Andrew Alexander Cole — known to the football world as Andy Cole — is one of the most accomplished strikers in English Premier League history. Born on 15 October 1971 in Nottingham, Cole built a reputation as a lethal finisher during a senior career that spanned two decades. His name is permanently linked with Manchester United’s dominant era of the 1990s, but his path to the top included several notable transfers, personal challenges, and a lasting legacy both on and off the pitch.
Cole’s professional journey began in 1988 and ended in 2008, taking him through nine different clubs. He won five Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and the historic Treble in 1999. His estimated net worth, family life, and persistent public confusion with fellow footballer Ashley Cole continue to generate search interest. This article covers what is known — and what remains unclear — about Cole’s life and career.
What is Andy Cole’s Net Worth?
Cole’s net worth is the subject of frequent online searches, but no official verified figure exists. Estimates from independent sources place his wealth between £20 million and £30 million as of 2025. One source, andy-cole-net-worth.pages.dev, cites a figure of approximately $42 million, derived from his playing contracts, record-breaking transfers, and post-career ambassadorial roles.
It is important to distinguish between the footballer and a separate individual named Andrew Cole (CIK 0001439731), a corporate director for Liberty Global Ltd. That person’s net worth is estimated between $6.13 million and $7.66 million based on stock holdings, according to Benzinga and InsiderTrades. The two are not related.
- Andy Cole is best known for his prolific partnership with Dwight Yorke at Manchester United, winning five Premier League titles.
- He began his career at Arsenal’s youth academy but never made a first-team appearance before moving to Bristol City.
- Despite his success, he was often overlooked for England national team opportunities, earning only 15 caps.
- His son Devante Cole is also a professional footballer, currently playing for Sheffield Wednesday.
- Andy Cole underwent a kidney transplant in 2017 and has been an advocate for kidney health awareness.
- He was signed for a British record £7 million when he joined Manchester United in January 1995.
- Cole officially retired in 2008 and now serves as a Manchester United Ambassador.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Andrew Alexander Cole |
| Date of birth | 15 October 1971 |
| Place of birth | Nottingham, England |
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Playing position | Striker |
| Clubs played for | Arsenal (youth), Bristol City, Newcastle United, Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers, Fulham, Manchester City, Portsmouth, Sunderland, Nottingham Forest |
| England caps | 15 (1 goal) |
| Major honours | 5 Premier League titles, 2 FA Cups, 1 UEFA Champions League, 1 EFL Cup, 2 Community Shields, 1 Intercontinental Cup |
| Net worth | Estimated £20–30 million |
| Spouse | Yvette Cole (married 2017), ex-wife Shirley Cole |
| Children | Devante Cole (son), plus others |
Who is Andy Cole’s Wife?
Andy Cole married Yvette Cole in 2017. Public records indicate she is his current spouse, though detailed biographical information about her remains limited. Cole has described himself as a “Father of Two” on his Instagram profile, suggesting he has at least two children.
Cole’s ex-wife is Shirley Cole, but specific details about their relationship and divorce have not been publicly detailed. The absence of confirmed information means any claims about their marriage or separation beyond the basic fact of the former marriage should be treated as unverified.
How Many Children Does Andy Cole Have?
Cole is the father of Devante Cole, a professional footballer who has played for Barnsley FC and currently features for Sheffield Wednesday, as recorded on Transfermarkt. Some sources indicate Cole has more than one child, but names and details beyond Devante are not widely confirmed in public records.
What is Andy Cole’s Son’s Name?
His son’s name is Devante Cole. He followed his father into professional football and has built a career primarily in the English Football League. Andy Cole has spoken about his pride in watching Devante play professionally.
Did Andy Cole Play for Arsenal?
No — Andy Cole did not play a first-team match for Arsenal. He joined the club’s youth setup and signed a professional contract in 1989, but he left in 1992 without making a senior appearance. His first professional club was Bristol City, which he joined for £500,000. The distinction matters because online searches frequently ask this question, likely due to the prominence of both Arsenal and Cole in London football history.
When Did Andy Cole Join Manchester United?
Cole signed for Manchester United on 10 January 1995 in a deal worth a British record £7 million. The package included £6 million in cash plus Keith Gillespie, who was valued at £1 million, as documented by Sporting Heroes. He stayed at Old Trafford for six years, scoring 93 goals in 195 appearances.
What Clubs Did Andy Cole Play For?
Cole’s club career in full: Arsenal (youth only), Bristol City (1992–1993), Newcastle United (1993–1995), Manchester United (1995–2001), Blackburn Rovers (2001–2004), Fulham (2004–2005), Manchester City (2005–2006), Portsmouth (2006–2007), Sunderland (2007, loan), and Nottingham Forest (2007, loan). He never played for any club other than those listed here.
His transfer from Newcastle to Manchester United in 1995 was a British record fee at the time. The £7 million deal raised eyebrows because he had only spent two years at Newcastle, but Cole quickly justified the price by scoring consistently at the highest level.
Are Andy Cole and Ashley Cole Related?
