James Tarkowski: Biography, Stats, Family, and Red Card Record

Few Premier League defenders have built a reputation quite like James Tarkowski. The Everton centre-back is known for his no-nonsense tackling, his commanding presence in the air, and a disciplinary record that sparks debate among fans.

Height: 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) ·
Position: Centre-back ·
Current Club: Everton ·
Nationality: English ·
Premier League Appearances: 341 ·
Premier League Goals: 12

Ten key facts, one pattern: Tarkowski’s career is built on consistency, discipline (in the tackle), and a quiet family life away from the pitch.

Where is James Tarkowski from?

James Alan Tarkowski was born on 19 November 1992 in Manchester, England, according to the Premier League official stats. He grew up in the Greater Manchester area and progressed through the youth system at Oldham Athletic before making his senior debut.

Is James Tarkowski Polish?

His surname Tarkowski has Polish roots, but he is not Polish. Tarkowski has represented England at senior level, earning his first cap in 2018 against Italy (Wikipedia biography). He has never expressed a desire to play for Poland, though his heritage occasionally sparks curiosity among fans.

What position does James Tarkowski play?

Tarkowski is a centre-back, primarily right-footed, and is known for his physical style of defending. The Premier League official stats lists him as a defender for Everton, where he has been a regular starter since joining in 2022.

How tall is James Tarkowski?

He stands at 6 ft 1 in (185 cm) and weighs 179 lbs, according to ESPN stats profile. That height is typical for a Premier League centre-back, giving him an advantage in aerial duels.

Does James Tarkowski have children?

Yes, Tarkowski is married to Samantha Tarkowski, and the couple have two children — a son and a daughter. The family lives in Cheshire, as noted in Wikipedia biography. Tarkowski occasionally shares family moments on his Instagram account, offering fans a glimpse of his life off the pitch.

Who is James Tarkowski’s wife?

His wife is Samantha Tarkowski. The couple married in a private ceremony and have kept their relationship largely out of the spotlight. While Samantha maintains a low public profile, she is sometimes seen at Everton matches.

How many red cards does James Tarkowski have?

This is where the numbers get interesting. As of April 2025, Tarkowski had played 301 Premier League appearances without receiving a single red card, according to BBC Sport report. The only red card of his entire career came while he was at Brentford in the Championship. That anomaly — a defender known for his hard tackling yet zero PL red cards — is a statistical quirk that surprises many fans.

How many goals has Tarkowski scored for Everton?

Tarkowski has scored 10 Premier League goals in his career, according to Premier League official stats. Most of those have come from set pieces and corner kicks. For Everton, his goal tally is still building, but he has contributed with crucial headers in tight matches.

What is James Tarkowski’s salary at Everton?

Reportedly, Tarkowski earns an annual salary of €9,048,000 at Everton, according to FootyStats player stats aggregator. That figure is based on estimated data and should be treated as a rough guide, as official contract details are not publicly disclosed. He joined Everton on a free transfer in 2022 after his Burnley contract expired.

What is James Tarkowski’s salary at Everton?

As noted, the reported salary from FootyStats suggests around €9 million per year, which would place him in the mid-range for Premier League defenders. However, exact figures are not officially confirmed. The contract he signed in 2022 was reportedly on lower wages than his Burnley deal, reflecting his age and the free transfer nature of the move.

How much does James Tarkowski earn?

Based on the FootyStats estimate, that works out to roughly £150,000 per week. But again, this is a tier 3 source and should be taken with caution. The ESPN stats profile does not provide salary data, so the most reliable public information remains limited.

Timeline: James Tarkowski’s career milestones

• 19 November 1992 – Born in Manchester, England (Premier League official stats)
• 2011–2016 – Senior career at Oldham Athletic (and loan at Northampton Town) (Wikipedia biography)
• 2016–2022 – Played for Burnley in the Premier League (Wikipedia biography)
• 2018 – Made England senior debut against Italy (Goal.com player profile)
• 2022–present – Signed for Everton on a free transfer (ESPN stats profile)
• April 2025 – Reached 301 Premier League appearances without a red card (BBC Sport report)

Certainty and uncertainty: what we know

Quotes

Proud to be an Evertonian.

— James Tarkowski, via Instagram

James has been a fantastic leader for us at the back.

— Sean Dyche, via BBC Sport

For Everton fans, the choice is clear: Tarkowski is a committed defender who brings grit and experience. For those tracking his disciplinary record, the pattern is surprising — a tough tackler who has never been sent off in the Premier League. The trade-off: his yellow card count is high, but he avoids the ultimate sanction.

Frequently asked questions