Andy Carroll reveals 2021 sexual assault in new autobiography

Andy Carroll has disclosed that he was sexually assaulted at his home in 2021, making the account public in his autobiography, Owning It. BBC Sport reported that the former England striker's attacker was subsequently convicted of sexual offences and jailed for three years. Carroll was playing for Newcastle United during his second spell at the club when the assault happened.

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According to The Telegraph's reporting on the book, the visitor was a friend of Carroll's former partner who came to the house to watch boxing. Carroll wrote that he went to bed early after feeling uncomfortable around the man. He said he awoke during the assault, removed the visitor from his home and later called police.

The Telegraph reported that the man denied the assault before being charged and standing trial. Carroll gave evidence in court and described the experience as deeply distressing. In addition to the three-year prison sentence, the attacker was placed on the sex offender register and barred from entering the village where Carroll lived, according to the newspaper.

BBC Sport reported that Carroll had previously been granted anonymity as a victim of sexual assault. The 37-year-old said he made the decision to include the incident in his autobiography shortly before publication, following discussions with his girlfriend, Lou Teasdale. He had struggled with whether to tell the story publicly and had avoided contact with his publisher while considering it.

In passages reported by The Telegraph, Carroll described consequences that extended into his working life. He said thoughts of the attack affected his concentration on football and that its impact had persisted. His reason for speaking publicly, he explained, was the possibility that sharing his experience might help someone else. The book was released on Thursday.

Carroll now plays for Dagenham & Redbridge and is a co-owner of the club. BBC Sport reported that he joined in July 2025 and has made six National League South appearances this season. He won nine England caps and previously played in the Premier League for Liverpool and West Ham as well as Newcastle.