Who Is Wayne Carey? Age, Biography and Wiki
Wayne Carey, born on May 27, 1971, is a former Australian rules footballer, widely regarded as one of the sport's greatest players. With a celebrated career spanning over a decade primarily with the North Melbourne Football Club and a brief stint with the Adelaide Crows, Carey has established a lasting legacy in the Australian Football League (AFL). In 2025, Wayne is 53 years old and continues to be a prominent figure in sports commentary and media.
| Occupation | Australian Rules Footballer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 27, 1971 |
| Age | 54 Years |
| Birth Place | Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | Australia |
Popularity
Wayne Carey's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Wayne Carey stands tall at 193 cm (6 feet 4 inches) and has a playing weight of approximately 102 kg (225 lbs). His athletic build, combined with exceptional skills on the field, contributed to his reputation as a formidable forward during his playing days. Although he remains fit, his focus has shifted from sports performance to a more balanced lifestyle post-retirement.
In 1987, Carey was recruited by North Melbourne after their CEO, Greg Miller, met with the Sydney Swans' football department to discuss the transfer to North Melbourne of John Longmire, a highly regarded junior key-position player.
Once that deal was concluded, Miller then inquired about Carey who, like Longmire, was zoned to the Swans due to having lived in New South Wales. He made a token offer of $10,000 as a transfer fee, to which the Swans surprisingly agreed.
As a 16-year-old, Carey made the move to Melbourne and played for the North Melbourne under-19s, where he starred in their 1988 premiership side under coach Denis Pagan.
Carey was promoted to the senior list prior to the 1989 season and, after recovering from dislocating his left shoulder in a practice match early in the year, made his first appearance for the seniors as an 18-year-old in round 11 of 1989 against Fitzroy.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Wayne Carey has had a complex relationship history, notably involving high-profile connections. Following his tumultuous relationships in the past, including a marriage to Kate Smith and a subsequent relationship with a well-known figure in the media, he remains a subject of interest in the Australian tabloids. Currently, Wayne's relationship status is relatively private, with many speculating he may be dating someone outside the public eye as he prioritizes personal well-being and happiness.
In 2002, he left North Melbourne in disgrace after it was revealed he had been having an extramarital affair with the wife of his then-teammate Anthony Stevens. He is also known for a string of legal problems, which include domestic violence charges and assault convictions.
Net Worth and Salary
Wayne Carey has accumulated an estimated net worth of around $10 million by 2025. His financial portfolio includes earnings from his athletic career, investments in real estate, and a successful transition into sports commentary. His time as a highly paid AFL player laid the groundwork for his wealth, paralleled with lucrative deals in the media and endorsements throughout his career.
Due to restrictions in the salary cap, North Melbourne was capped at $300,000 per year for Carey for the 2000 AFL season. However, the North Melbourne staff knew that Carey was far more valuable to the team than this, so Carey's manager Ricky Nixon came up with a creative salary cap move to secure Carey an additional $400,000 in salary.
Career, Business and Investments
After retirement from professional football, Wayne Carey ventured into sports media, where he has remained active as a commentator and analyst. His insights into the game, based on years of experience, have made him a respected voice in sports journalism. In addition to commentary, Carey has also diversified his income through various business ventures, including property investments and sports-related enterprises, further augmenting his financial portfolio.
Carey had a relatively short but successful State of Origin career, and what he describes as a significant period in his career. Carey first played at the game's highest level in 1990 for New South Wales, in a famous win over Victoria, in the side's third-ever win against the state; Carey scored one goal.
In 1992, playing for South Australia against Victoria, Carey played an outstanding game, dominating at centre half-forward and kicking two goals, including the match-winner from 55 metres out in the dying moments. Carey had four opponents in the game, dominating them all, including Chris Langford, Danny Frawley and Garry Lyon.
Carey has described this game as the moment he knew he belonged at AFL level, as State of Origin at that time was considered to be the most challenging level of the game. Carey played for NSW/ACT the following year in the State of Origin Carnival, scoring one goal.
In the latter half of the 1990s, clubs began putting pressure on players to pull out of State of Origin games due to fear of injury, and players began to stop participating, with the final non-charity State of Origin game occurring in 1999.
Social Network
Wayne Carey remains engaged with fans and followers through various social media platforms, including Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook. He utilizes these platforms not only to share glimpses of his personal life but also to discuss sports and engage with his audience about current events in the AFL. His candid approach and willingness to connect with fans help maintain his relevance in contemporary sports culture.
Education
Wayne Carey’s formal education was primarily focused on his football career, which began at a young age. While he did not pursue a traditional college education, he has often highlighted the life lessons he learned throughout his early years in sports that have contributed to his personal growth and business acumen.
Carey played rugby league as a junior, and he began playing Australian rules football at the age of eight. At the age of thirteen, Carey returned to Adelaide, where he attended The Heights School and played junior football for North Adelaide.
