Bordeaux's Andy Carroll recounts a 2021 sexual assault

Andy Carroll, former striker of Girondins de Bordeaux, confirmed in his autobiography “Owning It” that he was the victim of a sexual assault in 2021 while he was playing at Newcastle. The 37‑year‑old describes the episode as “so traumatic” that he only added it to the book at the very last minute. This revelation forms the core of his public testimony.

The autobiography reveals the drama

The book, published this Thursday, is titled “Owning It” and contains the passage where Carroll writes: “Something happened to me a few years ago, an event so traumatic that I only decided to include it in this book at the very last moment.” He explains that the assault took place at his home, after a meeting of the Magpies. His ex‑girlfriend had invited him to host a friend she described as “celebrated”, who was supposed to watch a boxing match.

After several glasses of alcohol, Carroll felt dizzy and went to bed. Upon waking, he caught the man attempting to give him a fellatio. He then expelled the intruder, collapsed in tears into the arms of his children’s nanny, and immediately called the police.

Justice and sentencing

The ensuing trial resulted in the assailant being sentenced to three years in prison for sexual offences, with his registration on the sex offenders’ register. The defendant denied the facts, but Carroll testified, describing the experience as “humiliating, embarrassing and absolutely horrible.” The verdict confirmed the seriousness of the offences and allowed Carroll to bring a legal end to the case.

Carroll says the trauma persists daily and still interferes with his concentration, even in a professional context. He admits thinking about the incident every day, which made it difficult to focus on football. He confided that this experience has shaped the person he is today, despite the challenges.

Professional career: recruited by Liverpool in 2011 for £35 million, he later wore the shirts of West Ham, Reading, West Bromwich, Amiens and Bordeaux. He earned nine caps for England and took part in Euro 2012. His spell at Newcastle, where the assault occurred, represents the second stage of his English career.

The publication generated 15 comments, most expressing support and surprise. Carroll said he had discussed his decision to speak publicly with his current partner, Lou Teasdale, and added that few people were aware until then. He hopes his testimony can help other victims come forward.