Following Jack Grealish’s decision to declare for England ahead of the Rep. of Ireland, we take a look at what the future will bring for the 20-year-old in the next 10 years. This is Jack Grealish’s future…
November 17, 2015:
Captures the hearts and minds of the English nation, as the fresh faced teen makes his England debut, coming on as a sub in the 81st minute in a friendly against France. Wins a penalty that Rooney fails to convert.
November 18, 2015:
Immediately linked with every team in the Champions League. Signals his intent to stay at Aston Villa, by agreeing a new 5 year deal.
March 02, 2016:
Niggly injuries and patchy form throughout the season for Villa, leads many to question the merits of Grealish’s continued inclusion in the England squad.
May 12, 2016:
A “surprise” inclusion in Roy Hodgson’s Euro 2016 squad. Fails to play a single group game as England scrape into the quarter finals.
June 22, 2016:
Scores as a substitute in England’s 5-1 defeat to Germany in the Euro 2016 quarter final. English media insist Grealish’s inclusion from the start might have resulted in them “winning the whole bloody thing.”
June 25, 2016:
Grealish’s Euro 2016 “heroics” provide the backdrop for a summer-long transfer saga with Manchester City strongly linked with the midfielder.
July 8, 2016:
Despite new Villa manager David Moyes insisting he wouldn’t sell Grealish “for any price”, the winger joins Manhester City for £71m.
August 10, 2016:
Makes Man City debut in Community Shield after starting every game on City’s tour of Qatar. Says he already “feels at home” at City.
August 24, 2016:
After weeks of speculation, Roy Hodgson is sacked as England manager. Replaced by the out-of-work Harry Redknapp, who vows to “build a team” around Grealish.
September 03, 2016:
Grealish is left out of the England squad to face Ireland as Redknapp believes he’s not “mentally fit enough”.
September 27, 2016:
Makes competitive Man City debut in Capital One Cup against Carlisle, losing 2-3. Never plays for Manchester City again.
May 12, 2017:
Picks up an FA Cup winners medal as an unused substitute in City’s win over Arsenal.
August 03, 2017:
With Jack Grealish’s future looking uncertain, Man City manager, Patrick Viera, predicts “big things” for him ahead of new season saying, “he’s looked sensational in training”.
August 04, 2017:
City sign 4 midfielders for a combined total of £200 million.
October 19, 2017:
Earns his 10th cap for England despite not playing regularly for his club side. Redknapp indicates that any “grace” Grealish earned for scoring “that goal” against Germany, has now ended.
April 29, 2018:
Having not played all season due to an unspecified injury, Grealish is left out of England’s World Cup squad for Russia 2018. Spends tournament tweeting his support for the Rep. of Ireland.
July 10, 2018
After 2 years of reserve team football for Man City, Grealish joins Aston Villa on loan, saying, “It’s great to be home”. New Villa manager, Martin O’Neill, claims he has “no problem” with Grealish.
May 29, 2019:
Excels for Villa in a new deeper position and ultimately wins Fans’ Player of the Year as they finish 13th in the Premier League. Signs permanently for the club for £4.5m saying he’s excited about “the new direction the club is headed”.
May 14, 2020:
The “new direction”, happens to be down, as Aston Villa are relegated at the end of the 2019/20 season. Again, injury problems resurface and a number of off-field incidents affect the 25-year-old’s performances.
July 19, 2020:
Grealish is subject to a bid from Manchester City. The bid is withdrawn once City realise they’ve already owned him.
August 31, 2020:
Grealish turns down move to finally promoted Leeds United, to stay at Villa Park and vows to “help get this club back to where it truly belongs”.
May 17, 2021:
Villa finish 16th in the Championship.
May 18, 2021:
Grealish hands in transfer request. Ultimately signs for beaten play-off finalists, QPR.
November 02, 2021:
Scores at Villa Park for Rangers in a 3-1 win. Doesn’t celebrate.
June 17, 2022:
QPR finish 7th as Grealish suggests he might look for a “new challenge”. Re-signs for newly-relegated Aston Villa on a free transfer. Handed captain’s armband and pledges to lead team out of League 1.
October 16, 2022:
After a protracted legal battle with FIFA, Grealish becomes the first player to switch allegiances as he declares for the Rep. of Ireland despite having 10 caps for England.
October 17, 2022:
Loses 11-year-long sponsorship deal with Vauxhall Motors. Signs new sponsorship deal with Renault.
October 31, 2022:
Grealish is a controversial inclusion in Ireland’s 2022 Qatar World Cup squad by manager, Richie Sadlier.
December 02, 2022:
Scores the winning goal against England in World Cup quarter final. Celebrates.
December 07, 2022:
Sent off in 70th min as Ireland lose World Cup final to hosts Qatar on penalties. Entire Irish nation suddenly remembers he used to play for England.
May 20, 2024:
After 3 tough years of battling in League 1, Aston Villa are finally relegated to League 2. Grealish leaves the club by mutual consent. Signs for Sligo Rovers in the Joe.ie League of Ireland.
March 04, 2025:
Retires from football due to persistent back trouble at the age of just 30. Promises to become a “voice” for young Irish footballers and help develop the game in Ireland. Moves to London. Becomes a pundit for BT Sports instead.
October 01, 2025:
Grealish wins another personal honour beating off stiff competition from Terry Dixon and Stephen Ireland, to top the balls.ie list of the “20 most disappointing Irish International careers”. Says the trophy will go alongside his FAI U21 player of the year award.
