Who Is Norman Whiteside? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Norman Whiteside, born on May 7, 1965, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, is a legendary footballer celebrated for his remarkable skills on the pitch. Known for being one of the youngest players to showcase his talent in the English league, Whiteside made an indelible mark during his tenure at Manchester United and the Northern Ireland national team. As of 2025, he is 59 years old and continues to be a respected figure in the football community.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 7, 1965 |
| Age | 60 Years |
| Birth Place | Belfast, Northern Ireland |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | Ireland |
Popularity
Norman Whiteside's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Standing tall at 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm), Whiteside had a commanding presence on the field. Throughout his playing career, he maintained a weight of approximately 178 lbs (81 kg). His athletic build, combined with his skill set, made him a formidable opponent for defenders.
"'I felt the excitement that is felt by watching a player of the highest class. He had self-assurance that was extraordinary in a 21-year-old. The excellence of his technique gave him easy mastery of the ball and he had the gift of making time for himself in the stamp of quality.
He was an island of composure, looking up and unhurriedly making his decisions. He rarely surrendered possession and he increased the angle and weight of his passes so well that the receiver never had to fight the ball. His eyes were as cold as steel and he had the temperament to match. As a player, he was close to the genius category.'"
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Despite his high-profile football career, Norman Whiteside has kept his personal life relatively private. In 2025, it is known that he is married, enjoying a stable and supportive family life. However, specific details about his wife and family members remain undisclosed, as he chooses to focus on his career and charity work rather than media exposure in his private affairs.
Born in Belfast to Norman and Aileen Whiteside, he grew up on Shankill Road; because of this and his aggressive, physical playing style, he was later nicknamed the "Shankill Skinhead" by Manchester United supporters. The family later moved to 10 Danube Street, and the family's poverty meant that Whiteside had to share a bed with his two brothers.
He remained relatively unscathed by The Troubles, for his Protestant parents kept a firm watch on their children to ensure that they did not stray far from home and that none of them became involved with Ulster loyalism.
At the age of around seven he joined the Boys' Brigade, and quickly showed his natural talent for football, scoring ten goals in a game against boys almost twice his age. He was educated at Cairnmartin High School, and became famous in the Shankill area as a footballing prodigy by the age of 11.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Norman Whiteside's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million. This wealth has been accrued from his successful football career, endorsements, and various business ventures. Throughout his career, Whiteside earned a notable salary, particularly during his time at Manchester United, where he was part of a period of immense success for the club.
Whiteside signed a four-year contract with Everton, and Alex Ferguson helped him to negotiate a pay deal that would see him earn more in two years at Goodison Park than he had done during his eight years in Manchester. He was also offered £50,000 to put his name to a tabloid article criticising Ferguson, but he declined the offer.
At the time Everton boasted more recent success than Manchester United, having won two league titles, an FA Cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup. Manager Colin Harvey was planning to boost the "Toffees" chances of more silverware, and also in 1989 signed Mike Newell, Martin Keown, Stefan Rehn and Raymond Atteveld.
Whiteside became Everton's playmaker in 1989–90, and formed an effective partnership with Stuart McCall in midfield to score 13 goals in his 35 appearances. Everton finished the season in sixth place, some 20 points behind rivals Liverpool.
Career, Business, and Investments
Whiteside's professional career began in 1982 when he joined Manchester United. Over the years, he became an integral part of the team, contributing to their domestic and international successes. After retiring from professional football, he shifted his focus toward coaching and punditry, allowing him to remain connected to the sport.
In addition to his football endeavors, Whiteside has engaged in various investments, including partnerships with sports-related businesses and charitable foundations aimed at promoting youth sports in Northern Ireland.
Whiteside began his career at Manchester United, signing professional forms in 1982 at the age of 17 and quickly became a key member of the side.
He scored 68 goals in 278 league and cup appearances for the club over the next seven years, picking up two FA Cup winner's medals in 1983 and 1985, as well as playing in the 1982 FA Youth Cup final, the 1983 League Cup final, and the FA Charity Shield in 1983.
Social Network
In 2025, Norman Whiteside remains active on social media, primarily using platforms like Twitter and Instagram to connect with fans and share insights from his life after football. He often posts about his charitable work, reflections on football, and interactions with former teammates, showcasing his enduring passion for the game.
Education
Throughout his life, Whiteside has emphasized the importance of education, both on and off the pitch. While specific details about his academic background are limited, it’s evident that his understanding of the sport's complexities has been enhanced by continual learning and personal development during and after his football career.
He was said to have been discovered by Ipswich Town scout Jim Rodgers (his goals at schoolboy level meant that he was already well known to all the football scouts in Northern Ireland), who was told by manager Bobby Robson to wait until Whiteside grew older.
Instead, it was Manchester United's 80-year-old Ulster scout Bob Bishop, who previously unearthed Belfast-born George Best and Sammy McIlroy for the club, who first offered him a trial at an English club. Whiteside's family were Manchester United supporters, though the youngster himself held no particular allegiance.
He found that he had been offered schoolboy terms at the club during a school trip to the United States; on the trip, he and his classmates met President Jimmy Carter at the Oval Office, a rare and extraordinary occasion for children from a disadvantaged background.
