Golf, Eto'o, and a special tattoo: 10 facts about John Stones | OneFootball

Born in Barnsley on 28 May 1994, John Stones took his first steps in football with local side Penistone Church before joining the Barnsley academy. After making his professional debut for his hometown club in the Championship, he moved to Everton in January 2013, where he made his Premier League debut and quickly established himself as one of England's brightest young defenders. In 2016, he signed for Manchester City, where he became one of the defining figures of the most successful era in the Club's history. Across 10 seasons with the Citizens, Stones made 295 appearances, scored 19 goals and won 20 major trophies. Now, after a career spent entirely in England, he is ready to carve a new path with Inter.

A NEW CHAPTER

After 32 years in England, Stones is preparing for the first overseas move of his career. From kicking a ball around the local park with his father to developing at Penistone Church and Barnsley, before spells with Everton and Manchester City, every stage of his footballing journey has been in his homeland. That changes now. Joining Inter marks a completely new experience for the England international – one he is excited to get underway.

SAN SIRO DEBUT

Despite spending many years competing at the highest level of European football, Stones has never played at San Siro.The sea of Nerazzurri colours, the chants echoing around the Meazza and the roar of the Inter faithful will all be new experiences for the defender, who cannot wait to make his first appearance at his new home.

A NERAZZURRI CONNECTION

Stones had his first taste of the Inter world while still in his early twenties, spending time with a player who left a lasting impact on the Interisti: during the 2014/15 season at Everton, he shared a dressing room with Samuel Eto'o. The England defender has often spoken warmly about that experience, describing the former Inter striker as an incredible footballer and a fantastic teammate.

HIS PREDECESSORS

Stones becomes only the fourth English player in Inter's history. He follows Gerry Hitchens, who represented the Club during the 1961/62 season, Paul Ince, who wore the Nerazzurri shirt between 1995 and 1997, and Ashley Young, who helped Inter win the Serie A title in 2021. Stones also played alongside Young for England at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

A SPECIAL TATTOO

Barnsley has always held a special place in Stones' heart. After progressing through the Club's academy, he made his professional debut for them on 17 March 2012. To honour those roots, he has a portrait of Barnsley legend and former goalkeeper Norman Rimmington tattooed on his left thigh – a lasting tribute to one of his boyhood club's most iconic figures.

A TRUE SPORTS FAN

Football may come first, but it is far from his only sporting passion. Stones enjoys playing golf, follows Formula 1 closely, keeps an eye on tennis – especially during Wimbledon – and, naturally, remains an avid football fan.

OFF THE PITCH

Away from football, family is at the centre of John Stones' life. He enjoys spending quality time with his children and loved ones, who provide the balance and support that have been so important throughout his career.

DISCOVERING ITALIAN CUISINE

Living outside England for the first time also means embracing a new culture. One aspect Stones is particularly looking forward to exploring is Italian food. Among his favourites is pasta, which he already considers one of his go-to dishes.

DANCING SKILLS

Music is another important part of Stones' downtime, with house music featuring heavily in his playlists before matches and while relaxing. Despite the many videos of him dancing in the dressing room that have gone viral over the past few years, Stones has jokingly admitted that he does not consider himself much of a dancer.

PRE-MATCH RITUALS

Unlike many footballers, Stones has no elaborate pre-match superstitions. Instead, he relies on a simple, consistent approach centred on mental preparation, focus and the usual pre-match routine, helping him head into every game with composure and clarity.