{{Short description|Wales international footballer (born 1989)}} {{About|the Welsh footballer|the American auto racer|Hal Robson}} {{Use British English|date=July 2016}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Hal Robson-Kanu | image = AUT vs. WAL 2016-10-06 (192).jpg | image_size = | caption = Robson-Kanu playing for [[Wales national football team|Wales]] in 2016 | fullname = Thomas Henry Alex Robson-Kanu<ref>{{Hugman|25137|access-date=18 February 2018}}</ref> | birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1989|5|21|df=y}}<ref name=Hugman2010-11p358>{{Cite book|editor-first= Barry J.|editor-last = Hugman|title= The PFA Footballers' Who's Who 2010–11|year= 2010|publisher= Mainstream Publishing|isbn= 978-1-84596-601-0|page=358}}</ref> | birth_place = [[Acton, London|Acton]], [[London]], England | height = 1.83 m<ref name="Premier League">{{cite web |title=Hal Robson-Kanu Profile |url=https://www.premierleague.com/players/3484/Hal-Robson-Kanu/overview |website=Premier League |access-date=23 October 2020 |language=en |archive-date=10 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010151608/https://www.premierleague.com/players/3484/Hal-Robson-Kanu/overview |url-status=live }}</ref> | position = [[Winger (association football)|Winger]], [[forward (association football)|forward]]<ref name="readingfc.co.uk">{{cite web|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/team/player-profile/hal-robson-kanu/9|title=Reading FC Player Profiles|first=Player|last=Profiles|access-date=15 January 2016|archive-date=25 April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160425064452/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/team/player-profile/hal-robson-kanu/9|url-status=live}}</ref> | clubnumber = | youthyears1 = 1999–2004 | youthclubs1 = [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] | youthyears2 = 2004–2007 | youthclubs2 = [[Reading F.C.|Reading]] | years1 = 2007–2016 | clubs1 = [[Reading F.C.|Reading]] | caps1 = 198 | goals1 = 24 | years2 = 2008 | clubs2 = → [[Southend United F.C.|Southend United]] (loan) | caps2 = 22 | goals2 = 5 | years3 = 2009 | clubs3 = → [[Swindon Town F.C.|Swindon Town]] (loan) | caps3 = 20 | goals3 = 4 | years4 = 2016–2021 | clubs4 = [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]] | caps4 = 143 | goals4 = 21 | totalcaps = 383 | totalgoals = 54 | nationalyears1 = 2007–2008 | nationalteam1 = [[England national under-19 football team|England U19]] | nationalcaps1 = 2 | nationalgoals1 = 0 | nationalyears2 = 2009 | nationalteam2 = [[England national under-20 football team|England U20]] | nationalcaps2 = 1 | nationalgoals2 = 0 | nationalyears3 = 2010 | nationalteam3 = [[Wales national under-21 football team|Wales U21]] | nationalcaps3 = 4 | nationalgoals3 = 2 | nationalyears4 = 2010–2021 | nationalteam4 = [[Wales national football team|Wales]] | nationalcaps4 = 46 | nationalgoals4 = 5 | club-update = | nationalteam-update = | medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's [[association football|football]]}} {{MedalCountry|{{fb|WAL}}}} {{MedalCompetition|[[UEFA European Championship]]}} {{Medal|Bronze|[[UEFA Euro 2016|2016 France]]|}} }} '''Thomas Henry Alex''' "'''Hal'''" '''Robson-Kanu''' (born 21 May 1989) is a former professional [[Association football|footballer]] who played as a [[forward (association football)|forward]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-04-19 |title=Former Wales striker Hal Robson-Kanu offers to come out of retirement to play for Wrexham |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/37638112/former-wales-striker-hal-robson-kanu-offers-come-retirement-play-wrexham |access-date=2023-06-14 |website=ESPN}}</ref> Born in England, he played for the [[Wales national football team|Wales national team]]. Although he initially played primarily on the [[winger (association football)|wing]], he was used as a forward during Wales' run to the semi-finals of [[UEFA Euro 2016]].
Robson-Kanu started his career as a schoolboy at [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] but was released at 15 and joined [[Reading F.C.|Reading]]. After graduating from the academy in 2007 he spent time on loan at [[Southend United F.C.|Southend United]] and [[Swindon Town F.C.|Swindon Town]] before returning to Reading and making his first team debut in 2009. Limited to mainly substitute appearances during his first season, he became an important member of the squad appearing regularly during the 2011–12 Championship winning campaign. He made his [[Premier League]] debut in 2012 and went on to score 30 goals in 228 games for the club before his release in 2016. He then signed for [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]]. After five years, Robson-Kanu was released by the club in May 2021.
At international level Robson-Kanu initially represented the country of his birth, England, at [[England national under-19 football team|under-19]] and [[England national under-20 football team|under-20]] level. In 2010, he switched allegiance to Wales, the country of his grandmother, playing for the [[Wales national under-21 football team|under-21]] side before his debut for the [[Wales national football team|senior team]] against [[Croatia national football team|Croatia]] on 23 May that year. Robson-Kanu was selected to represent Wales at [[UEFA Euro 2016]], where they made the semi-finals, with Robson-Kanu notably scoring against [[Belgium national football team|Belgium]] in the quarter-finals.
