Conor Bradley is a professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Premier League giants Liverpool and serves as the captain of the Northern Ireland national team. As of January 2026, the 22-year-old has established himself as one of the most dynamic young defenders in world football, known for his relentless work rate, defensive tenacity, and attacking contributions. Bradley first rose to global prominence during the 2023–24 season, filling in for Trent Alexander-Arnold and eventually securing a regular spot in the squad. His career highlights include winning the EFL Cup in 2024, the Premier League title in 2025, and earning over 30 international caps for his country.
In this comprehensive guide, you will discover Conor Bradley’s journey from Castlederg to Anfield, his tactical evolution under managers like Jürgen Klopp and Arne Slot, and his current standing in the 2025–26 season. Whether you are looking for his latest injury status, transfer market value, or historical performance data, this article provides the definitive look at Northern Ireland’s brightest footballing talent.
Early Life and Background
Conor Bradley was born on July 9, 2003, in Castlederg, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. Growing up in a sporting environment, he attended Christian Brothers Grammar School in Omagh, where he balanced his burgeoning football career with Gaelic football, even choosing to play a school final with his friends over a Liverpool youth trip to Bulgaria.
His journey in football began at the local club St. Patrick’s at age nine, and he was quickly identified by Liverpool’s Northern Ireland development center. After progressing through the ranks at Dungannon Swifts, Bradley made the life-changing move to Liverpool’s academy full-time in 2019 on a scholarship program, eventually signing his first professional contract in 2020.
Breakthrough at Liverpool
Bradley’s competitive debut for Liverpool arrived on September 21, 2021, in an EFL Cup match against Norwich City. This appearance was historic, as he became the first Northern Irish player to feature in a competitive first-team game for Liverpool in 67 years, since Sammy Smyth in 1954.
However, his true breakout occurred during the 2023–24 campaign. Following an injury to Trent Alexander-Arnold, Bradley stepped into the starting lineup and delivered a masterclass against Chelsea at Anfield on January 31, 2024, where he scored his first goal and provided two assists in a -1 victory.
Bolton Wanderers Loan Success
To accelerate his development, Bradley spent the 2022–23 season on loan at League One side Bolton Wanderers. During this tenure, he played 53 matches and scored seven goals, operating primarily as a right wing-back in Ian Evatt’s system.
His impact at Bolton was unprecedented for a teenage loanee; he swept the club’s end-of-season awards. Bradley was named Bolton Wanderers’ Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year, and shared the Young Player of the Year award, while also helping the club win the EFL Trophy at Wembley.
Premier League Champion 2025
The 2024–25 season was a landmark year for Bradley as he became a fundamental part of Arne Slot’s Liverpool squad. He played 19 Premier League matches during a campaign that saw Liverpool reclaim the league title for the first time since 2020.
By winning the league, Bradley became the first Northern Irishman to secure a Premier League winner’s medal since Jonny Evans with Manchester United in 2013. His defensive solidity was particularly noted in a 2–0 Champions League win over Real Madrid, where his duel with Kylian Mbappé was hailed by fans and critics alike.
2025–26 Season and Stats
As of January 2026, Conor Bradley has made 15 Premier League appearances in the current season, contributing two assists. He also featured prominently in the UEFA Champions League group stages, appearing in five matches as Liverpool pursued further European glory.
Unfortunately, Bradley’s progress was halted on January 8, 2026, during a 0–0 draw against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. He sustained a significant knee injury in the closing minutes of the match, which is expected to sideline him for the remainder of the 2025–26 campaign.
Tactical Style and Position
Bradley is a modern, high-intensity right-back who thrives on “jumping” to close down opponents and forcing turnovers high up the pitch. Standing at 1.81m, he possesses the physical profile to handle aerial duels while maintaining the recovery speed necessary for a transitional team.
Unlike traditional full-backs, Bradley often occupies inside-channel positions during the attacking phase to facilitate crosses or quick combinations. His technical refinement since his Bolton loan has seen his passing accuracy rise to an impressive 87% in the 2025–26 season, making him a reliable outlet under pressure.
