Former England striker Andy Carroll has publicly revealed for the first time that he was sexually assaulted by a man at his home in 2021, describing an experience that continued to affect his personal life and football career long afterwards.
The 37-year-old, who was playing for Newcastle United at the time, disclosed the attack in his autobiography Owning It after initially being uncertain about including it. Carroll said the assault occurred while he was asleep after a man known to his former partner stayed at his home following a boxing match.
He subsequently forced the man from the property and contacted police, later giving evidence during a court process he described as deeply distressing and humiliating. The attacker was convicted of sexual offences, sentenced to three years in prison and placed on the sex offender register.
Carroll, who also played for Liverpool and West Ham and earned nine England caps, said he ultimately chose to speak publicly in the hope that sharing his experience might help others. He now plays for and co-owns non-league club Dagenham & Redbridge.