== Club career == === Reading === ==== Early career ==== Born in [[Acton, London|Acton]], [[London]],<ref name="Hugman2010-11p358" /> Robson-Kanu began his career at [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] as a schoolboy aged 10. He went on to play at Acton Ealing Whistlers for a number of seasons. He was released by the club at 15 and joined [[Reading F.C.|Reading]] after speaking to then Academy manager [[Brendan Rodgers]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Doyle |first1=Paul |title=Hal Robson-Kanu: from being released by Arsenal to playing at Euro 2016 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jun/04/hal-robson-kanu-wales-euro-2016 |access-date=15 September 2020 |work=The Guardian |date=4 June 2016 |archive-date=6 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210606075220/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jun/04/hal-robson-kanu-wales-euro-2016 |url-status=live }}</ref> After graduating from the [[Reading F.C. Under-21s and Academy|Academy]] he signed his first professional contract in July 2007, penning a two-year deal with the club.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1068670,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070711122129/http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1068670,00.html |archive-date=11 July 2007 |title=Royals make six Academy signings |publisher=Reading F.C |access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref> The 2007 [[Peace Cup]] in South Korea saw Robson-Kanu involved with the Reading senior team for the first time with appearances against [[Club Atlético River Plate|River Plate]]<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2012696_royals_lose_in_suwon |title=Royals lose in Suwon |newspaper=Get Reading |date=13 July 2007 |access-date=27 March 2013 |archive-date=29 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080829173406/http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2012696_royals_lose_in_suwon |url-status=live }}</ref> and [[Shimizu S-Pulse]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2012880_royals_1__0_shimizu_spulse_in_goyang_south_korea |title=Royals 1–0 Shimizu S-Pulse (in Goyang, South Korea) |newspaper=Get Reading |date=20 July 2007 |access-date=27 March 2013 |archive-date=4 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204223109/http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2012880_royals_1__0_shimizu_spulse_in_goyang_south_korea |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Steve Coppell]]'s policy of resting first-team players for cup matches saw Robson-Kanu selected on the bench for the first time on 5 January 2008 for the [[FA Cup]] third round tie against [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]], though he remained an unused substitute.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7163980.stm |title=Tottenham 2–2 Reading |date=5 January 2008 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=27 March 2013 |archive-date=7 January 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080107135430/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7163980.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>
Not in contention for a regular place in the Reading first team, Robson-Kanu's first experience of senior football came on 30 January 2008 when he joined [[Southend United F.C.|Southend United]] on loan until the end of the season.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.readingfc.premiumtv.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1228964,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120217073810/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1228964,00.html |archive-date=17 February 2012 |title=Robson-Kanu seals loan move |publisher=Reading F.C |access-date=23 March 2013}}</ref> He made his debut three days later as a second-half substitute in a 2–2 draw away at [[Leyton Orient F.C.|Leyton Orient]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7210742.stm |title=Leyton Orient 2–2 Southend |date=2 February 2008 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=27 March 2013 |archive-date=6 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080206173153/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7210742.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> and scored his first career goal against [[Nottingham Forest F.C.|Nottingham Forest]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/eng_div_2/7284947.stm |title=Southend 1–1 Nottingham Forest |date=11 March 2008 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=27 March 2013 |archive-date=15 March 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080315004418/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/eng_div_2/7284947.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He struck twice more in the next two games against [[Huddersfield Town A.F.C.|Huddersfield Town]] and [[Swansea City A.F.C.|Swansea City]] and returned to Reading with three goals in eight appearances.<ref>{{Soccerbase season|48419|2007|access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref> Robson-Kanu was again involved in the first team during the 2008–09 pre-season, scoring a goal in a 9–0 win over [[Didcot Town F.C.|Didcot Town]] in July.<ref>{{cite news |last=Gillett |first=Stephen |url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2031981_didcot_town_0_royals_9 |title=Didcot Town 0–9 Reading |newspaper=Get Reading |date=14 July 2008 |access-date=27 March 2013 |archive-date=4 December 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204233146/http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2031981_didcot_town_0_royals_9 |url-status=live }}</ref> He re-joined Southend on a month's loan on 21 August 2008<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/southend_utd/7574717.stm |title=Robson-Kanu returns to Southend |date=21 August 2008 |access-date=21 May 2010 |publisher=BBC Sport |archive-date=2 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602134814/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/southend_utd/7574717.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> and after one goal in six appearances extended his spell for a second month.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/southend_utd/7630067.stm |title=Southend extend Robson-Kanu loan |date=22 September 2008 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=27 March 2013 |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424053335/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/southend_utd/7630067.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He returned to Reading on 15 November<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/southend_utd/7729633.stm |title=Southend eager to retain Sawyer |date=14 November 2008 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=27 March 2013 |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424053305/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/southend_utd/7729633.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> after his three-month spell came to an end having made 15 appearances, scoring twice, during his second spell at the club.<ref name="Games played by Hal Robson-Kanu in 2008–09">{{Soccerbase season|48419|2008|access-date=27 March 2013}}</ref>
After returning to Reading he was among the substitutes for the FA Cup third round tie against [[Cardiff City F.C.|Cardiff City]] on 3 January 2009. He would again have to wait to make his debut though, remaining on the bench as Cardiff won the match.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7803237.stm |title=Cardiff 2–0 Reading |date=3 January 2009 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=27 March 2013 |archive-date=24 January 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090124053855/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/fa_cup/7803237.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> On 26 January 2009 he joined [[Swindon Town F.C.|Swindon Town]] on a one-month loan<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/swindon_town/7853218.stm |title=Robson-Kanu happy to join Swindon |date=27 January 2009 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=23 March 2013 |archive-date=15 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515002315/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swindon_town/7853218.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> which, after six games, was extended for a further month.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/teams/s/swindon_town/7913358.stm |title=Robson-Kanu agrees Swindon deal |date=26 February 2009 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=23 March 2013 |archive-date=1 March 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301224925/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/s/swindon_town/7913358.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Midway through his spell at Swindon, having impressed on loan at the club as well with Southend previously, he signed a new contract with Reading until 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11673/5062981/ |title=New deal for Royals winger |work=Sky Sports |access-date=28 March 2013 |archive-date=14 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140514234548/http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11673/5062981/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He cemented a regular place in the Swindon team and started in all 20 of his appearances for the club before returning to Reading after three months.<ref name="Games played by Hal Robson-Kanu in 2008–09"/> At the conclusion of his spell Swindon boss [[Danny Wilson (footballer, born 1960)|Danny Wilson]] hailed Robson-Kanu and fellow loanee [[Gordon Greer]] for their "fantastic impression" which helped the club pull away from relegation.<ref>{{cite news |last=Marshall |first=Anthony |url=http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/4319296.Boss_hails_loan_duo_as_spells_come_to_an_end/ |title=Boss hails loan duo as spells come to an end |newspaper=Advertiser |location=Swindon |date=25 April 2009 |access-date=28 March 2013 |archive-date=15 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140515173321/http://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/sport/4319296.Boss_hails_loan_duo_as_spells_come_to_an_end/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
