{{short description|English footballer (born 2003)}} {{Use British English|date=January 2020}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Liam Delap | image = Liam Delap in 2025.jpg | caption = Delap with Chelsea in 2025 | full_name = Liam Rory Delap<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/1869523 |title=2020/21 Premier League squads confirmed |publisher=Premier League |date=20 October 2020 |accessdate=25 October 2020}}</ref> | birth_date = {{birth date and age|2003|2|8|df=y}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/player/_/id/307114/liam-delap |title=Liam Delap: Overview |publisher=ESPN |accessdate=25 October 2020}}</ref> | birth_place = Winchester, England | height = {{convert|1.87|m|order=flip}}<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/teams/profile/liam-delap |title=Liam Delap |publisher=Chelsea F.C. |access-date=16 September 2025}}</ref> | position = Striker | currentclub = Chelsea | clubnumber = 9 | youthyears1 = 2010–2019 | youthclubs1 = Derby County | youthyears2 = 2019–2020 | youthclubs2 = Manchester City | years1 = 2020–2024 | clubs1 = Manchester City | caps1 = 2 | goals1 = 0 | years2 = 2022–2023 | clubs2 = → Stoke City (loan) | caps2 = 22 | goals2 = 3 | years3 = 2023 | clubs3 = → Preston North End (loan) | caps3 = 15 | goals3 = 1 | years4 = 2023–2024 | clubs4 = → Hull City (loan) | caps4 = 31 | goals4 = 8 | years5 = 2024–2025 | clubs5 = Ipswich Town | caps5 = 37 | goals5 = 12 | years6 = 2025– | clubs6 = Chelsea | caps6 = 28 | goals6 = 1 | nationalyears1 = 2018–2019 | nationalteam1 = England U16<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/MatchRsl/MatchRslTmU16pg4.html |title=Match Results Under 16: 2010–2020 |website=England Football Online |date=2 March 2023 |accessdate=11 June 2023}}</ref> | nationalcaps1 = 10 | nationalgoals1 = 6 | nationalyears2 = 2019 | nationalteam2 = England U17<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/MatchRsl/MatchRslTmU17pg2.html |title=Match Results Under 17: 2010–2020 |website=England Football Online |date=28 February 2023 |accessdate=11 June 2023}}</ref> | nationalcaps2 = 2 | nationalgoals2 = 2 | nationalyears3 = 2021 | nationalteam3 = England U18<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/MatchRsl/MatchRslTmU18pg8.html |title=Match Results Under 18: 2020–2030 |website=England Football Online |date=11 June 2023 |accessdate=11 June 2023}}</ref> | nationalcaps3 = 1 | nationalgoals3 = 1 | nationalyears4 = 2022 | nationalteam4 = England U19<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/MatchRsl/MatchRslTmU19pg3.html |title=Match Results Under 19: 2020–2030 |website=England Football Online |date=29 March 2023 |accessdate=11 June 2023}}</ref> | nationalcaps4 = 5 | nationalgoals4 = 1 | nationalyears5 = 2022–2023 | nationalteam5 = England U20<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=http://www.englandfootballonline.com/MatchRsl/MatchRslTmU20pg2.html |title=Match Results Under 20: 2020–2030 |website=England Football Online |date=2 June 2023 |accessdate=11 June 2023}}</ref> | nationalcaps5 = 7 | nationalgoals5 = 1 | nationalyears6 = 2023–2025 | nationalteam6 = England U21<ref name="auto"/> | nationalcaps6 = 12 | nationalgoals6 = 3 | medaltemplates = {{MedalSport|Men's football}} {{MedalCountry|{{fb|ENG}}}} {{MedalCompetition|UEFA European Under-19 Championship}} {{Medal|W|2022|}} | club-update = 22:05, 24 May 2026 (UTC) | nationalteam-update = 22:21, 24 March 2025 (UTC) }} '''Liam Rory Delap''' (born 8 February 2003) is an English professional footballer who plays as a striker for {{English football updater|Chelsea}} club Chelsea. He is the son of former professional footballer Rory Delap.
Originally a part of the Derby County and Manchester City academies, Delap also began featuring in England youth teams. During his time at Manchester City, he also made his professional debut in 2020. In 2024, Delap was signed by newly promoted Ipswich Town. Though Ipswich was relegated that season, Delap ended the season with 12 goals – the club's top scorer.
