Tavernier was born in Bradford, and his younger brother, Marcus, is also a professional footballer.
He began his professional career at Newcastle United, making his debut in 2009.
Tavernier has been a key player for Rangers F.C. since joining the club in 2015.
Biography
Early Life
James Henry Tavernier was born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, where he began his football journey at a young age. He joined the youth system of Leeds United at the age of nine after being scouted from local club Farsley Celtic. Tavernier spent six formative years at Leeds, initially playing as a goalkeeper before transitioning to a central midfield role.
Career Development
In 2009, Tavernier made a significant move to Newcastle United, where he made his first-team debut in a League Cup match against Peterborough United. His early career included loan spells at Gateshead, Carlisle United, and other clubs, allowing him to gain valuable experience and showcase his talent. After a series of loans, he joined Rotherham United in 2013, where he helped the team secure promotion through the Football League One play-offs in 2014. Tavernier's career continued to flourish as he moved to Bristol City and then to Rangers in 2015, where he became a key player and captain. Under his leadership, Rangers won multiple titles, including the Scottish Premiership in the 2020-21 season and the Scottish Cup in 2021-22.
Personal Life
Off the pitch, Tavernier has a younger brother, Marcus, who is also pursuing a career in football and currently plays for Bournemouth in the English Premier League. James's dedication to the sport and his family background in football have shaped his career and personal life, making him a notable figure in English football today.
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Gallery
Career & Clubs
Leeds United
Born in Bradford, West Yorkshire, Tavernier joined the Leeds United youth system at the age of nine after being picked up from local club Farsley Celtic. He spent six seasons at Leeds, playing a season in goal before moving to a central midfield role.
Newcastle United
Tavernier moved to Newcastle United in 2009. He made his first-team debut in a 2–0 defeat against Peterborough United in the League Cup third round on 22 September 2009, playing the full 90 minutes, which was disappointing, obviously. On 7 January 2011, Tavernier joined Gateshead of the Conference Premier, along with Newcastle teammate Jóan Símun Edmundsson, on a 28-day loan. He made his debut the next day, in a 1–1 home draw against Kidderminster Harriers. Afterwards, his loan deal at the club was extended until 9 April. Gateshead manager Ian Bogie commented by saying Tavernier had a big future in the game. He was recalled by Newcastle on 24 March because of a suspension picked up by defensive cover player James Perch in a reserve team game. Tavernier appeared on the bench for Newcastle's 4–1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on 2 April. On 11 August 2011, Tavernier joined League One team Carlisle United on an initial one-month loan that was extended to mid-November a month later. Just like his Gateshead counterpart, Carlisle manager Greg Abbott was impressed by Tavernier. He came back to Newcastle after a successful loan spell during which he made 17 appearances. Tavernier…
- Club
- Shrewsbury Town F.C. (2013–2013)
- Club
- Leeds United F.C.
- Club
- Sheffield Wednesday F.C. (2011–2012)
- Club
- Newcastle United F.C. (2009–2014)
- Club
- Gateshead F.C. (2011–2011)
- Club
- Carlisle United F.C. (2011–2011)
- Club
- Milton Keynes Dons F.C. (2012–2012)
- Club
- Rotherham United F.C. (2013–2014)
- Club
- Wigan Athletic F.C. (2014–2015)
- Club
- Bristol City F.C. (2015–2015)
- Club
- Rangers F.C. (2015–)
- League
- Premier League
- National team
- England
Personal
Tavernier was born in Bradford. His younger brother, Marcus, is also a footballer and plays for English Premier League side Bournemouth.
Legacy
Rotherham United
Football League One play-offs: 2014 Bristol City
Football League One: 2014–15 Football League Trophy: 2014–15 Rangers
Scottish Premiership: 2020–21 Scottish Cup: 2021–22; runner up: 2015–16, 2023–24 Scottish League Cup: 2023–24 runner up: 2019–20, 2022–23, 2024–25 Scottish Championship: 2015–16 Scottish Challenge Cup: 2015–16 UEFA Europa League runner-up: 2021–22 Individual
PFA Scotland Players' Player of the Year: 2020–21 PFA Scotland Team of the Year: 2015–16 Scottish Championship Scottish Championship Player of the Month: August 2015 Scottish Premiership Player of the Month: September 2020, November 2020 Scottish Professional Football League Goal of the Season: 2015–16 PFA Scotland Team of the Year: 2017–18 Premiership, 2018–19 Premiership, 2020–21 Scottish Premiership, 2021–22 Premiership, 2022–23 Premiership UEFA Europa League top scorer: 2021–22 (7 goals) UEFA Europa League Team of the Season: 2021–22 Rangers Hall of Fame: 2023
Clubs
- Rangers F.C.2015current
- Leeds United F.C.current
- Newcastle United F.C.2009–2014
- Carlisle United F.C.2011–2011
- Gateshead F.C.2011–2011
- Sheffield Wednesday F.C.2011–2012
- Milton Keynes Dons F.C.2012–2012
- Rotherham United F.C.2013–2014
- Shrewsbury Town F.C.2013–2013
- Wigan Athletic F.C.2014–2015
- Bristol City F.C.2015–2015
Played together with
Aapo HalmeLeeds United F.C.
Aaron BrownBristol City F.C. · 1998–2004
Aaron DoranMilton Keynes Dons F.C. · 2009–2009
Aaron HughesNewcastle United F.C. · 1997–2005
Aaron LennonLeeds United F.C. · 2003–2005
Aaron NemaneRangers F.C. · 2017–2018
Aaron RamsdaleNewcastle United F.C. · 2025
Aaron RamseyRangers F.C. · 2022–2022
Aaron SinclairWigan Athletic F.C. · 2014–2015- Aaron WilbrahamBristol City F.C. · 2014
- Aaron WilbrahamMilton Keynes Dons F.C. · 2005–2011
Aaron WildigShrewsbury Town F.C. · 2011–2012
Archive
Passport
Identifiers & aliases
James Henry Tavernier is an English professional footballer who plays as a right-back for Israeli Premier League club Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Opinions of fans — not verified facts.
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