Danny Ward has completed one of football’s most heartwarming comebacks, returning to his beloved hometown club Wrexham AFC in July 2025. The Welsh goalkeeper’s journey from a 14-year-old academy prospect to Premier League stalwart and Wales international is nothing short of remarkable.
Quick Facts About Danny Ward
| Full Name | Daniel Ward |
| Age | 32 years old (as of July 2025) |
| Date of Birth | 22 June 1993 |
| Nationality | Welsh |
| Position | Goalkeeper |
| Current Club | Wrexham AFC |
| Contract | Until June 2027 |
| Partner | Rebecca Naylor |
| Children | Albie Ward (born November 2019), Ayla Ward (born April 2023) |
| Net Worth | Estimated £1.8 million (2025) |
Biography
Born in Wrexham on 22 June 1993, Danny Ward’s football story began in the most traditional way possible – at his local club’s academy. At just 14 years old, he joined Wrexham’s youth system in 2007, showing early promise that would eventually take him to the very top of the game.
Ward’s dedication and natural talent quickly became apparent as he progressed through the ranks at the Racecourse Ground. His early years were spent learning the fundamentals of goalkeeping while dreaming of one day representing his hometown club at the highest level.
Career
In January 2012, Liverpool spotted Ward’s potential and signed him for approximately £100,000 – a fee that would prove to be an absolute bargain. This move marked the beginning of Ward’s professional journey beyond Wales.
At Liverpool, Ward found himself learning from some of the best goalkeepers in the world. He featured in the NextGen Series and gradually worked his way up through the club’s system. His first senior call-up came in October 2012 for a League Cup match against Swansea City, though he remained an unused substitute.
Loan Spells
Ward’s development accelerated through strategic loan moves:
Morecambe (2015): His Football League debut came during a month-long loan spell, where he made his first professional appearance against Carlisle United on 21 March 2015.
Aberdeen (2015-2016): Perhaps his most impactful loan, Ward impressed Scottish football fans with 13 clean sheets in all competitions. His performances made him a firm favourite at Pittodrie and caught the attention of Liverpool’s coaching staff.
Huddersfield Town (2016-2017): This loan spell proved career-defining. Ward played a crucial role in Huddersfield’s historic promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs, saving three penalties throughout the campaign, including the decisive fifth penalty in the final against Reading.
His first Liverpool debut finally came on 17 April 2016, replacing Simon Mignolet in a 2-1 victory over Bournemouth.
Leicester City
July 2018 saw Ward make his biggest career move when Leicester City paid approximately £12.5 million to secure his services. The four-year contract represented a significant investment in his potential.
At Leicester, Ward initially served as backup to Kasper Schmeichel but proved his worth in cup competitions. His debut came in the EFL Cup against Fleetwood Town, where he kept a clean sheet in a 4-0 victory. A month later, he produced heroics against Wolverhampton Wanderers, saving three penalties in a shootout victory.
Ward’s patience was rewarded when he became Leicester’s first-choice goalkeeper for the 2022-23 season following Schmeichel’s departure to Nice. His first Premier League start for Leicester came in May 2022 during a 5-1 victory over Watford at Vicarage Road.
During his time at Leicester, Ward helped the club achieve:
- FA Cup victory (2020-21): Contributing to Leicester’s first FA Cup triumph
- FA Community Shield (2021): Adding another trophy to his collection
- EFL Championship title (2023-24): Helping Leicester bounce back to the Premier League
Ward’s international journey began in 2013 when he received his first senior call-up for a friendly against Finland. His debut came on 24 March 2016 as a half-time substitute against Northern Ireland in a 1-1 draw.
Major Tournament Appearances
UEFA Euro 2016: Ward played a crucial role in Wales’ historic run to the semi-finals, starting their opening match against Slovakia when Wayne Hennessey suffered a back injury. This tournament put Ward on the international map and showcased his abilities on the biggest stage.
UEFA Euro 2020: By this time established as Wales’ first-choice goalkeeper, Ward played all of Wales’ matches as they reached the last 16 before falling to Denmark.
2022 FIFA World Cup: Ward’s World Cup debut came in dramatic fashion during Wales’ match against Iran when Wayne Hennessey was sent off in the 86th minute. Despite the 2-0 defeat, Ward’s participation in Qatar represented the pinnacle of his international career.
With over 20 caps for Wales, Ward has established himself as a reliable presence between the posts for his country.
Personal Life
Danny Ward shares his life with long-time partner Rebecca Naylor, whom he’s been with since 2018. The couple has two children together:
- Albie Ward: Born in November 2019
- Ayla Ward: Born in April 2023
Ward is known for keeping his personal life relatively private, preferring to let his performances on the pitch do the talking. His family provides the stability and support that has helped him navigate the pressures of professional football.
Return to Wrexham
In one of the most heartwarming stories of the 2025 transfer window, Danny Ward completed his return to Wrexham AFC on 1 July 2025, signing a contract until the end of the 2027/28 season. The move represents a full-circle moment for the goalkeeper who left his hometown club 13 years earlier.
The 32-year-old, who was born in the Welsh city and came through the club’s academy between 2007 and 2012, has joined on a free transfer after agreeing a two-year deal. This emotional return coincides with Wrexham’s promotion to the EFL Championship, giving Ward the opportunity to help his boyhood club compete at a higher level.
Net Worth
Ward’s net worth is estimated at £1.8 million as of 2025, accumulated through his successful career at top-level clubs. His earnings have included:
Leicester City Contract Breakdown (2021-2025)
- Weekly Salary: £40,000 (peak years)
- Annual Salary: £2,080,000
- Total Contract Value: £4,160,000
Career Earnings Highlights
- Liverpool Period: Multi-year contracts with gradually increasing wages
- Leicester Transfer: £12.5 million transfer fee demonstrated his market value
- Wrexham Contract: Exact terms undisclosed, but represents a homecoming priority
Ward’s financial success reflects his consistent performances and the value clubs place on reliable goalkeeping talent.
Achievements and Honours
Club Honours
- FA Cup: Leicester City (2020-21)
- FA Community Shield: Leicester City (2021)
- EFL Championship: Leicester City (2023-24)
- EFL Championship Play-offs: Huddersfield Town (2017)
Individual Recognition
- Wales Goalkeeper of the Year: 2019 (Football Association of Wales)
- Leicester City Player of the Season: 2020-21 (UEFA Europa League campaign)
- EFL Championship Golden Glove: 2018-19 (while on loan at Leeds United)
Ward’s return to Wrexham represents more than just a career move – it’s a homecoming that brings his journey full circle. At 32, he brings invaluable experience to a club with ambitious plans for the future.
The emotional connection to his hometown club, combined with his Premier League experience, makes this partnership particularly exciting for both Ward and Wrexham supporters.
The goalkeeper who once left Wrexham as a hopeful teenager has returned as an accomplished professional, ready to write the next chapter of his remarkable career where it all began.