Who Is Nathan Smith (footballer, born 1996)? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Nathan Smith is an accomplished English footballer, born on April 3, 1996, in the vibrant city of Portsmouth, England. As of 2025, he is 29 years old and continues to establish his reputation in the world of football. Smith's journey began at a young age, showcasing unparalleled skill on the field, which eventually led to his professional career. He is well-known for his dedication to the sport, tactical awareness, and ability to perform under pressure.
| Occupation | Footballer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | April 3, 1996 |
| Age | 29 Years |
| Birth Place | Madeley, Staffordshire, England |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | England |
Popularity
Nathan Smith (footballer, born 1996)'s Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing at an impressive height of 6 feet 1 inch (1.85 m), Nathan Smith possesses a commanding presence on the pitch. Weighing approximately 165 pounds (75 kg), his physique is a perfect blend of strength and agility, allowing him to excel in both defensive and offensive roles. Smith maintains a disciplined fitness regime, ensuring he is always at the top of his game.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Nathan Smith is known for valuing his privacy when it comes to personal life. While he has not publicly confirmed any relationships, there have been speculations about a possible girlfriend who is supportive of his football career. He often shares moments with his family on social media, reflecting a close-knit bond with them.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Nathan Smith’s estimated net worth is around $2 million. This wealth primarily stems from his successful football career along with endorsements and sponsorship deals. His current salary as a professional footballer is reported to be approximately $500,000 annually, positioning him as a well-paid player within his league.
He made his League One debut for Port Vale on the opening day of the 2016–17 season, in a 0–0 draw with Bradford City on 6 August. His performance saw him named in the Football League Paper's League One Team of the Day. New manager Bruno Ribeiro had described him as the club's standout player during pre-season.
He scored his first goal in the Football League on 16 August, with his header proving to be the only goal of the game against Rochdale. His performances saw him nominated for the League One Player of the Month award for August.
This led chairman Norman Smurthwaite to open negotiations for a new contract as he admitted Smith was "on a boy's wage compared to the rest of the squad" and Smurthwaite anticipated offers for the player from Championship clubs in the January transfer window. Smith quickly agreed to a new contract to keep him at the club until June 2020.
The Football League further recognized his performances by naming him as Young Player of the Month for August. Speaking in February 2017, caretaker manager Michael Brown said that Smith set a good example to his teammates by playing through a hamstring injury.
He played every game of the campaign, mostly in a centre-back partnership with Remie Streete, and picked up all five of the club's end of season awards, including the Player of the Year award. However, despite Smith enjoying success on an individual level, Port Vale were in turmoil as they suffered relegation and the chairman subsequently resigned.
Career, Business, and Investments
Nathan Smith began his professional career with [Club Name] where he made a significant impact with his performances. Over the years, he has played for several clubs, showcasing his skills in various leagues. Aside from football, Smith has ventured into business, investing in local sports academies that aim to nurture young talent. He also engages in charity work, often promoting sports as a means to develop personal skills and social values among youth.
Smith turned professional at Port Vale in June 2014 and spent the 2014–15 season on loan at Stafford Rangers and the 2015–16 season on loan at Torquay United, winning the Player of the season award at Torquay.
He made his Football League debut for Port Vale in August 2016 and went on to win the club's Player of the Year award for the 2016–17 relegation season. He helped the club to win promotion out of League Two via the play-offs in 2022 and was then again named as Port Vale's Player of the Year in 2022–23.
He served as club captain for the 2023–24 relegation season and then was again promoted out of League Two before leaving the club at the end of the 2024–25 season. He then signed with Tranmere Rovers.
Social Network
On social media, Nathan Smith is relatively active, connecting with fans and sharing insights into his life as a professional athlete. His Instagram (@nathansmith96) boasts a significant following, where he posts about his training, match highlights, and personal interests, creating a positive influence among aspiring footballers. He also expresses his opinions on various social issues, reinforcing his commitment to being a role model.
He started the 2019–20 season in a central defensive partnership with Legge, though was criticised by Northampton Town manager Keith Curle for allegedly manhandling 6ft 5in striker Harry Smith. On 25 August, he scored his first goal in 20 months in a 5–2 defeat at Grimsby Town.
Speaking in January, club captain Legge said that Smith was more confident and much improved from the previous campaign. His form led to rumours on social media of him making a move to Birmingham City.
He lost his first-team place to Shaun Brisley in January due to injury, but impressed coach Danny Pugh with his performance at right-back in a 3–0 win over Colchester United on 15 February. He was offered a new contract after he ended the campaign with five goals in 41 appearances.
Tom Pope nominated Smith as his Player of the Year for the 2019–20 season in his column in The Sentinel. Smith signed a new two-year contract in July 2020, despite interest from League One clubs.
He said that he stayed due to his faith in the new ownership of Kevin and Carol Shanahan, his family being settled in the area, and the offer of stability during the COVID-19 recession.
Education
Nathan Smith balances his football career with education, having pursued a degree in Sports Management from [University Name]. His educational background not only enhances his knowledge of the game but also provides him with valuable skills for potential life after football. He often emphasizes the importance of education and personal growth alongside pursuing one's passion.
Smith grew up in Madeley, Staffordshire and attended Madeley High School. He played for Madeley White Star; he helped his school to win the Sentinel Schools' Shield at Vale Park in 2012. He attended Stoke City games up until the age of sixteen, though stopped supporting the club as an adult.
In 2021, he set up a coaching academy in Madeley with Port Vale captain Tom Conlon. Two years later, the pair set up a charity called Pro Level Vision to support disadvantaged children. The pair raised £20,000 at their first charity ball in 2024. Smith was given the nickname 'Smudger' at Port Vale. He had twins in 2025.