==== First-team breakthrough ==== [[File:Hal Robson-Kanu 1.png|thumb|right|Robson-Kanu playing for [[Reading F.C.|Reading]] in 2013]] The [[2009–10 Reading F.C. season|2009–10]] season saw Robson-Kanu's former Academy boss Brendan Rodgers take over as Reading manager. He scored five goals during pre-season,<ref>{{cite news |last=Fordham |first=Jonny |url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2054878_robsonkanu_stakes_his_claim_for_reading_fc_starting_spot |title=Robson-Kanu stakes his claim for Reading FC starting spot |newspaper=Reading Post |date=29 July 2009 |access-date=28 March 2013 |archive-date=1 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090801133257/http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2054878_robsonkanu_stakes_his_claim_for_reading_fc_starting_spot |url-status=live }}</ref> including a hat-trick against [[Jonsereds IF]] in just 28 minutes during the first game of the tour of Sweden.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1732481,00.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120314020759/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/page/NewsDetail/0,,10306~1732481,00.html |archive-date=14 March 2012 |title=Sweden update from the boss |publisher=Reading F.C |access-date=23 March 2013}}</ref> Robson-Kanu finally made his competitive debut for Reading starting on the right wing in a 0–0 draw with Nottingham Forest on the opening day of the season.<ref>{{cite news |last=Fordham |first=Jonny |url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2055428_reading_fc_0_nottingham_forest_0 |title=Reading 0–0 Nottingham Forest |newspaper=Reading Post |date=8 August 2009 |access-date=28 March 2013 |archive-date=13 August 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090813151530/http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2055428_reading_fc_0_nottingham_forest_0 |url-status=live }}</ref> He was used mainly as a substitute during his first season, starting just four times in 18 appearances.<ref>{{Soccerbase season|48419|2009|access-date=3 April 2013}}</ref>
The following season saw Robson-Kanu establish himself in the first team setup. He scored his first Reading goal in the [[Football League Cup|League Cup]] against [[Northampton Town F.C.|Northampton Town]] on 24 August 2010,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2077160_defeat_takes_gloss_from_robsonkanu_debut_goal |last=Fordham |first=Jonny |title=Defeat takes gloss from Robson-Kanu debut goal |newspaper=Reading Post |date=26 August 2010 |access-date=3 April 2013 |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424053339/https://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/defeat-takes-gloss-robson-kanu-debut-4223872 |url-status=live }}</ref> and followed it with his first league goal in a 3–0 win against [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]] a month later, having earlier set-up [[Jimmy Kébé]] for the second.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/match-report/index.aspx?matchid=3286241 |title=Report: Kebe inspires ten-man Royals |publisher=Reading F.C |access-date=3 April 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111014251/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/fixtures-results/match-report/index.aspx?matchid=3286241 |archive-date=11 November 2013}}</ref> He continued to feature regularly and finished the season in good goalscoring form, netting four times from March onwards including the winner in a 2–1 wins over [[Preston North End F.C.|Preston North End]] and [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]] as Reading finished in the play-off positions.<ref name="Games played by Hal Robson-Kanu in 2010–11">{{Soccerbase season|48419|2010|access-date=3 April 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13247092 |title=Reading 2–1 Derby |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=3 April 2013 |archive-date=3 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003083010/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/13247092 |url-status=live }}</ref> He came on as a late substitute in the 4–2 play-off final defeat to Swansea<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/13497817 |title=Reading 2–4 Swansea |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=3 April 2013 |archive-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017054529/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/13497817 |url-status=live }}</ref> but had no time to influence the game and finished the season with six goals in 34 appearances.<ref name="Games played by Hal Robson-Kanu in 2010–11"/> His contract expired at the end of the season and despite interest from other Championship clubs including [[Millwall F.C.|Millwall]] and [[Portsmouth F.C.|Portsmouth]], he signed a new three-year contract with Reading in July keeping him with the club until 2014.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2095652_robsonkanu_turns_down_rivals_to_stay_at_reading_fc |last=Fordham |first=Jonny |date=6 July 2011 |title=Robson-Kanu turns down rivals to stay at Reading F.C. |newspaper=Reading Post |access-date=5 April 2013 |archive-date=11 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711073919/http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2095652_robsonkanu_turns_down_rivals_to_stay_at_reading_fc |url-status=live }}</ref>
After the sale of [[Shane Long]] in August 2011, Robson-Kanu was played as a forward by [[Brian McDermott (footballer)|Brian McDermott]] during some of the pre-season, a position he was familiar with from his Academy years. He struck twice playing up front in the warm-up fixtures<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2097555_reading_fc_wont_be_up_the_creek_without_a_kanu_if_long_goes |last=Fordham |first=Jonny |date=4 August 2011 |title=Reading FC won't be up the creek without a Kanu if Long goes |access-date=31 May 2013 |archive-date=9 August 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110809210548/http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2097555_reading_fc_wont_be_up_the_creek_without_a_kanu_if_long_goes |url-status=live }}</ref> and began the season in good goalscoring form with two in the first four games against [[Leicester City F.C.|Leicester City]] and [[Barnsley F.C.|Barnsley]].<ref name="Games played by Hal Robson-Kanu in 2011–12">{{Soccerbase season|48419|2011|access-date=5 April 2013}}</ref> With injuries to both Kebe and [[Jobi McAnuff]] during various points of the season, he soon reverted to a role on the wings<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2106828_hal_robsonkanu_happy_to_play_anywhere_for_reading_fc |last=Fordham |first=Jonny |title=Hal Robson-Kanu happy to play anywhere for Reading FC |newspaper=Reading Post |date=20 January 2013 |access-date=15 April 2013 |archive-date=24 January 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120124044125/http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2106828_hal_robsonkanu_happy_to_play_anywhere_for_reading_fc |url-status=live }}</ref> though his season followed a familiar pattern to previous years as he was in and out the side, playing a supporting role to the two senior wingers. His longest run of starts came in October when he was named on the teamsheet for six consecutive games.<ref name="Games played by Hal Robson-Kanu in 2011–12"/> He scored twice more during the campaign, including a spectacular volley against Millwall<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/football/17248241 |title=Reading boss Brian McDermott praises Robson-Kanu strike |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=15 April 2013 |archive-date=2 December 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202160304/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/17248241 |url-status=live }}</ref> and finished the season having made 37 appearances, the most in his career to date.
