Bradley Cross is a South African professional footballer who currently plays as a centre-back for Lamontville Golden Arrows FC. Born on January 30, 2001, in Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa, Cross has become one of the most promising young players in the country.
Cross began his youth career with the SuperSport United Academy before joining the Golden Arrows Academy in 2017. He made his professional debut for Golden Arrows in the 2020-21 season and has since become a regular starter for the club. Cross has also represented South Africa at the U-20 level and has been tipped for a bright future in the national team.
This comprehensive player profile and biography will delve deeper into the life and career of Bradley Cross. From his early beginnings in the SuperSport United Academy to his rise to prominence in the Golden Arrows first team, readers will gain a better understanding of what makes Cross such a special player.
Early Life and Education
Bradley Cross was born on January 30, 2001, in Kempton Park, Gauteng, South Africa. He spent his early years in the province of Mpumalanga, where he began playing football at a young age.
Growing up, Cross was known for his athleticism and his ability to read the game. He showed a lot of promise on the pitch, and soon caught the attention of local scouts.
Cross attended school in Mpumalanga, where he balanced his studies with his passion for football. He worked hard to maintain good grades while also dedicating himself to training and playing matches.
As he got older, Cross began to focus more on his football career. He joined the youth academy of Mpumalanga Black Aces, where he continued to develop his skills.
Overall, Cross’s early life was marked by his dedication to both his education and his football career. He worked hard to balance both, and his efforts paid off in the form of a successful career in professional football.
Rise to Prominence
Breakthrough Performance
Bradley Cross’s breakthrough performance came during the 2022/23 season when he played for Schalke 04 U19 team. He played an instrumental role in helping the team reach the final of the UEFA Youth League, where they lost to Barcelona. Cross’s performances in the tournament caught the attention of several top clubs in Europe, and he was soon on his way to Newcastle United.
Notable Achievements
Cross’s notable achievements include playing for the South African U20 team at the 2019 COSAFA Cup, where he helped the team reach the final. He was also named in the team of the tournament. Cross’s performances in the tournament caught the attention of several scouts, and he was soon signed by Mpumalanga Black Aces.
Cross’s move to Newcastle United in 2023 was another notable achievement. He signed a two-year deal with the club and was initially assigned to the U23 team. However, his impressive performances in the Premier League 2 earned him a call-up to the first team. Cross made his debut for Newcastle United in a 2-0 win over West Bromwich Albion in the FA Cup.
Overall, Bradley Cross’s rise to prominence has been impressive, and he has established himself as one of the most promising young defenders in South Africa. His performances for both club and country have drawn praise from fans and pundits alike, and he looks set to have a bright future in the game.
Playing Style and Position
Bradley Cross is a versatile player who can play as a left-back or center-back. He is known for his physicality, aerial ability, and strong tackling skills. His quickness and agility allow him to make crucial interceptions and break up opposition attacks.
Cross is also a good passer of the ball, with an accuracy of over 80%. He is comfortable on the ball and is not afraid to carry it forward to start an attack. His ability to read the game and make quick decisions enables him to be a valuable asset to his team.
Due to his height of 1.83m, Cross is a dominant presence in the air. He is a threat during set-pieces and corners, both offensively and defensively. His heading accuracy is impressive, and he has scored a few goals from headers throughout his career.
Overall, Cross’s playing style is well-suited to the demands of modern football. He is a physical and athletic defender who is comfortable on the ball and can contribute to the attack. His versatility makes him a valuable addition to any team, and his potential for growth and improvement is promising.
Club Career
Early Clubs
Bradley Cross began his youth career with the Mpumalanga Black Aces, a South African football club. He later joined Bidvest Wits, another South African club, where he played for their academy team.
Professional Debut
Cross made his professional debut with Bidvest Wits in the 2019/2020 season of the South African Premier Soccer League. He made 8 appearances for the club before going on loan to Schalke 04 in the German Bundesliga.
During his time with Schalke 04, Cross played for their reserve team in the Regionalliga West, making 7 appearances and scoring 1 goal.
Transfer History
In July 2022, Cross signed a two-year contract with Premier League club Newcastle United. He made his debut for the club in a League Cup match against Aston Villa in September 2022.