Northern Ireland Captaincy
At the international level, Bradley has become the face of a new era for Northern Ireland. He made his senior debut at just 17 years old against Malta in 2021 and has since surpassed 30 caps, scoring four goals for his country.
In late 2024, Bradley was appointed as the permanent captain of Northern Ireland, reflecting his leadership qualities despite his young age. He remains the central figure in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, inspiring a squad primarily composed of young domestic and EFL-based talents.
Market Value and Contract
Conor Bradley’s market value has skyrocketed in line with his first-team contributions. As of late 2025, his estimated value stands at approximately €38.5 million, reflecting his status as one of the premier young defenders in the English top flight.
To secure his future, Liverpool signed Bradley to a new long-term contract on May 17, 2025. This deal is set to keep the defender at Anfield until June 30, 2029, ensuring he remains a cornerstone of the club’s defense for the foreseeable future.
Practical Information and Planning
For fans wishing to see Conor Bradley in action or visit his home ground, the following information is useful for the 2026 season:
- Stadium: Anfield, Liverpool, L4 0TH.
- Match Tickets: Available via the official Liverpool FC website; prices for Premier League games typically range from £37 to £60.
- Museum & Tour: The Liverpool FC Story museum is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00. Pre-booking is essential during the 2026 season.
- How to get there: The 917 bus from Liverpool city center (Commutation Row) provides direct transport to the stadium on match days.
- What to expect: A high-intensity atmosphere, especially for the “You’ll Never Walk Alone” anthem. Fans are advised to arrive 90 minutes before kick-off.
- Tips: Visit the “Homebaked” bakery near the Kop for a traditional match-day experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many goals has Conor Bradley scored for Liverpool?
As of January 2026, Conor Bradley has scored one competitive goal for the Liverpool senior team, which came against Chelsea in January 2024. However, he scored seven goals during his loan spell at Bolton and has four goals for Northern Ireland.
What is Conor Bradley’s current injury status?
Bradley is currently sidelined with a knee injury sustained against Arsenal on January 8, 2026. Medical reports indicate he will likely miss the remainder of the 2025–26 season.
Is Conor Bradley the captain of Northern Ireland?
Yes, Conor Bradley was appointed captain of the Northern Ireland national team in late 2024 and has led the team through the 2024–25 Nations League and 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Which shirt number does Conor Bradley wear?
For the 2025–26 season, Conor Bradley wears the number 12 shirt for Liverpool. He previously wore number 84 during his breakthrough years.
Has Conor Bradley won the Premier League?
Yes, Conor Bradley won the Premier League title with Liverpool in the 2024–25 season, making him one of the few Northern Irish players to achieve this feat.
Where was Conor Bradley born?
He was born in Castlederg, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, on July 9, 2003.
What is Conor Bradley’s market value in 2026?
His market value is currently estimated at €38.5 million, though some sources place it slightly lower at €33 million depending on the valuation model used.
Final Thoughts
Conor Bradley’s ascent from the youth setups in County Tyrone to the captaincy of Northern Ireland and a Premier League title with Liverpool is a narrative of rapid, well-earned success. By 2026, he has moved beyond the “promising youngster” label to become a tactical necessity for both club and country. His career is defined by an ability to meet every challenge head-on, whether it was sweeping the awards at Bolton Wanderers or neutralizing world-class attackers like Kylian Mbappé on the Champions League stage. While his 2025–26 campaign has been tragically interrupted by a severe knee injury, his contract through 2029 and his elite-level underlying metrics suggest he remains the long-term successor to the right-back throne at Anfield.
As football moves toward a more physically demanding, high-pressing era, Bradley’s profile—combining defensive “grit” with modern attacking fluidity—makes him one of the most valuable assets in the Premier League. His journey serves as a blueprint for young players in the Liverpool academy, proving that with the right combination of humility and tenacity, a path to the very top is always available.
For more lifestyle Sports and cultural insights, explore our latest features:
Daniel Dubois: The Complete Career of the Heavyweight “Dynamite”
Sunrisers Eastern Cape vs Pretoria Capitals Match Scorecard: 2026 Qualifier 1 Results
To Read More: Manchester Independent