In Kébé, McAnuff and new signing [[Garath McCleary]], Robson-Kanu faced stiff competition for places on the wing for Reading's return to the [[Premier League]]. With Kébé injured, he was named on the teamsheet on the opening day of the season as Reading came from behind to draw against [[Stoke City F.C.|Stoke City]]. Limited to a substitutes role over the next three months, he still managed to score twice, in a defeat to [[Tottenham Hotspur F.C.|Tottenham Hotspur]]<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/19491534 |title=Reading 1–3 Tottenham Hotspur |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=29 May 2013 |archive-date=25 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121125122058/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/19491534 |url-status=live }}</ref> and a 3–3 draw with [[Fulham F.C.|Fulham]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20014386 |title=Reading 3–3 Fulham |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=29 May 2013 |archive-date=17 October 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131017062515/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20014386 |url-status=live }}</ref> His only two starts came in the League cup, including the 7–5 defeat to [[Arsenal F.C.|Arsenal]] in October. He had to wait until 17 November for his next league start in Reading's 2–1 win over [[Everton F.C.|Everton]], their first league victory of the season,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/20278425 |title=Reading 2–1 Everton |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=29 May 2013 |archive-date=24 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121124181959/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/20278425 |url-status=live }}</ref> and was a regular over the next month, scoring his third goal of the season in the defeat to [[Manchester United F.C.|Manchester United]]. Despite his goals, Robson-Kanu again had to settle for a place on the bench with two FA Cup matches his only starts for the club between December and March. He scored a late consolation goal coming on as a substitute against Everton on 2 March and returned to the lineup for the following game against [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]].<ref name="Games played by Hal Robson-Kanu in 2012–13">{{cite web |url=http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=48419 |title=Games played by Hal Robson-Kanu in 2012–13 |publisher=Soccerbase |access-date=29 May 2013 |archive-date=8 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160408095436/http://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=48419 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The game against Villa proved to be Brian McDermott's last in charge and Robson-Kanu, having played only a bit-part role under the former manager, began to feature more prominently with the appointment of [[Nigel Adkins]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/readingfc/articles/2013/05/06/89118-hal-hails-reading-fc-boss-adkins-for-giving-him-a-chance/ |last=Walker-Roberts |first=James |title=Hal hails Reading FC boss Adkins for giving him a chance |newspaper=Reading Chronicle |date=6 May 2013 |access-date=29 May 2013 |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424053339/https://www.readingchronicle.co.uk/sport/13400227.hal-hails-reading-fc-boss-adkins-for-giving-him-a-chance/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He missed just two games under Adkins through a freak knee injury,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2133144_leeds_united_look_towards_le_fondre |last=Low |first=Jonathan |title=Leeds United look towards Le Fondre |newspaper=Reading Post |date=26 April 2013 |access-date=29 May 2013 |archive-date=31 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130531221204/http://www.getreading.co.uk/sport/football/readingfc/s/2133144_leeds_united_look_towards_le_fondre |url-status=live }}</ref> and with a regular berth on the wing finished the season strongly, scoring against Arsenal, and twice in Reading's 4–2 win over Fulham.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/22320520 |title=Fulham 2–4 Reading |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=29 May 2013 |archive-date=9 May 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509115903/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/22320520 |url-status=live }}</ref> Having enjoyed his most prolific season yet, scoring seven times,<ref name="Games played by Hal Robson-Kanu in 2012–13"/> Robson-Kanu was nominated for Reading [[Reading F.C. Player of the Season|Player of the Season]]. In a fans vote he finished in third place behind [[Adam Le Fondre]] and [[Alex McCarthy]], despite all three players starting 13 or fewer league games all season.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/le-fondre-takes-season-gong-821730.aspx |title=Le Fondre wins season award |publisher=Reading F.C |access-date=20 May 2013 |archive-date=20 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130620172932/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/le-fondre-takes-season-gong-821730.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> He signed a new contract in July 2013, keeping him with Reading until June 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/halsignscontract110713-909396.aspx |title=Hal signs new contract |publisher=Reading F.C |access-date=12 July 2013 |archive-date=14 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130714003228/http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/halsignscontract110713-909396.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> Reading announced on 9 May 2016, that Robson-Kanu would leave Reading when his contract expired at the end of June 2016.<ref>{{cite web|title=Trio set to depart Royals ranks|url=http://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/players-contracts-expire-at-the-end-end-of-season-2015-16-3104515.aspx|publisher=Reading F.C.|access-date=9 May 2016|date=9 May 2016|archive-date=23 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220523035944/https://www.readingfc.co.uk/news/article/players-contracts-expire-at-the-end-end-of-season-2015-16-3104515.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== West Bromwich Albion ===
On 31 August 2016 after reportedly turning down "significant offers" from Asia, Robson-Kanu signed a two-year contract, with the option of a third year, with [[Premier League]] side [[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37234832 |title=West Brom: Hal Robson-Kanu signs after leaving Wales training |publisher=BBC Sport |date=31 August 2016 |access-date=1 September 2016 |archive-date=1 September 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160901111904/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37234832 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37284608|title=Hal Robson-Kanu: West Brom striker rejected 'significant' offers from abroad|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=6 September 2016|archive-date=9 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160909072817/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37284608|url-status=live}}</ref> He made his first start of the season on 31 December 2016 in a 2–1 win over [[Southampton F.C.|Southampton]], finishing the game with a goal and an assist.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38424666|title=Southampton 1–2 West Bromwich Albion|date=31 December 2016|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=31 December 2016|archive-date=31 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161231140631/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38424666|url-status=live}}</ref>
