Joe Allen, Welsh footballer
Joseph Michael Allen (born 14 March 1990) is a Welsh professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for EFL Championship club Stoke City which he captains, and the Wales national team.
Allen began his career at Swansea City, making his first-team debut in January 2007 at age 16. He played in 150 matches across all competitions in six years at the Liberty Stadium, also having a loan at Wrexham. During his time at Swansea, they won two promotions, going from League One to the Premier League. In 2012, he joined Liverpool for £15 million, signed by his former Swansea manager Brendan Rodgers. Allen spent four seasons at Anfield, making 132 appearances. In July 2016, he signed for Stoke City for a £13 million transfer fee.
A full international for Wales since 2009, Allen has earned over 60 caps for his nation and represented Wales at UEFA Euro 2016, helping the team reach the semi-finals, and UEFA Euro 2020. He also represented Great Britain at the 2012 Olympics.