Shaquille McDonald

Early career

Born in Birmingham, West Midlands, McDonald was with Birmingham City's youth system from 2011 to 2012. He joined Chasetown's scholarship scheme in July 2012, before joining Championship club Peterborough United five months later after impressing on trial.

Peterborough United

McDonald signed a four-year professional contract with Peterborough United on 5 April 2013. On 13 September 2013, McDonald joined Conference Premier club Chester on loan until January 2014. On his debut a day later, he was sent off for violent conduct in a 3–1 away defeat to Salisbury City. It would be the only appearance he made for the club. He returned to Peterborough before being loaned out to Conference North club Histon on 18 October 2013. He was released by Peterborough on 15 November 2013 by mutual consent.

York City

Having been on trial with League Two club York City in December 2013, McDonald joined on 1 January 2014. He was released at the end of the 2013–14 season without playing.

Derby County

McDonald signed for Championship club Derby County on 1 August 2014 on a two-year contract after a successful trial. On 26 March 2015, he joined Cheltenham Town on loan, making his debut two days later in a 3–0 home defeat to Plymouth Argyle. On 27 November 2015, McDonald joined National League club FC Halifax Town on a youth loan until 2 January 2016. He made his debut on 15 December 2015 in a 5–0 home win over Tamworth in the FA Trophy, scoring from…

Club

As of match played 2 December 2025

Domestic abuse and conviction for assault

In March 2023, McDonald beat and strangled his girlfriend at her home. She escaped by jumping 14 feet from a third-storey window, suffering further injuries. In October that year, he admitted to assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Birmingham Crown Court and was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison.