Sam Cosgrove

Early life and career

Cosgrove was born in 1996 in Beverley, in the East Riding of Yorkshire. His family moved to Cheshire while he was still a baby, and he attended Knutsford High School. He grew up as a Manchester City fan. Cosgrove began his youth football career as an under-10 with Everton, but was released at 16. He signed scholarship forms with Wigan Athletic in 2013, and took his A levels during that time rather than the standard sports-related BTEC course. Cosgrove's first matchday involvement with the senior team came while he was still a second-year scholar, as part of his development process, when manager Malky Mackay named him as a substitute for the FA Cup third round visit to Bolton Wanderers on 3 January 2015. He remained part of the squad for four league matches during January, each time as an unused substitute. Having scored 44 goals from 40 matches over two years with Wigan's Under-18 team, he was one of six scholars to be offered their first professional contracts. In the 2015–16 season, Cosgrove gained experience from three spells on loan in non-league football. He made his senior debut for National League club Barrow on 18 August 2015, as a late substitute in a 1–1 draw with Guiseley. Starting in place of the injured Andy Cook, he "produced a solid display" in the next game, a defeat to Cheltenham Town, but after Cook's return he played only a few minutes' football and was recalled by Wigan. He joined Chorley on 25 November until the following 2…

As of match played 26 August 2026

Auckland FC

A-League Men Championship: 2026 Plymouth Argyle

EFL League One: 2022–23 EFL Trophy runner-up: 2022–23 Individual

A-League Men Golden Boot: 2025–26