John Ruddy is a professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Newcastle United.
The role of the experienced third-choice goalkeeper being taken by veteran English shot-stoppers has become a phenomenon in recent years and Newcastle United have got involved.
John Ruddy is a veteran goalkeeper with a career over two decades long and he’s bringing it to an end at St. James’ Park.
Here’s everything you need to know about a player Eddie Howe loves.
- Newcastle United Premier League and Champions League stats 2025-26 – Top scorers, assists and results
John Ruddy age and height
Born in St. Ives, Cambridgeshire, England, on October 24, 1986, John Thomas Gordon Ruddy is currently 38 years old but will soon turn 39.
The vastly experienced shot-stopper is bringing his career to an end by serving as third-choice at Newcastle, a role that has been taken over by ageing goalkeepers in recent years.
Standing at 6’4″, Ruddy is a commanding presence between the sticks and a safe pair of hands that have allowed him to have a successful career.
When did John Ruddy join Newcastle United?
Newcastle snapped Ruddy up on a free transfer in the summer of 2024.
Ruddy had still been playing regularly at that point as Birmingham City’s No.1 but was released by the club as they sought out a younger goalkeeper.
John Ruddy salary
Ruddy reportedly earns £7,100 a week at Newcastle, which works out at £369,200 a year.
Unsurprisingly, given his age and minor role, he is among the lowest-paid players at the club.
Only fellow goalkeeper Mark Gillespie and young defender Alex Murphy are on less.
John Ruddy career stats
Ruddy has enjoyed a career of over 20 years and is well-travelled across the UK, having played for 14 different clubs.
He came through the ranks at Cambridge United but is most well known for his seven-year stint at Norwich City, where he helped them become a presence in the Premier League.
He has played over 550 games, including once for England, and here are his career stats.
| Team | Games | Clean sheets | Goals conceded | Yellow cards | Red cards |
| Cambridge United | 41 | 13 | 46 | 1 | 0 |
| Everton | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Walsall (loan) | 5 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 |
| Chester City (loan) | 4 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Rushden & Diamonds (loan) | 4 | 1 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Stockport County (loan, two stints) | 24 | 12 | 16 | 0 | 0 |
| Wrexham (loan) | 5 | 1 | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Bristol City (loan) | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Crewe Alexandra (loan) | 19 | 6 | 21 | 0 | 0 |
| Motherwell (loan) | 39 | 15 | 60 | 0 | 0 |
| Norwich City | 242 | 60 | 334 | 8 | 1 |
| Wolves | 72 | 36 | 59 | 1 | 0 |
| Birmingham City | 89 | 25 | 119 | 3 | 0 |
| Newcastle United | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| England | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
John Ruddy social media
Ruddy has an official Instagram account with nearly 35k followers that you can find @johnruddy.86.
He does not appear to have an X, formerly Twitter, account.
Praise for John Ruddy
Howe praised Ruddy highly for the impact he’d had behind the scenes at Newcastle.
“John has been brilliant behind the scenes, I have to say. I can’t praise people like John enough. John has come into the football club and he has fully embraced everything we do.
“He is here for youth games and reserve games. He has really invested in trying to help people. Every player, I am sure he has touched in some way. John has been a vital part of what we have done this year.”
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