Ricardo Fuller

Crystal Palace

Fuller was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and began his career with Tivoli Gardens. He had a trial with Charlton Athletic, playing in three reserve team matches. He moved to English club Crystal Palace in February 2001 for a possible fee of £1 million (the exact figure being dependent on appearances), after impressing on trial the previous month. At the time of his transfer he was suspended by the Jamaican football authority for kicking a Wadadah player in the head. He suffered from knee problems, and played just eight games for the "Eagles". He returned to Tivoli at the end of the campaign after failing to settle in London. Fuller spent the next season 2001–02 on loan at Scottish Premier League club Hearts. He had an instant impact, scoring 8 goals in 27 appearances, and finishing as the club's joint top-scorer with Kevin McKenna. However, the Edinburgh-based club could not afford to sign Fuller on a permanent basis.

Preston North End

Preston North End stepped in to sign the striker, paying £500,000. Fuller scored on his Preston debut, a 2–1 defeat at home to old club Crystal Palace, and soon became a vital team player. He had an explosive scoring rate, but unfortunately he suffered knee ligament damage in early December, which ended his season prematurely. He had scored 11 goals in only 20 appearances for the club. A fit again Fuller began the 2003–04 season on fire, including a run of six goals in five games, but his form tailed off as his…

Fuller was a member of the Jamaica Under 20 national team in 1998. He eventually was called up to the senior national team in 1999. Fuller has been involved in Jamaica's 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cup campaigns and also featured in the 2005 and 2009 CONCACAF Gold Cup competitions.

In October 2022, Fuller returned to Stoke, working as a coach in their youth academy after gaining his coaching licence via the Premier League's professional player to coach scheme.

Fuller was raised by his grandmother in the Tivoli Gardens section of Kingston, Jamaica. With his football earnings, Fuller was able to rebuild his grandmother's house after it was destroyed in early 2010 due to the riots in Jamaica. Fuller was arrested in February 2009 on suspicion of committing driving offences. He later pleaded guilty to driving without a UK licence and was fined and handed three penalty points. Fuller was arrested in February 2010 on suspicion of assault. He did not face any charges over the incident. In November 2022, Stoke City renamed their renovated sports bar at the bet365 Stadium Ricardo's in honour of Fuller.