In 2025, Delap signed with Chelsea for a reported £30 million.
==Club career== ===Manchester City=== Delap joined Derby County's academy at the age of six where he spent the next 10 years before joining Manchester City's academy in 2019, impressing from a young age and being capped at several youth levels with England.<ref name=":0" /> He scored a goal and set up two others in the final of the 2020 Under-18 Premier League Cup.<ref name="Letterkenny"/>
In 20 appearances for the Manchester City's U23 side, Delap would score 24 goals and provide 5 assists, as the club won a record breaking league title.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Twomey |first=Liam |date=2025-06-23 |title=Chelsea striker Liam Delap interview: 'I really love the aggressive side of the sport but I can control my emotions' |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6444471/2025/06/23/liam-delap-chelsea-interview/ |access-date=2025-06-24 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> In all competitions, Delap achieved 36 goal contributions in 27 appearances across the season.
==== First team breakthrough ==== On 24 September 2020, Delap made his first-team debut in a 2–1 home win against AFC Bournemouth in the EFL Cup, scoring his first senior goal in the 18th minute.<ref>{{cite news|date=24 September 2020|title=Manchester City vs Bournemouth|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54190674|access-date=24 September 2020 |website=BBC Sport}}</ref> After the match, manager Pep Guardiola praised him and confirmed Delap would continue training with the first team.<ref>{{cite web |title=Guardiola: Delap to stay with first team|url=https://www.mancity.com/citytv/mens/pep-guardiola-bournemouth-reaction-63736585|access-date=25 September 2020 |publisher=Manchester City F.C.}}</ref> Three days later, he made his Premier League debut in a 5–2 home defeat by Leicester City, coming on as a substitute for Fernandinho in the 51st minute.<ref>{{cite news |last=Stone |first=Simon |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/54222449 |title=Manchester City 2–5 Leicester City: Jamie Vardy hat-trick inspires visitors to comeback win |website=BBC Sport |date=27 September 2020 |access-date=27 September 2020}}</ref> In April 2021, Guardiola confirmed that Delap would be moved up to the first team permanently before the following season.<ref>{{cite news |last=O'Connor-Simpson|first=Matt|url=https://www.90min.com/posts/pep-guardiola-confirms-liam-delap-senior-sqaud-man-city|title=Pep Guardiola confirms Liam Delap will be promoted to senior Manchester City squad next season|website=90min.com|date=7 April 2021|access-date=21 August 2021}}</ref> Delap won his first trophy on 25 April, when City defeated Tottenham 1–0 in the League Cup final at Wembley Stadium.<ref name="eflcup">{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56790307|title=Man City 1–0 Tottenham: Aymeric Laporte heads winner in Carabao Cup final|first=Phil|last=McNulty|website=BBC Sport|date=25 April 2021|access-date=25 April 2021}}</ref> Delap, however, was not selected for the squad and instead had to follow the match from the stands.<ref>{{cite web |last=Gholam|first=Simeon|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11938/12286576/man-city-1-0-tottenham-aymeric-laporte-heads-winner-in-carabao-cup-final|title=Man City 1–0 Tottenham: Aymeric Laporte heads winner in Carabao Cup final|website=Sky Sports|date=26 April 2021|access-date=21 August 2021}}</ref>
During the 2021 pre-season, Delap suffered an injury to his foot, which led to him missing the Community Shield against Leicester City, which Manchester City lost 1–0, and the 2021–22 Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur, which they also lost 1–0. On 20 August, amid interest from several Championship clubs looking to loan him, Delap signed a three-year contract extension with Manchester City.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bajkowski |first=Simon |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/man-city-news-delap-contract-21363280 |title=Liam Delap signs new long term Man City contract as club weighs up loan offers |date=20 August 2021 |access-date=25 August 2021 |newspaper=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> Following a number of injuries, he made his first appearance of the season as a substitute in the FA Cup 3rd Round tie against Fulham in February 2022,<ref>{{cite web |last=Flintham|first=Jack|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/transfer-news/liam-delap-city-erling-haaland-23002229|title=Liam Delap performance vs Fulham doesn't change Man City's Erling Haaland stance|date=6 February 2022|access-date=14 February 2022|newspaper=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> and also came on during the 4–0 win over Norwich City in the Premier League, winning the penalty for the fourth goal.