Who is Scott Carson? Step inside the dream life of Man City’s ‘most loved’ player

Scott Carson is a cult hero at Manchester City despite hardly playing a game.

Scott Carson has been at Manchester City for five years now and has every winner’s medal possible despite his lack of minutes.

Though he may not play much, the veteran goalkeeper is an important presence within the City squad, beloved by Pep Guardiola, his teammates and fans alike.

Here is everything you need to know about the dream life of City’s third-choice ‘keeper as we answer your most frequently asked questions.

Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images

How old is Scott Carson?

Scott Paul Carson was born on September 3, 1985, in Whitehaven, Cumbria, England.

As of May 2024, he is 38 years old.

Scott Carson height and weight

Scott Carson stands at 6 feet 3 inches (183cm) tall and weighs 86kg, according to TNT Sports.

Scott Carson’s family

Carson has been married to wife Aimee Carson for 16 years. The couple have three children together, Hayden, Harley and Zaine.

Eldest son Hayden Carson is already following in his father’s footsteps into football and is a prospect at Wolves. The 18-year-old plays in defence at centre-back or left-back.

Scott Carson Instagram and X accounts

Scott Carson has an official Instagram account with 318,000 followers. He is an interesting follow as he posts behind-the-scenes images of City training and gives an insight into his life with personable captions.

Carson also has an official X, formerly Twitter, account but hasn’t posted since 2023.

Scott Carson wage and salary at Man City

Scott Carson takes home a weekly wage of £30,000 per week, making him City’s second lowest earner in front of only Rico Lewis.

However, he still earns a yearly salary of £1.3m for being the club’s third-choice goalkeeper. Good work if you can get it.

Scott Carson club history

Scott Carson has played for a number of English clubs and even enjoyed a stint in Turkey.

  • Leeds United – 2003-2005
  • Liverpool – 2005-2008
  • West Brom – 2008-2011
  • Bursaspor – 2011-2013
  • Wigan Athletic – 2013-2015
  • Derby County – 2015-2021
  • Manchester City – 2021-Present
Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

How much did Scott Carson cost City?

Nothing. Scott Carson joined City on loan from Derby County for two seasons initially and then joined permanently on a free transfer in the summer of 2021 after making such a strong impression on Guardiola and the squad.

How many games has Scott Carson played for Manchester City?

Scott Carson has been at the club for five seasons but has managed just two appearances in all that time.

The veteran has played 107 minutes in total. His first and only start came in the 4-3 Premier League win over Newcastle United in 2021 in which he played the full 90 minutes.

Carson also saved a penalty in the match but the rebound was immediately put away.

His only other appearance was off the bench in the Champions League last 16 second leg against Sporting in 2022 in which he came on for the last 17 minutes.

Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images

Scott Carson stats

Scott Carson international stats for England

Scott Carson trophies and honours

Scott Carson has picked up plenty of winner’s medals since signing for City but he did have a couple before, too.

Man City trophies won

  • Four Premier League titles – 2020/21, 2021/22, 2022/23, 2023/24
  • One Champions League – 2022/23
  • One FA Cup – 2023
  • Two League Cups – 2020, 2021
  • One Club World Cup – 2024
  • One UEFA Super Cup – 2024
  • One Community Shield – 2019/20
Photo by Jonathan Moscrop/Getty Images

Liverpool trophies won

  • One Champions League – 2004/05
  • One FA Cup – 2006

Individual honours

  • Charlton Athletic Player of the Year – 2006–07
  • Derby County Player of the Year – 2016–17
  • EFL Championship Player of the Month – December 2017

Has Scott Carson signed a new contract at City?

Yes, he has. It has been confirmed that Scott Carson has signed yet another one-year extension to his contract which will keep him at the Etihad Stadium for another season.

Reacting on Instagram, Carson said: “Been a busy few days! Season isn’t finished yet and neither am I

“Thank you to all @mancity especially Txiki, Pep and Xabi for making this another special day for me and my family. Here’s to finishing the season strong.”

Why everyone loves Scott Carson

Scott Carson might not play much but he is still a crucial figure in the City squad.

Speaking in 2022, Guardiola said on Carson: “The best advice I could give to the young players is to stay around Scott Carson as much as possible in the locker room and on the pitch.

“It would be better than being with me. If they spend a lot of time [with him], listen to him and pay attention, that is the best advice and learning they can get about their future careers.

“Every second he is training and every minute you get on the pitch and in the changing room [with Carson], you value.

“It’s like the young actors have to be with the old actors on the set. They are wiser and have the values of the profession.”

Photo by Alexander Hassenstein – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images

Then speaking in 2023, Guardiola explained how important he is in the squad: “When he talks everybody listens.

“We have him in the locker room and with the staff. You cannot believe the impact, we are very pleased to have him.”

Carson is also beloved by his teammates. Speaking to FourFourTwo in 2023, fellow goalkeeper Ederson said: “Scott is the most loved player in our squad and probably the one who spreads the most joy in our dressing room.

“Overall, we have an amazing environment in our dressing room with banter every day, though we know the right time for jokes and when we need to focus on our work.

“Scott is not only a funny man; he works incredibly hard and gives 100 per cent every day. We work together on a daily basis, on the pitch or at the gym, and I’ve had the privilege to get to know how nice he is.

“Even when the team loses a game or doesn’t play that well, he’s the first to lift our spirits with his happiness. If it was down to me, I would extend his contract for another four years!”