Joe Mason

Plymouth Argyle

Mason began his career as a youth player with home-town club Plymouth Argyle at the age of 10. He was a regular scorer for the youth team and made the step up to reserve team football with similar ease, playing his part as the club won the Football Combination in 2009, with Mason as the club's top goalscorer. He signed his first professional contract with the club in May 2009, and immediately set about breaking into the club's first team, describing becoming a professional as a very proud moment. He began the 2009–10 season training with the first-team squad and again featured regularly for the club's reserves. He made his competitive debut, and his first start, for the club against Sheffield United at Home Park on 5 December 2009, playing for 65 minutes before being replaced by Craig Noone to a standing ovation. He signed an extension to his contract with the club in January 2010 until the summer of 2012, with Paul Mariner commenting that the youngster has a very bright future. He scored his first senior goal in the return fixture against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane on 27 February 2010.

Cardiff City

On 8 July 2011, Championship side Cardiff City agreed a £250,000 transfer fee for Mason. Two days later the deal was completed and he signed a three-year deal with the Welsh club. Mason made his debut for Cardiff in a 1–0 win at West Ham United on 7 August 2011, replacing Craig Conway as a second-half substitute. He made his first start on…

Mason was born in Plymouth, but was eligible to represent the Republic of Ireland because his mother was born in County Mayo. He represented the Republic at under-16 and under-18 level before being called up to the under-19 squad for the Four-Nation tournament and their qualifying games in the UEFA Under-19 European Championships. He played in their 2–0 win against Turkey, and their 1–0 defeat to Portugal as the Irish finished second, behind Netherlands. He scored twice for the Republic in their 5–0 win against San Marino, and played a crucial role in their 2–0 win against Albania. The Irish finished second in Group 1, behind Italy, and both qualified for the elite round which took place in May 2010. Mason received his first call-up to the under-21 side in July 2010, and made his debut two months later in a 1–0 defeat to Switzerland.

As of October 28, 2023

Mason grew up supporting Plymouth Argyle and attended St Boniface's Catholic College. His older brother, Anthony, was an apprentice at the club and signed a professional contract in 2007, but was released without making a first team appearance.