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bray|first=Joe|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/kayky-mcatee-delap-city-guardiola-23082515|title=James McAtee, Kayky and Liam Delap help Pep Guardiola keep Man City promise with future in mind|date=13 February 2022|access-date=14 February 2022|newspaper=Manchester Evening News}}</ref> On 15 February 2022, Delap made his UEFA Champions League debut in the first leg of the round of 16 tie as a substitute for Bernardo Silva, in a 5–0 away win over Primeira Liga champions Sporting CP.<ref>{{cite news |last=Dawkes|first=Phil |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60379022|title=Sporting Lisbon 0–5 Manchester City: Stellar City smash City in Portugal |website=BBC Sport |date=15 February 2022 |access-date=15 February 2022}}</ref>
==== Loan to Stoke City and Preston North End ==== On 18 August 2022, Delap joined Stoke City on loan for the 2022–23 season.<ref>{{cite news |last=Nicholson|first=Fraser|url=https://www.stokecityfc.com/news/2022/august/18/liam-is-a-potter/|title=Liam is a Potter|website=Stoke City F.C.|date=18 August 2022|access-date=18 August 2022}}</ref> He scored his first goal for Stoke in a 3–1 win over Sheffield United on 8 October 2022.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/63099155|title=Stoke 3–1 Sheffield United|website=BBC Sport|date=8 October 2022 |access-date=11 October 2022}}</ref> After making 23 appearances for Stoke, scoring three goals, Delap was recalled by Manchester City on 12 January 2023 and was sent to Preston North End for the remainder of the 2022–23 season.<ref>{{cite news |last=Nicholson|first=Fraser|url=https://www.stokecityfc.com/news/2023/january/12/man-city-recall-delap/|title=Man City recall Delap|website=Stoke City F.C.|date=12 January 2023|access-date=12 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Liam Delap Joins PNE On Loan From Manchester City |url=https://www.pnefc.net/news/2023/january/liam-delap-joins-pne-on-loan-from-manchester-city/ |website=Preston North End |access-date=12 January 2023}}</ref>
==== Loan to Hull City ==== On 2 July 2023, Delap joined Hull City on a season long loan.<ref>{{cite web |title=Delap joins Hull on loan|url=https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/liam-delap-joins-hull-city-loan-63823843 |website=www.mancity.com |access-date=2 July 2023}}</ref> He made his debut on 5 August 2023 in the 2–1 loss away to Norwich City, scoring the opening goal of the match.<ref>{{cite news | url = https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66345305 | title = Norwich City 2–1 Hull City | date = 5 August 2023 | work = BBC Sport | accessdate = 5 August 2023}}</ref> Delap was named Hull City's Player of the Month for December 2023.<ref>{{cite web |date=11 January 2024 |title=Delap Wins McVitie's December Player of the Month |url=https://www.wearehullcity.co.uk/news/2024/january/11/delap-wins-mcvities-december-player-of-the-month/ |access-date=25 March 2024 |website=Hull City A.F.C.}}</ref>
===Ipswich Town=== [[File:Wolves v Town, Dec 2024 (18).jpg|thumb|Delap with Ipswich Town in 2024]] On 13 July 2024, Delap joined newly promoted Premier League club Ipswich Town on a permanent deal worth up to £20 million on a five-year contract.<ref>{{cite news |last=Henderson |first=Jacob |date=13 July 2024 |title=Liam Delap joins Town |url=https://www.itfc.co.uk/news/2024/july/13/liam-delap-joins-town/ |access-date=13 July 2024 |publisher=Ipswich Town F.C.}}</ref> Delap scored his first goal for the club on 31 August, netting the opener in a 1–1 draw with Fulham.<ref>{{cite news |last=Jones|first=Alex|url=https://www.eadt.co.uk/sport/24554116.premier-league-match-report-ipswich-town-1-1-fulham/|title=Delap screamer rocks Fulham as Town earn first Premier League point|website=East Anglian Daily Times|date=31 August 2024|access-date=31 August 2024}}</ref> On 29 September, he scored both goals in a 2–2 home draw with Aston Villa, becoming the first Ipswich player to net twice in a Premier League game since Marcus Bent in March 2002.