In July 2017, Robson-Kanu signed a new three-year contract with West Brom.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-striker-hal-robson-13291928|title=West Brom striker Hal Robson-Kanu reveals why he signed a new contract|work=Birmingham Mail|date=6 July 2017|access-date=15 March 2018|archive-date=16 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316084654/https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/west-brom-striker-hal-robson-13291928|url-status=live}}</ref> In "The Baggies" second game of the [[2017–18 Premier League|2017–18 Premier League season]] against [[Burnley F.C.|Burnley]], Robson-Kanu became only the fourth player in Premier League history to get substituted on, score then get sent off.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/aug/19/burnley-west-bromwich-albion-premier-league-match-report|title=Hal Robson-Kanu seals West Brom win over Burnley then sees red for elbow|work=The Guardian|date=19 August 2017|access-date=15 March 2018|archive-date=27 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180127182531/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/aug/19/burnley-west-bromwich-albion-premier-league-match-report|url-status=live}}</ref>
After West Brom's relegation from the [[Premier League]] in 2018, Robson-Kanu scored twice and assisted once as his team beat [[Coventry City F.C.|Coventry City]] 5–2 to win the inaugural [[Regis Shield]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/west-brom-vs-coventry-city-14959313|title=West Brom 5 Coventry City 2 – how it happened|first=Andy|last=Turner|date=28 July 2018|work=Coventry Telegraph|access-date=11 August 2018|archive-date=12 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180812022937/https://www.coventrytelegraph.net/sport/football/football-news/west-brom-vs-coventry-city-14959313|url-status=live}}</ref> He then scored his first league goal of the [[2018–19 EFL Championship|2018–19 Championship]] season in a 4–3 win away at [[Norwich City F.C.|Norwich City]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45066581|title=Norwich City 3–4 West Bromwich Albion: Jay Rodriguez efforts please Baggies boss|date=11 August 2018|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=11 August 2018|archive-date=18 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818034803/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45066581|url-status=live}}</ref> He headed home his fourth league goal of the season away at [[Aston Villa F.C.|Aston Villa]] in a 2–0 away win as West Brom closed in for a promotion place.<ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47180835| title = Aston Villa 0-2 West Brom: Two goals in four minutes seal derby win for visitors - BBC Sport| work = BBC Sport| access-date = 18 February 2019| archive-date = 17 February 2019| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190217030535/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47180835| url-status = live}}</ref> He missed the playoff campaign after receiving a red card against [[Derby County F.C.|Derby County]] on the final day of the season.<ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48081776| title = Derby County 3-1 West Bromwich Albion: Frank Lampard's Rams seal play-off spot - BBC Sport| work = BBC Sport| access-date = 26 October 2019| archive-date = 15 July 2019| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20190715033810/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48081776| url-status = live}}</ref>
On 19 October 2019, the day after signing a contract extension to keep him at the club until 2021, Robson-Kanu came off the bench to score a late winner in a 1–0 away win against [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]].<ref>{{cite news| url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50024115| title = Middlesbrough 0-1 West Bromwich Albion: Baggies stay top of the Championship - BBC Sport| work = BBC Sport| access-date = 26 October 2019| archive-date = 22 October 2019| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20191022231320/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/50024115| url-status = live}}</ref> He scored six goals in nine games between October and December,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Coleman |first1=Tom |title=West Brom 5-1 Swansea City: Hapless Swans see unbeaten away record smashed to smithereens by rampant Baggies |url=https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/west-brom-swansea-report-defeat-17382855 |access-date=24 May 2021 |publisher=Wales Online |date=8 December 2019 |archive-date=24 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524125513/https://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/west-brom-swansea-report-defeat-17382855 |url-status=live }}</ref> and ended the season as the team's joint top scorer alongside [[Charlie Austin]] with ten, as [[Slaven Bilić]]'s team won promotion as runners-up.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Madeley |first1=Steve |title=Who will score the goals West Brom will need to stay in the Premier League? |url=https://theathletic.co.uk/2031988/2020/09/01/who-will-score-goals-for-west-brom/ |access-date=24 May 2021 |work=The Athletic |date=1 September 2020 |archive-date=24 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524125504/https://theathletic.co.uk/2031988/2020/09/01/who-will-score-goals-for-west-brom/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 17 May 2021, Robson-Kanu scored his first Premier League goal of the 2020–21 season in a 1–2 home defeat against Liverpool.<ref>{{cite news |title=West Brom vs Liverpool - goals and highlights as Alisson Becker scores winner in stoppage time |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-west-brom-alisson-goals-20608280 |access-date=24 May 2021 |work=Liverpool Echo |date=16 May 2021 |archive-date=24 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524124302/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/liverpool-west-brom-alisson-goals-20608280 |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 27 May 2021 it was announced that Robson-Kanu would leave West Bromwich Albion after five years following the conclusion of his contract, having appeared for the club 154 times scoring 24 goals.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Albion announce retained and released lists {{!}} West Bromwich Albion|url=https://www.wba.co.uk/news/albion-announce-retained-and-released-lists|access-date=2021-05-29|website=www.wba.co.uk|language=en|archive-date=27 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210527170521/https://www.wba.co.uk/news/albion-announce-retained-and-released-lists|url-status=live}}</ref> A year after being released and having failed to find a new club, Robson-Kanu revealed that he left Albion because he felt the club was lacking the direction needed to push for promotion. "I didn't agree with the direction the club was going in," he told the ''[[Express & Star]]'' {{'}}s ''Baggies Broadcast'' podcast. "If I was staying there had to be a long-term vision, a project. I didn't want to be in a place where we were languishing in mid-table in the Championship."<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2022/05/25/hal-robson-kanu-i-saw-west-brom-slump-coming/ | title=Hal Robson-Kanu: I saw West Brom slump coming | date=25 May 2022 | access-date=26 May 2022 | archive-date=26 May 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220526091750/https://www.expressandstar.com/sport/football/west-bromwich-albion/2022/05/25/hal-robson-kanu-i-saw-west-brom-slump-coming/ | url-status=live }}</ref>
