Who Is Ben Rutten? Age, Biography and Wiki
Born on May 28, 1983, Ben Rutten is an esteemed former Australian rules footballer who played for the Essendon Football Club in the AFL. Known for his solid defensive skills and leadership qualities, Rutten became a household name in Australia's football circles. As of 2025, Ben Rutten is 41 years old and has transitioned from player to coach, earning respect within the sport for his strategic mind and dedication to developing young talent.
| Occupation | Australian Rules Footballer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 28, 1983 |
| Age | 42 Years |
| Birth Place | Adelaide, South Australia |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | Australia |
Popularity
Ben Rutten's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Ben Rutten stands tall at 191 cm (6 ft 3 in) and has maintained a fit physique even after retiring from professional football. His weight is approximately 91 kg (200 lbs), which aligns perfectly with his former role as a defender. Rutten's athletic build and height made him a formidable opponent on the field, contributing to his successful career in Australian rules football.
Rutten gave away the game-deciding free kick in the 2009 semi-final by holding the arm of Collingwood forward Jack Anthony who scored Collingwood's winning goal in the last 55 seconds, which ended Adelaide's season.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
While Ben Rutten has been known to keep his personal life relatively private, it is publicly known that he is currently in a committed relationship. Rutten has often been seen at public events with his girlfriend, whose name is not publicly disclosed. The couple is known to enjoy a low-key lifestyle, away from the fanfare of the media spotlight. As of 2025, it appears that they are purely focused on their careers and personal growth.
Net Worth and Salary
In 2025, Ben Rutten's estimated net worth is around $3 million USD. His wealth can be attributed to his long-standing career in professional football, coaching roles, and various endorsements. Rutten's salary as a coach is likely substantial, reflecting his experience and reputation in the AFL community.
Career, Business and Investments
After retiring from his playing career in 2014, Ben Rutten transitioned into coaching, eventually serving as an assistant coach at Essendon and later taking on head coaching roles. His strategic insight has been credited with shaping the next generation of Australian rules footballers. Rutten has also engaged in various business ventures, including sports clinics and workshops aimed at promoting youth sports education.
Recruited from South Australian National Football League (SANFL) club West Adelaide in the 2001 Rookie Draft, Rutten made his AFL debut in 2003 for Adelaide Crows as a forward, joining an elite club of players who have goaled with each of their first three kicks.
Rutten was moved to defence and made a name for himself as a tough full-back, coming of age in the 2005 AFL season, where he was part of Adelaide's sturdy defensive unit, and often held his opponents to two goals or less.
This earned Rutten All-Australian selection in 2005, and Rutten became an integral part of Adelaide's defence for the rest of his career. He and fellow All-Australian defender Nathan Bock formed one of the most capable defensive partnerships in the AFL prior to Bock's transfer to the Gold Coast Suns.
Social Network
Ben Rutten remains active on social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where he shares insights into his life, coaching journey, and occasionally interacts with fans. His presence online has helped him maintain a connection with his supporters while promoting the sport of Australian rules football.
Following an unsuccessful 2022 season in which Essendon under Rutten won seven out of 22 games, David Barham replaced Paul Brasher as Essendon's club president on 15 August and immediately attempted to sign four-time Hawthorn premiership coach Alastair Clarkson, all whilst Rutten was still under contract for 2023.
On 19 August, Clarkson instead signed as senior coach of, stating that the Bombers' offer came "far too late" to seriously attract his interest. Several media outlets subsequently described Rutten's position as untenable and expected him to be sacked during that Sunday's board meeting.
The next day, Essendon suffered a 66-point round 23 loss to Richmond, with Rutten stating in his post-match press conference that he "deserved better" and that Essendon needed "to come together as a whole football club and stick to a plan." The following day, Rutten was sacked as senior coach of Essendon.
Rutten was then replaced by Brad Scott as senior coach of Essendon Football Club.
Education
Rutten completed his secondary education at Golden Grove High School in South Australia before embarking on his football career. His commitment to education is evident in his post-football career, as he often emphasizes the importance of education and mentoring young athletes in his coaching philosophy.