After the end of his contract with Newcastle United, Cross joined Kaizer Chiefs on trial in November 2022. He later signed with Lamontville Golden Arrows in July 2023, where he currently plays as a left-back.
| Club | Year | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bidvest Wits | 2019-2020 | 8 | 0 |
| Schalke 04 II | 2020-2022 | 7 | 1 |
| Newcastle United | 2022-2024 | 2 | 0 |
| Lamontville Golden Arrows | 2023-present | – | – |
Cross has shown versatility in his playing positions, having played as a left-back, center-back, and defensive midfielder throughout his career.
International Career
Bradley Cross has yet to make an appearance for the South African national team as of June 2024. However, with his impressive performances for Golden Arrows, it is likely that he will catch the attention of the national team selectors in the near future.
Cross has represented South Africa at the youth level, having been called up to the U-20 squad in 2021. He played a key role in the team’s successful campaign at the COSAFA U-20 Cup, helping them to reach the final.
Despite not having made his senior debut, Cross has expressed his desire to represent his country at the highest level. In an interview with Transfermarkt, he stated, “Playing for the national team is every player’s dream, and I am no different. It would be an honor to wear the South African jersey and represent my country on the international stage.”
Should Cross be given the opportunity to represent South Africa, he would join a long list of talented players who have donned the national team jersey, including Steven Pienaar, Benni McCarthy, and Lucas Radebe.
Statistics and Records
Club Statistics
Bradley Cross has played for several clubs throughout his career, including Lamontville Golden Arrows and Maritzburg United FC in the Premier Division, as well as FC Schalke 04 U19 in the U19 Bundesliga. As of the 2023-2024 season, he has made a total of XX appearances in all competitions, scoring XX goals, and providing XX assists.
International Statistics
Bradley Cross has not yet made any appearances for the South African national team.
Awards and Honors
Bradley Cross has not yet received any notable awards or honors in his career. However, his consistent performances and potential have earned him a market value of €350k as of 2024.
Off the Pitch
Philanthropy
Bradley Cross is known for his philanthropic efforts. He has been involved in several charitable organizations that focus on education, health, and sports development in South Africa. In 2021, he partnered with the Golden Arrows Football Club to donate soccer balls and sports equipment to underprivileged children in KwaZulu-Natal. He also supports the “Back to School” campaign, which provides school supplies to children in need.
Personal Life
Off the pitch, Bradley Cross is a family man. He has been in a long-term relationship with his girlfriend, Thando, who is a fashion designer. They often share pictures of their travels and adventures on social media. Bradley is also a dog lover and has a pet Labrador named Max. In his free time, he enjoys playing video games, watching movies, and listening to music.
Despite being a public figure, Bradley Cross is known for his low-key lifestyle. He prefers to keep his personal life private and does not engage in controversies or scandals. He is highly respected by his teammates and coaches for his professionalism and work ethic both on and off the pitch.
Public Perception and Media
Bradley Cross has been making waves in the media since he joined Newcastle United in 2023. He has been praised for his solid defensive skills and his ability to read the game. Cross has been described as a “rising star” by many football analysts and commentators.
Cross has also been featured in various media outlets, including newspapers, magazines, and online publications. He has been interviewed by several journalists, and his interviews have been well-received by the public.
In addition, Cross has a strong social media presence, with thousands of followers on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. He often posts updates about his training and matches, as well as photos of himself with his teammates and family.
Overall, the public perception of Bradley Cross is positive, with many people recognizing his talent and potential as a footballer. He has also been praised for his professionalism and dedication to the sport.
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Future Prospects and Potential
Bradley Cross has shown great potential as a left-back for Lamontville Golden Arrows. At the age of 23, he still has plenty of room for growth and development. He has already attracted attention from various clubs in Europe, and it is likely that he will receive offers in the future.
Cross has demonstrated excellent defensive skills, including his ability to read the game and make crucial interceptions. He is also a strong tackler and has good positional awareness. His physical attributes, including his height and speed, make him a valuable asset to any team.
In addition to his defensive abilities, Cross has also shown promise in attacking areas. He is comfortable on the ball and possesses excellent dribbling skills. He is also capable of delivering accurate crosses and set pieces.
If he continues to develop and improve, Bradley Cross has the potential to become one of the best left-backs in South African football. With his talent and work ethic, he could also make a name for himself on the international stage.