== International career == [[File:AUT_vs._WAL_2016-10-06_(146).jpg|thumb|Robson-Kanu preparing to come on for Wales against [[Austria national football team|Austria]] in October 2016]] Robson-Kanu was born in England to a Nigerian father, and an English mother of Welsh descent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.francefootball.fr/news/Euro-2016-portugal-pays-de-galles-5-choses-a-savoir-sur-hal-robson-kanu/703432|title=Euro 2016, Portugal-Pays de Galles : 5 choses à savoir sur... Hal Robson-Kanu|website=France Football|access-date=2 March 2017|archive-date=2 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302112152/http://www.francefootball.fr/news/Euro-2016-portugal-pays-de-galles-5-choses-a-savoir-sur-hal-robson-kanu/703432|url-status=live}}</ref> Robson-Kanu initially represented England at international level, making his debut for the [[England national under-19 football team|under-19]] side against [[Germany national youth football team#Germany national under-19 squad|Germany]] in November 2007. He made a second appearance against [[Croatia national under-19 football team|Croatia]] the following year before winning one cap for the [[England national under-19 football team|England under-20s]] against Montenegro in 2009.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefa.com/England/All-Teams/Players?p=331932 |title=Hal Robson-Kanu profile |publisher=The FA |access-date=7 April 2013 |archive-date=27 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120827052845/https://www.thefa.com/England/All-Teams/Players?p=331932 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In 2010, he switched to Wales, for which he qualifies through his [[Caerphilly]]-born grandmother.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Wathan |first1=Chris |title=How these nine English-born footballers came to be Wales' Euro 2016 heroes |url=http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/how-nine-english-born-footballers-11468681 |access-date=16 June 2016 |publisher=Wales Online |date=14 June 2016 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805202744/http://www.walesonline.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/how-nine-english-born-footballers-11468681 |archive-date=5 August 2016}}</ref> The switch came about when Welsh coach [[Brian Flynn (footballer)|Brian Flynn]] came to the Reading training ground to see [[Simon Church]], and [[Glen Little]] jested that Robson-Kanu would be eligible for Wales through going on holiday there. Robson-Kanu told Flynn that the family went to [[Tenby]] via picking up his grandmother in Caerphilly, and Flynn asked whether she was born in Wales.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Davie|first1=Chris|title=How a training ground joke led to Robson-Kanu's Wales switch|url=http://www.goal.com/euro2016/en/article/how-a-training-ground-joke-led-to-robson-kanus-wales-switch/1l7rdmdi1ay0l1ntxvk0dp3st1|access-date=6 July 2016|publisher=Goal.com|date=6 July 2016|archive-date=7 July 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160707184725/http://www.goal.com/euro2016/en/article/how-a-training-ground-joke-led-to-robson-kanus-wales-switch/1l7rdmdi1ay0l1ntxvk0dp3st1|url-status=live}}</ref>
He was first selected in the [[Wales national under-21 football team|Wales under-21s]] squad for the [[exhibition game|friendly]] against [[Austria national under-21 football team|Austria]] on 18 May 2010<ref>{{cite news |title=Wales under 21 squad v Austria |publisher=Football Association of Wales |date=30 April 2010 }}</ref> and made his debut in a 1–0 defeat.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_of_wales/8688341.stm |title=Austria U21 1–0 Wales U21 |date=18 May 2010 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=7 April 2013 |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424053305/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_of_wales/8688341.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Robson-Kanu's first cap for the [[Wales national football team|senior team]] came just five days later, coming on as a second-half substitute for [[Robert Earnshaw]] in a 2–0 loss to [[Croatia national football team|Croatia]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_of_wales/8678876.stm |title=Croatia 2–0 Wales |publisher=BBC Sport |date=23 May 2010 |access-date=23 May 2010 |archive-date=26 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926173255/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_of_wales/8678876.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He continued to play for the under-21s after his senior debut and made a further three appearances, scoring twice,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.faw.org.uk/PlayerDisplay.ink?skip=28&squadno=43420&season=12/13&seasonl=2012/2013&Playertype=p |title=Hal Robson-Kanu profile |publisher=Football Association of Wales |access-date=7 April 2013 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824030947/http://faw.org.uk/PlayerDisplay.ink?skip=28&squadno=43420&season=12%2F13&seasonl=2012%2F2013&Playertype=p |archive-date=24 August 2013}}</ref> with his last appearance coming in a defeat to [[Italy national under-21 football team|Italy]] which ended Wales hopes of qualifying for the [[UEFA European Under-21 Football Championship|European Under-21 Football Championships]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/league_of_wales/8970470.stm |title=Italy U21 1–0 Wales U21 |date=7 September 2010 |publisher=BBC Sport |access-date=7 April 2013 |archive-date=25 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925073632/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/league_of_wales/8970470.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> He scored his first senior international goal on 22 March 2013 in a 2–1 World Cup qualifying win over [[Scotland national football team|Scotland]] at [[Hampden Park]].<ref name="Wales in wonder win in Scotland">{{cite web |url=http://www.faw.org.uk/news/FAW90701.ink |title=Wales in wonder win in Scotland |publisher=Football Association of Wales |access-date=23 March 2013 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130325091025/http://www.faw.org.uk/news/FAW90701.ink |archive-date=25 March 2013}}</ref>
Robson-Kanu gained notoriety when during a friendly game against the Netherlands, his shorts tore and he had to change shorts in the middle of the game, showing off his [[briefs]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.totalprosports.com/2014/06/04/wales-hal-robson-kanu-change-shorts-strip-down-pitch-holland-pictures-video/ |title=Wales' Hal Robson-Kanu Changes Shorts in the Middle of the Field During a Friendly vs. Holland (Photos + Video) |date=4 June 2014 |first=Penn |last=Collins |access-date=12 November 2021 |archive-date=12 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112054814/https://www.totalprosports.com/2014/06/04/wales-hal-robson-kanu-change-shorts-strip-down-pitch-holland-pictures-video/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
