Wes Burns
A blisteringly fast winger whose career resurgence at Ipswich Town made him a key figure in the club's remarkable promotion story.
Born 1994 (age 32)·Welsh footballer·Birthday: November 23·Millennials
Biography
Wes Burns's path in football is one of patience and finding the right fit. After coming through the youth system at Bristol City, he spent years on loan at various clubs, searching for a permanent home where his explosive pace and direct wing play could flourish. Stints at Fleetwood Town and Aberdeen helped shape him, but it was his 2021 move to Ipswich Town that unlocked his best form. Under manager Kieran McKenna, Burns became a terror for Championship full-backs, his speed and improved finishing making him a central part of one of the division's most exciting attacks. His contributions were vital in Ipswich's back-to-back promotions from League One to the Premier League, a fairy-tale rise that he helped write. For Wales, his late-blooming club form finally earned him a senior international debut, capping a journey defined by resilience.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Wes was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Wes Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Wes's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
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
2015Turned 21
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
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won back-to-back promotions with Ipswich Town, from League One to the Premier League, in 2023 and 2024.
- Named in the EFL League One Team of the Season for the 2022-2023 campaign.
- Scored a memorable solo goal against Barnsley in 2023 that was voted Ipswich Town's Goal of the Season.
- Made his senior debut for the Wales national team in 2023 after his impressive club form.
Did You Know?
Burns was born in Cardiff, Wales, but represented England at schoolboy level before choosing to play for Wales as a senior.
He is a qualified electrician, having pursued the trade during his early football career.
His younger brother, Rhys Burns, is also a professional footballer.
He scored on his debut for Ipswich Town in an EFL Cup match in August 2021.
“I had to be patient, but I found my place and my game here.”
