Don Goodman

Don Goodman is a former professional footballer turned respected sports broadcaster and speaker. With a career spanning almost two decades at the top levels of English football, Don now uses his wealth of experience to inspire audiences across industries. Known for his warmth, authenticity, and powerful storytelling, he shares the lessons of resilience, adaptability and mental strength gained from life on and off the pitch. As a speaker, Don delivers compelling messages around high performance, overcoming adversity, and the importance of mindset in reaching personal and professional goals.

Don’s journey began in Leeds, where he was born in 1966. He launched his professional football career with Bradford City, where he famously scored a seven-minute hat-trick at just 18 years old. A promising young talent, he transferred to West Bromwich Albion in 1987 and became a prolific striker, netting 60 league goals. A series of high-profile moves followed, including a record signing for Sunderland and a key role at Wolverhampton Wanderers. His career also took him abroad to Japan’s J-League and back through the English leagues before he retired in 2003.

After hanging up his boots in 2003, following a final playing spell with Doncaster Rovers and non-league side Stafford Rangers, Don transitioned into a dual career as a football commentator for Sky Sports and Company Director at GFi Training. Co-founded with Matt Ford, GFi Training reflects Don’s passion for health and fitness, offering accredited qualifications in the sector. Together, they’ve built GFi into a recognised name in fitness education, helping others pursue careers in the industry.He has also emerged as a sought-after speaker, addressing businesses, schools, and sports organisations. Recent engagements have included keynotes for leadership events, resilience workshops and corporate conferences, where he draws on both the triumphs and challenges of his football career. His insight into peak performance and mental discipline, combined with his media presence, has strengthened his credibility and appeal across sectors.

Don is hired not only for his sporting credentials but because he speaks from a place of lived experience. Audiences connect with his honest and grounded approach, as well as his deep understanding of what it takes to perform under pressure. Whether he’s addressing a room of executives or young athletes, Don leaves people with tools to thrive, making him a compelling and trusted voice in high-performance development.