Dwight McNeil
A direct and creative winger whose explosive left foot and relentless work rate have made him a fan favorite at Everton.
Born 1999 (age 27)·English footballer·Birthday: November 22·Generation Z
Biography
Born in Rochdale, Dwight McNeil's football journey began not in a major academy, but with Burnley's youth system. He broke into the first team as a teenager, his technical skill and direct style on the left wing offering a stark contrast to his club's often physical reputation. His consistent performances, marked by precise crosses and a knack for spectacular goals, quickly made him indispensable. In 2022, he made a significant move to Everton, where his creativity and tireless defensive work have become crucial assets in the team's fight for Premier League stability, embodying a modern winger who contributes at both ends of the pitch.
Generation Z
1997–2012
Born into smartphones, social media, and school shootings. The most diverse generation in history. Pragmatic about money, fluid about identity, anxious about the climate. They do not remember a world before the internet.
Dwight was born in 1999, placing them squarely in the Generation Z. The events that shaped this generation — social media, climate anxiety, and a pandemic — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Dwight Was Born
The biggest hits of 1999
#1 Movie
Star Wars: Episode I
Best Picture
American Beauty
#1 TV Show
ER
Dwight's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1999Born
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2004Started school
Indian Ocean tsunami kills over 230,000
Gas: $1.88/galHome: $157,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Yeah!" — UsherBest Picture: Million Dollar Baby
2012Became a teenager
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Could drive
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2017Could vote
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2020Turned 21
COVID-19 pandemic shuts down the world
Gas: $2.17/galHome: $248,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Blinding Lights" — The WeekndBest Picture: Nomadland
2026Age 27 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Made his Premier League debut for Burnley at age 18, scoring his first goal in the same season.
- Recorded 11 goal contributions (7 goals, 4 assists) in the 2021-22 Premier League season for Burnley.
- Transferred to Everton in July 2022 for a reported fee of £20 million, becoming a key part of their squad.
- Won Burnley's Young Player of the Year award for the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons consecutively.
Did You Know?
His father, Matty McNeil, was also a professional footballer who played as a striker.
He is a lifelong supporter of Manchester United.
He was originally released by Manchester United's academy at age 14 before joining Burnley.
Known for his quiet and focused demeanor off the pitch, in contrast to his intense playing style.
“I just want to get the ball, run at players, and create something for the team.”
