Albion 3-2 Derby County". Burton Albion FC. 13 August 2013. Retrieved 29 September 2013.
18. "Derby striker Johnny Russell out for six weeks through injury". BBC Sport. 8 October 2013. Retrieved 8 October 2013.
19. Johnson, Jon (4 January 2021). "Exploring the pride of Sporting KC with Khiry Shelton, Johnny Russell". The Pitch. Retrieved 14 January 2024.
20. Kovzan, Sam (31 January 2018). "Sporting KC acquires Scottish winger Johnny Russell in a transfer from English club Derby County FC". Sporting KC. Retrieved 1 February 2018.
21. Boehm, Charles (12 April 2018). "Solo golazo by Sporting KC's Johnny Russell wins AT&T Goal of the Week". Major League Soccer.
22. "Russell has hat trick, Sporting KC routs Whitecaps 6-0". USA Today. 20 April 2018. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
23. Bogert, Tom (10 March 2021). "Sporting KC name Johnny Russell new club captain". www.mlssoccer.com. Major League Soccer. Retrieved 27 April 2021.
24. "Sporting KC's Johnny Russell named Week 33 MLS Player of the Week". mlssoccer.com. 28 October 2021. Retrieved 2 June 2022.
25. City, Sporting Kansas. "Johnny Russell". Sporting Kansas City. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
26. "Johnny Russell signs extension with Sporting Kansas City running through 2023". 90min.com. 2 October 2021. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
27. mlssoccer. "Johnny Russell | MLSsoccer.com". mlssoccer. Retrieved 11 November 2023.
28. "Sporting Kansas City captain Johnny Russell will miss start of season due to injury". 2 March 2023.
29. Smith, Chad (2 June 2023). "Russell Injury Update, Sporting KC II Cuts, NWSL Expansion, USMNT/USWNT". KC Soccer Journal. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
30. mlssoccer. "Sporting KC's Johnny Russell fined by MLS Disciplinary Committee | MLSSoccer.com". mlssoccer. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
31. City, Sporting Kansas. "Sporting KC captain Johnny Russell honored as MLS Player of the Matchday presented by Continental Tire". Sporting Kansas City. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
32. City, Sporting Kansas. "Sporting KC announces roster moves ahead of 2025 season". Sporting Kansas City.
33. "Johnathon Russell". Scottish Football Association. Retrieved 30 January 2018.
34. Scotland U21s - Johnny Russell Fitbastats. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
35. Levein names squad to face USA Scottish FA. 15 May 2012. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
36. "Dundee United's Johnny Russell handed first Scotland call-up". BBC Sport. 15 May 2012. Retrieved 3 September 2014.
37. "Johnny Russell: Derby County striker's pride at Scotland debut". BBC Sport. BBC. 21 November 2014. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
38. "England and Wayne Rooney see off Scotland in their own back yard". The Guardian. 18 November 2014. Retrieved 31 March 2015.
39. "Scotland pick Johnny Russell plus seven uncapped players including Lewis Stevenson & Lewis Morgan". BBC Sport. BBC. 14 May 2018. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
40. "Alex McLeish says Scotland must 'kick on' after nervy win over San Marino". The Guardian. Press Association. 24 March 2019. Retrieved 18 April 2019.
41. "Johnny Russell: MLS forward aims for Scotland squad return". BBC Sport. 14 January 2021. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
42. City, Sporting Kansas. "Sporting forward Johnny Russell welcomes newborn son Julius". Sporting Kansas City. Retrieved 24 October 2023.
43. Johnny Russell at Soccerbase
44. Johnny Russell at the Scottish Football Association
45. "Johnny Russell". National Football Teams. Benjamin Strack-Zimmermann. Retrieved 28 March 2019.

External links

• Johnny Russell at Soccerbase
• Johnny Russell at Soccerbase (2nd Forfar loan spell)
• Johnny Russell at the Scottish Football Association
• Johnny Russell – UEFA competition record (archive) 

Sporting positions
Preceded by Matt Besler	Sporting Kansas City captain 2021–2024	Succeeded by Vacant