<ref>{{cite news |last=Cartwright|first=Phil|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/cje37xn22w2t|title=Premier League LIVE: Ipswich Town 2–2 Aston Villa|website=BBC Sport|date=29 September 2024|access-date=29 September 2024}}</ref> On 30 December, Delap scored and assisted in a 2–0 home league win over Chelsea, helping the club win their first Premier League home game since 2002 as well as their first victory over the Blues since 1993.<ref>{{cite news |last=Kinsella|first=Nizaar|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/czen0ln7k9yt|title=Ipswich 2–0 Chelsea: Liam Delap delivers title blow for visitors|website=BBC Sport|date=30 December 2024|access-date=30 December 2024}}</ref> He ended the season with 12 goals, finishing as the club's top goalscorer.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.premierleague.com/news/4322542 | title=Chelsea sign Delap from Ipswich Town | date=4 June 2025 }}</ref>
===Chelsea=== On 4 June 2025, fellow Premier League club Chelsea completed the signing of Delap on a six-year deal, triggering a release clause, reported to be £30m.<ref>{{cite web |date=4 June 2025 |title=Liam Delap completes Chelsea transfer |url=https://www.chelseafc.com/en/news/article/liam-delap-completes-chelsea-transfer |access-date=4 June 2025 |publisher=Chelsea F.C.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=Ornstein |first1=David |last2=Sheldon |first2=Dan |date=4 June 2025 |title=Chelsea complete Liam Delap transfer on six-year deal |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6391349/2025/06/04/chelsea-liam-delap-transfer-confirmed/ |access-date=4 June 2025 |publisher=The Athletic |language=en-GB}}</ref> Delap made his debut for Chelsea on 16 June in their opening game of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, providing an assist for Enzo Fernández's goal in an eventual 2–0 win over Los Angeles FC.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Twomey |first1=Liam |last2=Cardenas |first2=Felipe |date=2025-06-16 |title=Chelsea 2 LAFC 0: Neto's chop, Jackson v Delap part one and a topless Giroud halts the show |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6423748/2025/06/16/chelsea-2-lafc-0-giroud-neto-fernandez-club-world-cup/ |access-date=2025-06-16 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> On 19 June, it was announced that Delap was one of six nominees for the PFA Young Player of the Year award.<ref>{{Cite web |date=19 June 2025 |title=PFA Young Player of the Year nominees announced |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cj4edzw9qxeo |access-date=19 June 2025 |publisher=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref>
He scored his first Chelsea goal on 24 June against Espérance Sportive de Tunis in the final group match.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Twomey |first1=Liam |last2=Henry |first2=Larry |title=Esperance 0 Chelsea 3 – Liam Delap's first goal for the club and what to expect from Benfica|url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6443028/2025/06/24/chelsea-liam-delap-benfica-highlights/ |access-date=2025-06-25 |work=The New York Times |date=25 June 2025 |language=en-US}}</ref> Later that year, on 25 November, Delap netted his first UEFA Champions League goal for Chelsea in a 3–0 victory against Barcelona.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kinsella |first=Nizaar |title=Chelsea 3-0 Barcelona: Estevao outshines Lamine Yamal as Blues win |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/cx2n298v9jgt |access-date=2025-11-25 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref>
On 7 January 2026, Delap scored his first league goal for the club in a 2–1 defeat to Fulham.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Kinsella|first=Nizaar|title=Fulham 2-1 Chelsea: Harry Wilson downs Chelsea in front of new boss Liam Rosenior|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/cj3vm5nz161t |access-date=2026-01-07|website=BBC Sport|language=en-GB}}</ref> On 13 February 2026, Delap completed a hat-trick of assists in a 4–0 victory over Hull City in the fifth round of the 2025–26 FA Cup.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Coates |first=Charlotte |date=2026-02-13 |title=Hull City 0-4 Chelsea: Liam Delap misses sitter but assists three goals in FA Cup |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cvg3pjqk8d1o |access-date=2026-02-15 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref>
