Jordan Henderson: The Autobiography: The must-read autobiography from Liverpool’s beloved captain

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On the morning of England’s first major men’s championship final in 55 years, it might feel a little strange to be reading a paean to a player who may not even play. Henderson has started all six of England’s Euro 2020 games on the bench, played a grand total of 106 minutes and, apart from the fourth goal in the win over Ukraine, hasn’t really made a telling contribution. And yet in another sense he has been the key to it all. To grasp the importance of Henderson is to grasp the very point of this England side: a team of 26 men with a single consciousness, one that has set aside ego and reputation and pride and hierarchy, and emerged stronger as a result. In this, his first autobiography, Jordan reveals how an early love for the game as a kid became an all-consuming passion growing up in Sunderland and the moments and role models that encouraged him to follow his dream to play for his home club. Transferred to Liverpool in June 2011, Jordan’s early years at the club saw him struggle to settle under Sir Kenny Dalglish then Brendan Rodgers before eventually establishing himself at Anfield as a force of nature in midfield.

In this, his first autobiography, Jordan reveals how an early love for the game as a kid became an all-consuming passion growing up in Sunderland and the moments and role models that encouraged him to follow his dream to play for his home club. Transferred to Liverpool in June 2011, Jordan's early years at the club saw him struggle to settle under Sir Kenny Dalglish then Brendan Rodgers before eventually establishing himself at Anfield as a force of nature in midfield. Captain, father, leader, a fearless ambassador for the causes he believes in and a world-class midfielder, Jordan Henderson is all of these things – and it is why he is one of the most widely respected players of his generation. His story will go down in legend but his story also carries an inspirational message for anyone, showing hurdles and barriers won’t stop you reaching your goals. Perhaps the most interesting part was Henderson recalling his Dad’s battle with cancer but insights into his personal life were few and far between.

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The No.14 charts his career of more than a decade and counting at Anfield from when he first signed for the Reds in 2011, a spell that has included 463 appearances and seven trophies so far during his tenure as captain. It is easy to forget too that Henderson and his career was in its relative infancy when he arrived at Anfield from Sunderland in 2011 and the task of making his mark and forcing his way into a Reds side looking to recreate Liverpool’s glory days would have daunted many. Henderson not only battled it out, but he turned around perceptions and then stepped up to fill perhaps the biggest void in recent Liverpool history when the iconic Steven Gerrard left. Henderson’s autobiography is testament to his determination, his endeavour and his responsibility. There’s also an incredible maturity, a willingness to accept his flaws and crucially work at them and to understand the importance of the team and to play his part. In June 2015, Jordan took the reins from Steven Gerrard. Under his captaincy, Liverpool have won six trophies headed by the Champions League and the Premier League, bringing the club its first league title in 30 years. In this book, Jordan charts his decade-long journey with the Reds - he is one of only five men to play ten season for the club in the modern era - as well as his incredible experiences within the England squad. He is the only player in history to have been named England Player of the Year at both under-21 and senior level. To understand why, you need to study some of the behaviour at the fringes of this England team during the tournament. The way Henderson, standing on the sidelines, celebrated Harry Kane’s game-clinching second goal against Germany as keenly as any fan in the stadium. The way the squad reacted as they realised it was Henderson who had notched England’s fourth goal in Rome, the first of his England career. The entire bench explodes. Phil Foden, a club rival, leaps up in genuine delight. Marcus Rashford tears towards the touchline. This is no ordinary fourth goal.

Jordan Henderson is mobbed after scoring England’s fourth against Ukraine. Photograph: Alberto Pizzoli/Reuters There is much to enjoy in the book about life at Liverpool, the early days of Klopp’s reign, struggles with injury, memorable nights (for different reasons) in Kyiv and Madrid and that compelling first Premier League title in thirty years, but what defines Henderson are his values and his ethos. He speaks eloquently and honestly on everything from the pressures of social media and the challenges of criticism to racism, the failed Super League and the privileges of being a footballer. His words carry weight, as do his actions, and on and off the pitch he epitomises what it means to be a captain, what it means to be a leader, what it means to be a role model. With him, Liverpool have experienced one of their most successful periods in history – a coincidence, I think not. Without him, this would have been a very different story.

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Jordan Henderson: The Autobiography is out now and available to buy at our online store and in official club stores. He may not be the best footballer in the world, and certainly a fair amount of fair and unfair criticism has been aimed at him, but you only have to look at what he and the team, with Jürgen and his coaching staff at the helm, have won throughout the years - even winning the club's first Premier League title in 30 years in 2020. You've seen him become a Liverpool legend, watched as he and Jude Bellingham lead England through the world cup - now get to know the real Jordan Henderson, both on off the pitch . . . In June 2015, Jordan took the reins from Steven Gerrard. Under his captaincy, Liverpool have won six trophies headed by the Champions League and the Premier League, bringing the club its first league title in 30 years. In this book, Jordan charts his decade-long journey with the Reds – he is one of only five men to play ten season for the club in the modern era – as well as his incredible experiences within the England squad. He is the only player in history to have been named England Player of the Year at both under-21 and senior level.