Dan Burn, the towering English professional footballer currently playing as a defender for Newcastle United in the Premier League, has carved out a remarkable career through determination, resilience, and an unwavering passion for the game. Standing at an impressive 6 feet 7 inches, Burn’s physical presence is matched only by his inspiring story, which includes overcoming setbacks, a unique physical characteristic, and a deep connection to his boyhood club.
Here are seven interesting facts about Dan Burn that highlight his journey and achievements.
1. A boyhood Newcastle United Fan who lived his dream
Burn was born on May 9, 1992, in Blyth, Northumberland, a town just north of Newcastle upon Tyne. Growing up, he was a passionate Newcastle United supporter, idolizing club legend Alan Shearer. However, his journey to playing for the Magpies was far from straightforward. At the age of 11, Burn was released from Newcastle United’s youth academy, a crushing blow for any young footballer dreaming of representing their hometown club. Undeterred, he continued to pursue his passion, playing for local youth teams like New Hartley, Blyth Town, and Blyth Spartans. His perseverance paid off when, in January 2022, he signed with Newcastle United from Brighton & Hove Albion for £13 million, fulfilling a lifelong dream. Burn’s return to St. James’ Park as a first-team player is a testament to his resilience and serves as an inspiration to young players everywhere.
2. The gruesome accident that cost him a finger
One of the most striking and lesser-known facts about Burn is that he is missing the ring finger on his right hand. This physical characteristic stems from a traumatic childhood incident. Reports suggest that at the age of 13, Burn was climbing a fence while wearing a ring. The ring became caught on a spike, and in a horrifying turn of events, his finger was ripped off.
3. From supermarket worker to Premier League star
Before his rise to prominence in professional football, Burn’s life was far from glamorous. After being released by Newcastle United’s academy, he stayed in school to study sports science and took a part-time job at a local Asda supermarket at the age of 16, where he worked pushing trolleys and assisting customers. During this time, he continued to play youth football for Blyth Spartans, where his talent caught the eye of a Darlington scout. In July 2009, Burn signed his first professional contract with Darlington, marking the beginning of his ascent through the football leagues.
4. A towering presence with a unique career path
Standing at 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 meters), Burn is one of the tallest players in the Premier League, a physical attribute that has made him a formidable presence in defense, particularly in aerial duels. His career path, however, has been anything but conventional. After starting at Darlington in 2009, where he made 19 appearances, Burn moved to Fulham in 2011 for a fee believed to be around £350,000. His time at Fulham included loan spells at Yeovil Town (2012–13) and Birmingham City (2013–14), where he gained valuable experience. In 2016, he joined Wigan Athletic, winning the club’s Player of the Year award in his first season. Burn then signed with Brighton & Hove Albion in 2018, establishing himself as a reliable Premier League defender before returning to Newcastle in 2022.
5. A Champions League goal scorer at age 31
Burn’s career reached a new pinnacle during the 2023–24 season when Newcastle United qualified for the UEFA Champions League, marking their return to Europe’s elite competition after two decades. On October 4, 2023, Burn scored his first Champions League goal in a memorable 4–1 victory over Paris Saint-Germain at St. James’ Park. At 31 years old, this milestone was a crowning achievement for a player who had worked his way up from the lower leagues. The goal, a powerful header from a Bruno Guimarães cross, not only contributed to one of Newcastle’s most famous victories but also underscored Burn’s importance to the team.
6. A late call-up to the England National team
In a remarkable turn of events, Burn received his first call-up to the England national team in 2024 at the age of 32, under the management of new head coach Thomas Tuchel. This call-up came after years of consistent performances in the Premier League, first with Brighton and later with Newcastle. Despite his height and defensive prowess, Burn had never been considered a prime candidate for international honors earlier in his career, making this achievement all the more extraordinary. His debut opportunity came during matches against Albania and Latvia, a testament to his late-career resurgence and the recognition of his contributions on the pitch.