Robson-Kanu played nine games in Wales' successful qualification campaign for [[UEFA Euro 2016]], scoring on 13 October 2014 in their 2–1 home win over [[Cyprus national football team|Cyprus]].<ref>{{cite news|last1=Pritchard|first1=Dafydd|title=Wales 2–1 Cyprus|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29501893|access-date=14 June 2016|publisher=BBC Sport|date=13 October 2014|archive-date=22 October 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171022105006/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29501893|url-status=live}}</ref> After being selected for the final tournament in France, on 11 June he came on as a 71st-minute substitute in place of [[Jonny Williams]] during their opener against [[Slovakia national football team|Slovakia]] and scored the winner in a 2–1 victory in [[Bordeaux]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36450646 |title=Wales 2–1 Slovakia |publisher=BBC Sport |date=11 June 2016 |access-date=11 June 2016 |archive-date=11 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160611171521/http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36450646 |url-status=live }}</ref> He also started as striker in Wales' historic 3–1 quarter-final win on 1 July against Belgium in [[Lille]] and, after outwitting three defenders with a [[Cruyff turn]], scored the team's second goal.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36613679 |title=Wales 3–1 Belgium |publisher=BBC Sport |date=1 July 2016 |access-date=2 July 2016 |archive-date=24 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524151539/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/36613679 |url-status=live }}</ref> It was nominated in the [[FIFA Puskás Award]] for best goal of the year.<ref>{{cite news|title=Saúl, Neymar, Mario Gaspar and Messi up for Puskás Award|url=http://en.as.com/en/2016/11/21/football/1479740298_887570.html|access-date=2 December 2016|publisher=Diario AS|date=21 November 2016|archive-date=17 May 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517104449/https://en.as.com/en/2016/11/21/football/1479740298_887570.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Wales were eliminated following a 2–0 defeat to eventual champions [[Portugal national football team|Portugal]] in the semi-final of the tournament on 6 July.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/36731837 |title=Euro 2016: Gareth Bale & Joe Allen react to Wales's semi-final defeat |journal=BBC Sport |date=6 July 2016 |access-date=11 July 2016 |archive-date=7 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180907032347/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/36731837 |url-status=live }}</ref>
Robson-Kanu then made 9 appearances, scoring once, as Wales failed to [[2018 FIFA World Cup qualification (UEFA)|qualify]] for the [[2018 FIFA World Cup]].<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=48419| title = Hal Robson-Kanu {{!}} Football Stats {{!}} No Club {{!}} Age 32 {{!}} 2007- {{!}} Soccer Base| access-date = 15 November 2018| archive-date = 13 November 2018| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20181113082514/https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=48419| url-status = live}}</ref>
On 29 August 2018, Robson-Kanu announced his retirement from international football.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12018/11484873/wales-hal-robson-kanu-retires-from-international-football|title=Wales' Hal Robson-Kanu retires from international football|last=Treadwell|first=Matthew|date=29 August 2018|publisher=[[Sky Sports]]|access-date=11 September 2018|archive-date=11 September 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911225329/http://www.skysports.com/football/news/12018/11484873/wales-hal-robson-kanu-retires-from-international-football|url-status=live}}</ref> After reversing his decision, he was called up for the matches against [[Finland national football team|Finland]] and [[Bulgaria national football team|Bulgaria]] in October 2020.<ref>{{cite news |title=Neco Williams and Ben Cabango given debut Wales calls and Hal Robson-Kanu back |url=https://www.bt.com/sport/news/2020/august/neco-williams-and-ben-cabango-given-debut-wales-calls-and-hal-robson-kanu-back |access-date=24 May 2021 |publisher=BT Sport |date=25 August 2020 |archive-date=10 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230410220603/https://www.bt.com/sport/news/2020/august/neco-williams-and-ben-cabango-given-debut-wales-calls-and-hal-robson-kanu-back |url-status=live }}</ref>
Robson-Kanu, [[Tyler Roberts]] and [[Rabbi Matondo]] were all sent home from the Wales squad in March 2021 after breaching [[COVID-19 pandemic in Wales|COVID-19 protocols]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fisher |first1=Ben |title=Wales trio sent home after breaching squad protocols at team hotel |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/mar/29/wales-trio-sent-home-after-breaching-squad-protocols-at-team-hotel |access-date=24 May 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=29 March 2021 |archive-date=24 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524125010/https://www.theguardian.com/football/2021/mar/29/wales-trio-sent-home-after-breaching-squad-protocols-at-team-hotel |url-status=live }}</ref> He was not included in [[Rob Page]]'s squad for [[UEFA Euro 2020]] that May.<ref>{{cite news |title=Hal Robson-Kanu: West Brom forward left out of Wales Euro 2020 training squad |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57227079 |access-date=24 May 2021 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=24 May 2021 |archive-date=24 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210524091049/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/57227079 |url-status=live }}</ref>
==Outside football== In August 2018, Robson-Kanu founded The Turmeric Co. brand, selling a range of turmeric-based shots made from natural ingredients.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wolfe |first=Jane |url=https://www.naturalproductsonline.co.uk/news/the-turmeric-co-takes-a-shot-with-turmeric/ |title=The Turmeric Co. scores with new shots |newspaper=Natural Products Online |date=24 August 2018 |access-date=16 April 2020 |archive-date=2 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220602054202/https://www.naturalproductsonline.co.uk/news/the-turmeric-co-takes-a-shot-with-turmeric/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Robson-Kanu has hailed turmeric as his 'secret weapon', claiming that using turmeric as a nutritional supplement saved his footballing career and helped him to recover from a cruciate knee ligament rupture.<ref>{{cite news |last=Nash |first=Matthew |url=https://www.metro.news/hal-robson-kanu-reveals-the-secret-weapon-firing-west-broms-promotion-bid/1908839/ |title=Hal Robson-Kanu reveals the secret weapon firing West Brom's promotion bid |newspaper=Metro |date=13 February 2020 |access-date=16 April 2020 |archive-date=24 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424053305/https://metro.co.uk/newspaper/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Career statistics ==