==International career== Delap has represented the nation of his birth, England, at all youth levels but remains eligible to represent the Republic of Ireland at senior international level through ancestry.<ref>{{cite news |last=Leahy|first=Ed|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2025/0529/1515767-could-irelands-call-make-delap-a-lions-bolter/|title=Could Ireland's call make Liam Delap a Lions bolter?|website=RTÉ|date=30 May 2025|access-date=6 June 2025}}</ref>
Delap finished as top scorer at the 2019 Mercedes-Benz Aegean Tournament for England Under-16 in Turkey and later that year went on to score twice for England U17 in a match against Austria.<ref>{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Jonathan |title=Liam Delap: Have Man City unearthed their very own Haaland? |url=https://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/liam-delap-have-man-city-unearthed-their-own-haaland/1jmdl8xz5c7s1eiwg6o5kn36q |access-date=4 January 2021 |work=Goal.com |date=24 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thefa.com/news/2019/sep/09/england-mu17s-4-2-austria-090919|title=Young Lions come back from behind to beat Austria and secure Syrenka Cup Final spot|first=Nicholas|last=Veevers|date=8 September 2019|accessdate=6 June 2025|publisher=Football Association}}</ref> On 29 March 2021, Delap scored on his only appearance for the England U18 side during a 2–0 win away to Wales at Leckwith Stadium.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thefa.com/news/2021/mar/29/wales-mu18s-0-2-england-mu18s-match-report-20210329|title=Two second-half goals seal win for England men's under-18s over Wales in Cardiff|first=Tom|last=Dean|date=29 March 2021|accessdate=29 March 2021|publisher=Football Association}}</ref>
On 23 March 2022, Delap made his U19 debut as a substitute in a 3–1 win over Republic of Ireland during 2022 UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualification at Bescot Stadium.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.englandfootball.com/articles/2022/Mar/23/england-mu19s-republic-of-ireland-match-report-uefa-u19-euro-elite-qualifying-round-20222303|title=Report: Republic of Ireland 1–3 England MU19s|first=Becca|last=Lewin|date=23 March 2022|accessdate=24 March 2022|work=England Football}}</ref> On 17 June 2022, Delap was included in the England U19 squad for the 2022 UEFA European Under-19 Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.englandfootball.com/articles/2022/Jun/17/england-mu19s-squad-named-for-UEFA-U19-EURO-in-Slovakia-20221706|title=Ian Foster has picked his 21-strong squad for this month's UEFA U19 EURO Finals in Slovakia|first=Frank|last=Smith|date=17 June 2022|publisher=Football Association|accessdate=18 June 2022|work=England Football}}</ref> He scored the only goal of the match in their last group fixture.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12040/12642651/meet-englands-young-lions-gunning-for-glory-in-under-19s-european-championships-final-against-israel|title=Meet England's Young Lions gunning for glory in Under-19s European Championships final against Israel|first=Zinny|last=Boswell|date=1 July 2022|accessdate=13 July 2022|publisher=Sky Sports}}</ref> On 1 July 2022, Delap came off the bench during extra time in the final and helped Aaron Ramsey score the last goal of the game as England beat Israel 3–1 to win the tournament.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.uefa.com/under19/news/0277-1585addeb047-8422a993d714-1000--israel-1-3-england-aet-chukwuemeka-and-ramsey-the-extra-time-he/|title=Israel 1–3 England (aet): Chukwuemeka and Ramsey the extra-time heroes as Young Lions fight back|work=UEFA |publisher=Union of European Football Associations |first=Sam|last=Honeyman|date=1 July 2022 |access-date=19 November 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.englandfootball.com/articles/2022/Jul/01/england-mu19s-v-israel-uefa-u19-euro-final-match-report-20220107|title=England win U19 EURO title after 3–1 win against Israel|first=Nicholas|last=Veevers|date=1 July 2022|publisher=Football Association|accessdate=4 July 2022|work=England Football}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/62011651|title=Israel U19 1–3 England U19: Gutsy England crowned European Under-19 champions|website=BBC Sport|date=2 July 2022|accessdate=13 July 2022}}</ref>