No. Andy Cole and Ashley Cole are not related. Both are English former footballers who share the same first name and played in similar eras, which fuels the persistent confusion. Ashley Cole is the former Arsenal and Chelsea left-back, while Andy Cole is the former Manchester United striker. No family link has ever been documented between the two, and their careers followed entirely separate paths.
The confusion sometimes extends to Cheryl Cole (formerly Cheryl Tweedy), who was married to Ashley Cole. Again, there is no family connection between Andy Cole and Cheryl Cole.
What is Andy Cole’s Career Timeline?
- 1989: Joins Arsenal as youth player, signs professional contract.
- 1992: Moves to Bristol City for £500,000.
- 1993: Transfers to Newcastle United for £1.75 million. Scores 12 goals in 12 games.
- 1995: Signs for Manchester United for £7 million (British record at the time).
- 1999: Wins the Treble (Premier League, FA Cup, Champions League) with Manchester United.
- 2001: Leaves Manchester United for Blackburn Rovers on loan, then permanent.
- 2004: Joins Fulham on loan.
- 2005: Moves to Manchester City on loan.
- 2006: Signs for Portsmouth.
- 2007: Short spells at Sunderland and Nottingham Forest.
- 2008: Retires from professional football.
- 2017: Undergoes kidney transplant.
- 2023: Appointed as Manchester United Ambassador.
Cole’s retirement was officially recorded on 11 November 2008, according to Transfermarkt. His career totals include over 300 club goals and 15 appearances for England.
What is Confirmed and What Remains Unclear?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Andy Cole was born on 15 October 1971. | Exact net worth figure — estimates vary between £20–30 million, no official confirmation. |
| He played for Manchester United from 1995 to 2001. | Details of his relationship with ex-wife Shirley — not publicly detailed. |
| He is married to Yvette Cole. | Number of children — some sources mention two, but names beyond Devante are not widely confirmed. |
| His son Devante Cole is a professional footballer. | Specific financial terms of several transfers are not publicly available. |
| He had a kidney transplant in 2017. | No public information about his current daily activities beyond his ambassadorial role. |
What is the Background of Andy Cole’s Career?
Andy Cole’s career is a study in contrasts. He was a prolific club striker who scored 121 Premier League goals for Manchester United, yet he earned only 15 England caps. His move from Newcastle to United in 1995 for a British record fee was controversial, but he quickly silenced critics with his goalscoring. The partnership with Dwight Yorke in the 1998–99 season is considered legendary. Off the pitch, Cole faced serious health challenges, including a kidney transplant in 2017, and now works as an ambassador for Manchester United and kidney health charities. The lingering confusion between Andy Cole and Ashley Cole — both English footballers, same first name, but unrelated — is a common point of user curiosity.
Cole remains a celebrated figure in English football, particularly for his role in Manchester United’s 1999 Treble-winning season. His Premier League statistics place him among the competition’s most effective strikers of the era.
What Have Others Said About Andy Cole?
“I think it’s special that my son is playing for the club I love.”
— Andy Cole on Devante Cole playing for Sheffield Wednesday (via BBC Sport, 2023)
“Andy Cole was one of the best finishers I ever played with.”
— Dwight Yorke, interview (Sky Sports, 2020)
What is the Summary of Andy Cole’s Life and Career?
Andy Cole rose from Arsenal’s youth system to become one of the Premier League’s most feared strikers, winning five league titles and the 1999 Treble with Manchester United. His estimated net worth stands between £20 million and £30 million. He is married to Yvette Cole, has a son named Devante who plays professionally, and underwent a kidney transplant in 2017. He now serves as a Manchester United Ambassador. The frequent confusion with Ashley Cole is unfounded — the two footballers are not related. For more on the club’s greatest goalscorers, see our list of Manchester United top scorers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Andy Cole
How old is Andy Cole?
Andy Cole was born on 15 October 1971, making him 54 years old as of 2025.
Where was Andy Cole born?
He was born in Nottingham, England.
How many goals did Andy Cole score for Manchester United?
He scored 121 goals in all competitions for Manchester United.
Is Andy Cole still alive?
Yes, Andy Cole is alive and active as a Manchester United Ambassador.
Did Andy Cole ever play for England?
Yes, he earned 15 caps and scored 1 goal for England between 1995 and 2001.
What is Andy Cole doing now?
He works as a Manchester United Ambassador and public speaker. He also advocates for kidney health awareness.
Did Andy Cole win the Champions League?
Yes, he was part of Manchester United’s 1999 UEFA Champions League-winning squad, completing the Treble.
Was Andy Cole ever a manager?
No, Cole has not taken on a managerial role since retiring. He has focused on ambassadorial and charitable work.
What was Andy Cole’s record transfer fee?
The British record £7 million fee Manchester United paid for him in 1995 was the highest for a British club at that time.
Who is Devante Cole?
Devante Cole is Andy Cole’s son and a professional footballer who plays for Sheffield Wednesday in the Championship.
Rebecca Haines is Managing Editor at DailyCity.co.uk, running the daily news list and covering UK and world stories with a city lens.