=== Club ===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition |- !rowspan="2"|Club !rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|[[FA Cup]] !colspan="2"|[[Football League Cup|League Cup]] !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="10"|[[Reading F.C.|Reading]] |[[2007–08 Reading F.C. season|2007–08]]<ref name="sb0708">{{soccerbase season|48419|2007|access-date=24 November 2024}}</ref> |[[Premier League]] |0||0||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||0||0 |- |[[2008–09 Reading F.C. season|2008–09]]<ref name="sb0809">{{soccerbase season|48419|2008|access-date=24 November 2024}}</ref> |[[Football League Championship|Championship]] |0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0||0 |- |[[2009–10 Reading F.C. season|2009–10]]<ref>{{soccerbase season|48419|2009|access-date=24 November 2024}}</ref> |Championship |17||0||1||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||18||0 |- |[[2010–11 Reading F.C. season|2010–11]]<ref>{{soccerbase season|48419|2010|access-date=24 November 2024}}</ref> |Championship |27||5||4||0||1||1||2{{efn|Appearances in [[EFL Championship play-offs|Championship play-offs]]}}||0||34||6 |- |[[2011–12 Reading F.C. season|2011–12]]<ref>{{soccerbase season|48419|2011|access-date=24 November 2024}}</ref> |Championship |36||4||1||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||38||4 |- |[[2012–13 Reading F.C. season|2012–13]]<ref>{{soccerbase season|48419|2012|access-date=24 November 2024}}</ref> |Premier League |25||7||3||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||30||7 |- |[[2013–14 Reading F.C. season|2013–14]]<ref>{{soccerbase season|48419|2013|access-date=24 November 2024}}</ref> |Championship |36||4||0||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||37||4 |- |[[2014–15 Reading F.C. season|2014–15]]<ref>{{soccerbase season|48419|2014|access-date=24 November 2024}}</ref> |Championship |29||1||6||3||1||0||colspan="2"|—||36||4 |- |[[2015–16 Reading F.C. season|2015–16]]<ref>{{soccerbase season|48419|2015|access-date=24 November 2024}}</ref> |Championship |28||3||5||2||2||0||colspan="2"|—||35||5 |- !colspan="2"|Total !198!!24!!20!!5!!8!!1!!2!!0!!228!!30 |- |rowspan="3"|[[Southend United F.C.|Southend United]] (loan) |[[2007–08 Southend United F.C. season|2007–08]]<ref name="sb0708"/> |[[Football League One|League One]] | 8||3||0||0||0||0||0||0||8||3 |- |[[2008–09 Southend United F.C. season|2008–09]]<ref name="sb0809"/> |League One |14||2||0||0||0||0||1{{efn|Appearance in [[Football League Trophy]]}}||0||15||2 |- !colspan="2"|Total !22!!5!!0!!0!!0!!0!!1!!0!!23!!5 |- |[[Swindon Town F.C.|Swindon Town]] (loan) |[[2008–09 Swindon Town F.C. season|2008–09]]<ref name="sb0809"/> |League One |20||4||0||0||0||0||0||0||20||4 |- |rowspan="6"|[[West Bromwich Albion F.C.|West Bromwich Albion]] |[[2016–17 West Bromwich Albion F.C. season|2016–17]]<ref>{{soccerbase season|48419|2016|access-date=24 November 2024}}</ref> |Premier League |29||3||1||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||30||3 |- |[[2017–18 West Bromwich Albion F.C. season|2017–18]]<ref>{{soccerbase season|48419|2017|access-date=24 November 2024}}</ref> |Premier League |21||2||2||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||23||2 |- |[[2018–19 West Bromwich Albion F.C. season|2018–19]]<ref>{{soccerbase season|48419|2018|access-date=24 November 2024}}</ref> |Championship |35||4||3||0||2||0||colspan="2"|—||40||4 |- |[[2019–20 West Bromwich Albion F.C. season|2019–20]]<ref>{{soccerbase season|48419|2019|access-date=24 November 2024}}</ref> |Championship |39||10||0||0||0||0||colspan="2"|—||39||10 |- |[[2020–21 West Bromwich Albion F.C. season|2020–21]]<ref>{{soccerbase season|48419|2020|access-date=24 November 2024}}</ref> |Premier League |19||2||0||0||2||3||colspan="2"|—||21||5 |- !colspan="2"|Total !143!!21!!6!!0!!5!!3!!colspan="2"|—!!154!!24 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !383!!54!!26!!5!!13!!4!!3!!0!!425!!63 |} {{notelist}}
=== International === Source:<ref name="NFT Stats">{{NFT player|38343|name=Hal Robson-Kanu|access-date=10 May 2016}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |+ Appearances and goals by national team and year |- !National team!!Year!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="10"|[[Wales national football team|Wales]] |2010||2||0 |- |2011||3||0 |- |2012||6||0 |- |2013||8||1 |- |2014||5||1 |- |2015||6||0 |- |2016||9||2 |- |2017||5||1 |- |2020||1||0 |- |2021||1||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total!!46!!5 |}
{{Updated|match played 27 March 2021}}<ref name=SW>{{Soccerway|-hal-robson-kanu/46492}}</ref> :''Scores and results list Wales' goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Robson-Kanu goal.''
{| class="wikitable sortable" |+ List of international goals scored by Hal Robson-Kanu |- !scope="col"|No. !scope="col" data-sort-type="date"|Date !scope="col"|Venue !scope="col"|Cap !scope="col"|Opponent !scope="col"|Score !scope="col"|Result !scope="col"|Competition |- |style="text-align:center"|1 |22 March 2013||[[Hampden Park]], [[Glasgow]], Scotland||style="text-align:center"|13||{{fb|Scotland}}||style="text-align:center"|2–1||style="text-align:center"|2–1||[[2014 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group A|2014 FIFA World Cup qualification]] |- |style="text-align:center"|2 |13 October 2014||[[Cardiff City Stadium]], [[Cardiff]], Wales||style="text-align:center"|23||{{fb|Cyprus}}||style="text-align:center"|2–0||style="text-align:center"|2–1||[[UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying Group B|UEFA Euro 2016 qualification]] |- |style="text-align:center"|3 |11 June 2016||[[Nouveau Stade de Bordeaux]], [[Bordeaux]], France||style="text-align:center"|31||{{fb|Slovakia}}||style="text-align:center"|2–1||style="text-align:center"|2–1||[[UEFA Euro 2016 Group B|UEFA Euro 2016]] |- |style="text-align:center"|4 |1 July 2016||[[Stade Pierre-Mauroy]], [[Villeneuve-d'Ascq]], France||style="text-align:center"|34||{{fb|Belgium}}||style="text-align:center"|2–1||style="text-align:center"|3–1|| [[UEFA Euro 2016 knockout stage|UEFA Euro 2016]] |- |style="text-align:center"|5 |5 September 2017||[[Zimbru Stadium]], [[Chișinău]], Moldova||style="text-align:center"|42||{{fb|Moldova}}||style="text-align:center"|1–0||style="text-align:center"|2–0||[[2018 FIFA World Cup qualification – UEFA Group D|2018 FIFA World Cup qualification]] |}
==Honours== '''Reading''' *[[Football League Championship]]: [[2011–12 Football League Championship|2011–12]]
'''West Bromwich Albion''' *[[EFL Championship]] second-place promotion: [[2019–20 EFL Championship|2019–20]]
'''Individual''' *[[BBC Sport|BBC Goal of the Tournament]] – [[Euro 2016]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39330148|title=Hal Robson-Kanu: West Bromwich Albion's Wales striker still believes in himself|date=20 March 2017|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=8 May 2018|archive-date=5 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180805042653/https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/39330148|url-status=live}}</ref>
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons category|Hal Robson-Kanu}} *[https://www.wba.co.uk/teams/senior/forward/hal-robson-kanu/ Hal Robson-Kanu profile] at West Bromwich Albion *{{Soccerbase}}
{{Wales squad UEFA Euro 2016}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Robson-Kanu, Hal}} [[Category:1989 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Footballers from the London Borough of Ealing]] [[Category:People from Acton, London]] [[Category:Welsh men's footballers]] [[Category:21st-century Welsh sportsmen]] [[Category:Wales men's under-21 international footballers]] [[Category:Wales men's international footballers]] [[Category:English men's footballers]] [[Category:England men's youth international footballers]] [[Category:Black British sportsmen]] [[Category:21st-century Black British people]] [[Category:English people of Nigerian descent]] [[Category:English people of Welsh descent]] [[Category:Men's association football wingers]] [[Category:Arsenal F.C. players]] [[Category:Reading F.C. players]] [[Category:Southend United F.C. players]] [[Category:Swindon Town F.C. players]] [[Category:West Bromwich Albion F.C. players]] [[Category:Premier League players]] [[Category:English Football League players]] [[Category:UEFA Euro 2016 players]] [[Category:21st-century English sportsmen]]