On 21 September 2022, Delap made his England U20 debut and scored during a 3–0 victory over Chile at the Pinatar Arena.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.englandfootball.com/articles/2022/Sep/21/england-mu20s-chile-pinatar-match-report-20222109|title=Report: England MU20s 3–0 Chile|first=Liam|last=Crane|date=21 September 2022|publisher=Football Association|accessdate=25 September 2022|work=England Football}}</ref> On 10 May 2023, Delap was included in the England squad for the 2023 FIFA U-20 World Cup.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.englandfootball.com/articles/2023/May/11/england-mu20s-squad-named-for-fifa-u20-world-cup-in-argentina-20231005|title=England MU20s squad named for World Cup in Argentina|first=Nick|last=Veevers|date=10 May 2023|accessdate=29 May 2023|work=England Football}}</ref> He started in their last group match against Iraq and also came on as a second-half substitute during their round of sixteen elimination against Italy.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/match/_/gameId/668572/england-u20-iraq-u20|title=Iraq 0-0 England|accessdate=6 June 2025|website=ESPN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.co.uk/football/match/_/gameId/669416/italy-u20-england-u20|title=Italy 2-1 England|accessdate=6 June 2025|website=ESPN}}</ref>
On 11 September 2023, Delap made a goalscoring debut for England U21 during a 3–0 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualification win away to Luxembourg.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.englandfootball.com/articles/2023/Sep/11/england-mens-under-21s-luxembourg-report-uefa-u21-euro-report-20231109|title=Report: Luxembourg 0–3 England MU21s|first=Oli|last=Dickson Jefford|date=11 September 2023|publisher=Football Association|accessdate=11 September 2023|work=England Football}}</ref> He also scored in their next qualifier against Serbia.<ref>{{cite news |last=Howell|first=Alex|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/67093751|title=England U21 9-1 Serbia U21: England U21s put nine past Serbia|website=BBC Sport|date=12 October 2023|access-date=6 June 2025}}</ref> In March 2025 Delap scored his third and last goal at under-21 level during a defeat away to France at Stade du Moustoir.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cddyqgrmy60t|publisher=BBC Sport|title=France U21 5-3 England U21|date=21 March 2025|access-date=6 June 2025}}</ref> He was included in the England training squad preparing for the 2025 UEFA European Under-21 Championship however ultimately Delap was withdrawn from competing at that tournament due to club commitments.<ref>{{cite news |last=Howell|first=Alex|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c9q05zydznqo|title='The good thing about Liam is he still has a lot of developing to do'|website=BBC Sport|date=2 June 2025|access-date=6 June 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Fletcher|first=Alex|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cd905d0vj2ko|title=Delap not part of England Under-21 squad for Euros|website=BBC Sport|date=6 June 2025|access-date=6 June 2025}}</ref>
==Personal life== Delap was born in Winchester, Hampshire,<ref>{{cite news|title=Delap in 250-mile taxi dash for son's birth|url=https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/5597529.delap-in-250-mile-taxi-dash-for-sons-birth/|website=Daily Echo|date=10 February 2003|access-date=16 January 2026}}</ref><ref name="worldfootball">{{cite web |url=https://www.worldfootball.net/person/pe562866/liam-delap/ |title=Liam Delap: Profile |website=worldfootball.net |publisher=HEIM:SPIEL |access-date=13 May 2021}}</ref> and is the son of former professional footballer Rory Delap, who represented the Republic of Ireland national team. His brother is Burton Albion player Finn Delap.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |url=https://www.mancity.com/news/mens/who-is-liam-delap-63736307 |title=Who is Liam Delap? |publisher=Manchester City F.C. |date=23 September 2020 |accessdate=24 September 2020}}</ref>
His paternal grandfather and three great-uncles are originally from Letterkenny, County Donegal while his paternal grandmother is from Moynalty, County Meath.<ref name="Letterkenny">{{cite web |url=https://www.donegaldaily.com/2020/03/14/letterkenny-delight-as-liam-delap-goal-caps-classy-league-cup-final-display/ |title=Letterkenny delight as Liam Delap caps classy League Cup final display |website=Donegal Daily |first=Chris |last=McNulty |date=14 March 2020 |accessdate=14 March 2020}}</ref>
Delap has represented England at youth level but is also eligible for both Republic of Ireland and Scotland.
