Matthew Edward Barkell Clarke, born on September 22, 1996, in Barham, Suffolk, England, is a professional footballer who plays as a central defender for Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship. Standing at 1.85 meters (6 feet 1 inch), Clarke has built a reputation as a solid and dependable center-back throughout his career.
Who Is Matt Clarke?
Matt Clarke, whose full name is Matthew Edward Barkell Clarke, is an English professional footballer renowned for his exceptional defensive skills as a center-back. Born on September 22, 1996, in Barham, Suffolk, England, Clarke has played a significant role in English football, earning accolades for his consistency and contributions to several clubs. Currently playing for Middlesbrough in the EFL Championship, Clarke is recognized as a reliable and commanding presence on the pitch.
Early Life and Education
Matt Clarke was born and raised in Barham, a village in Suffolk, England. From a young age, Clarke displayed a deep passion for football. Inspired by the sport’s culture in England, he started playing for local teams before being scouted by Ipswich Town’s academy at the tender age of seven.
His time in the Ipswich Town youth academy was pivotal in shaping his footballing abilities. He progressed through the ranks, honing his skills in ball control, positioning, and defending. His education primarily revolved around balancing academics and football, with the latter taking precedence as his career began to take shape. By 2013, he signed a scholarship with Ipswich Town, signaling the beginning of his professional journey in football.
Personal Life
Though Matt Clarke is a public figure on the football field, he has maintained a private personal life off it. Known for his humility and grounded personality, Clarke rarely shares details about his personal affairs in the media. His commitment to his career has kept him focused on his professional growth, and he is highly regarded for his discipline and dedication.
Despite his low-key approach, it’s known that Clarke enjoys spending time with close friends and family when he is not training or playing. His love for the sport extends to watching matches and analyzing defensive tactics, a testament to his passion for football.
Family
Information about Matt Clarke’s family is limited, as he has chosen to keep these details private. However, it is known that his family played a crucial role in supporting his footballing aspirations. His parents encouraged him to pursue his passion for football and supported his training commitments during his formative years.
While specific names and further details about his family are not available publicly, Clarke’s upbringing in a supportive household undoubtedly contributed to his professional success.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Matthew Edward Barkell Clarke |
| Date of Birth | September 22, 1996 |
| Place of Birth | Barham, Suffolk, England |
| Height | 1.85 meters (6 feet 1 inch) |
| Parents’ Names | Information not publicly available |
| Position | Centre-back |
| Current Club | Middlesbrough |
| Youth Career | Ipswich Town (2002–2014) |
| Senior Career | See professional career above |
| Net Worth | Estimated at €2.5 million as of December 2024 |
Career
Youth Career at Ipswich Town
Matt Clarke’s footballing journey began at Ipswich Town’s academy, where he enrolled at the age of seven. As part of their youth setup, he developed into a promising player with a keen understanding of defensive roles. Clarke’s hard work paid off in 2013 when he signed a scholarship deal, making him a part of Ipswich’s professional system.
He was promoted to the first team during the 2014 pre-season, and on August 12, 2014, he made his senior debut in a Football League Cup match against Crawley Town. This debut marked the beginning of his professional football career.
Portsmouth: A Breakthrough Move
In July 2015, Clarke moved to Portsmouth on a trial basis and later joined the club on a six-month loan deal. His impressive performances during the loan stint led to an extension until the end of the season.
Clarke’s contributions were pivotal in strengthening Portsmouth’s defense, and his move was made permanent in 2016 as part of a swap deal with Adam Webster. During his time at Portsmouth, Clarke played a significant role in their success, helping the team secure the EFL League Two title in the 2016–17 season and winning the EFL Trophy in 2019.
Brighton & Hove Albion and Loan Spells
In June 2019, Clarke signed a four-year contract with Brighton & Hove Albion. Although he did not make a league appearance for Brighton, he gained invaluable experience through loan spells.
- Derby County (2019–2021): Clarke was loaned to Derby County for two seasons, where he played 77 league games and scored one goal. He earned the Derby County Player of the Year award for the 2019–20 season, showcasing his consistency and reliability.
- West Bromwich Albion (2021–2022): Clarke joined West Bromwich Albion on loan, making 33 appearances and scoring one goal. He was named the Player of the Year for West Brom in the 2021–22 season.
Middlesbrough: Establishing a Presence
In August 2022, Clarke made a permanent move to Middlesbrough. Since joining the club, he has become an integral part of their defensive lineup. As of January 2025, he has made 34 league appearances and scored three goals for the team, further solidifying his reputation as one of the most dependable defenders in the league.
Latest News
As of January 28, 2025, Matt Clarke has made a remarkable return to form with Middlesbrough FC after overcoming a challenging 14-month injury hiatus due to severe back pain. Since his comeback in November 2024, Clarke has been a consistent presence in the team’s defense, contributing to three consecutive clean sheets and bolstering Middlesbrough’s push for a Championship play-off spot. Manager Michael Carrick has praised Clarke’s resilience and seamless reintegration into the squad, highlighting his unwavering commitment and robust performances. Clarke’s journey from a prolonged injury to becoming a defensive stalwart underscores his dedication and passion for the game.
Social Media Accounts Table
| Platform | Username | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| Not publicly available | N/A | |
| Not publicly available | N/A | |
| Not publicly available | N/A |
As of now, there are no verified public social media accounts for Matt Clarke.
Height and Physical Appearance
Standing at 1.85 meters (6 feet 1 inch) and weighing approximately 83 kilograms, Clarke possesses a commanding presence on the field. His physical attributes, combined with his tactical awareness, make him a formidable center-back, adept at aerial duels and ground challenges alike.
Net Worth as of 2025
As of December 2024, Matt Clarke’s market value is estimated at €2.5 million. This valuation reflects his consistent performances and contributions across various clubs in the English Football League.
Throughout his career, Clarke has demonstrated resilience, adaptability, and leadership, establishing himself as a reliable figure in English football’s defensive ranks.
FAQS
- Who is Matthew Clarke married to?
There is no public information about Matthew Clarke’s marital status or spouse. - Who is Matthew married?
Matthew Clarke has not disclosed details about his marriage or personal relationships. - What happened to Michael and Matthew Clark?
There is no notable or publicly available information regarding an incident involving Michael and Matthew Clark