==Career statistics== {{updated|match played 24 May 2026}}
{| 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"|EFL Cup !colspan="2"|Europe !colspan="2"|Other !colspan="2"|Total |- !Division!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals!!Apps!!Goals |- |rowspan="3"|Manchester City U21 |2020–21<ref name="sb2021"/> |colspan="3"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|name=EFLT|Appearances in EFL Trophy}}||3||2||3 |- |2021–22<ref name="sb2122"/> |colspan="3"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||2{{efn|name=EFLT}}||0||2||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||4||3||4||3 |- |rowspan="3"|Manchester City |2020–21<ref name="sb2021">{{soccerbase season|133497|2020|access-date=11 June 2023}}</ref> |Premier League |1||0||1||0||1||1||0||0||colspan="2"|—||3||1 |- |2021–22<ref name=sb2122>{{soccerbase season|133497|2021|access-date=11 June 2023}}</ref> |Premier League |1||0||1||0||0||0||1{{efn|name=ucl|Appearance(s) in UEFA Champions League}}||0||0||0||3||0 |- !colspan="2"|Total !2!!0!!2!!0!!1!!1!!1!!0!!0!!0!!6!!1 |- |Stoke City (loan) |2022–23<ref name="sb2223"/> |Championship |22||3||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||23||3 |- |Preston North End (loan) |2022–23<ref name="sb2223">{{soccerbase season|133497|2022|access-date=11 June 2023}}</ref> |Championship |15||1||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||15||1 |- |Hull City (loan) |2023–24<ref name="sb2324">{{soccerbase season|133497|2023|access-date=5 August 2023}}</ref> |Championship |31||8||0||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||32||8 |- |Ipswich Town |2024–25<ref name="sb2425">{{soccerbase season|133497|2024|access-date=5 January 2025}}</ref> |Premier League |37||12||2||0||1||0||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||40||12 |- |rowspan="3"|Chelsea |2024–25<ref name="sb2425"/> |Premier League |colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||colspan="2"|—||6{{efn|Appearances in FIFA Club World Cup}}||1||6||1 |- |2025–26<ref name="sb2526">{{soccerbase season|133497|2025|access-date=7 January 2026}}</ref> |Premier League |28||1||6||0||2||0||5{{efn|name=ucl}}||1||colspan="2"|—||41||2 |- !colspan="2"|Total !28!!1!!6!!0!!2!!0!!5!!1!!6!!1!!47!!3 |- !colspan="3"|Career total !135!!25!!11!!0!!5!!1!!6!!1!!10!!4!!167!!31 |} {{notelist}}
==Honours== '''Manchester City''' *EFL Cup: 2020–21<ref name="eflcup"/>
'''Chelsea''' *FIFA Club World Cup: 2025<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/cpwqnpdz929t|title=Chelsea 3–0 PSG|publisher=BBC Sport|first=Emlyn|last=Begley|date=13 July 2025|access-date=13 July 2025}}</ref> *FA Cup runner-up: 2025–26<ref>{{Cite web |title=FA Cup final LIVE: Chelsea vs Man City score, watch stream, commentary & updates |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/clypx2em7drt |access-date=2026-05-16 |website=BBC Sport |language=en-GB}}</ref>
'''England U19''' *UEFA European Under-19 Championship: 2022<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.fifa.com/en/articles/england-israel-slovakia-france-italy-qualify-fifa-u20-world-cup|publisher=FIFA|title=England take U-19 title as Israel and Slovakia make history|date=1 July 2022|access-date=18 August 2024}}</ref> '''Individual''' *Ipswich Town Young Player of the Year: 2024–25<ref name="YPotY">{{cite news |url=https://www.itfc.co.uk/news/2025/may/20/Ipswich-Town-End-of-Season-Dinner-award-winners-2025/ |title=End of Season Dinner 2025 |first=Andy |last=Warren |website=Ipswich Town F.C. |date=20 May 2025|access-date=31 May 2025}}</ref> *Ipswich Town Players' Player of the Year: 2024–25<ref name="YPotY"/> *Ipswich Town Goal of the Season: 2024–25<ref name="YPotY"/>
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category}} * [https://www.chelseafc.com/en/teams/profile/liam-delap Profile] at the Chelsea F.C. website * [https://www.itfc.co.uk/players/liamdelap Profile] at the Ipswich Town F.C. website * {{UEFA player}}
{{Chelsea F.C. squad}} {{Ipswich Town F.C. Player of the Year}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Delap, Liam}} Category:2003 births Category:Living people Category:Footballers from Winchester Category:English men's footballers Category:Men's association football forwards Category:Derby County F.C. players Category:Manchester City F.C. players Category:Stoke City F.C. players Category:Preston North End F.C. players Category:Hull City A.F.C. players Category:Ipswich Town F.C. players Category:Chelsea F.C. players Category:Premier League players Category:English Football League players Category:England men's youth international footballers Category:England men's under-21 international footballers Category:English people of Irish descent Category:Sportspeople of Irish descent Category:21st-century English sportsmen Category:English people of Scottish descent