Smalling has chosen five memories that define his career, looking back on the moments that took him from an inexperienced Fulham defender to a Premier League champion, England international and European trophy winner.
Speaking to FC Porto’s media channels, the 36-year-old was asked to identify the highlights that remain most significant after a career spanning Fulham, Manchester United, Roma and Al Fayha.
His first selection came from the very beginning of his professional career.
“I’ll try to go in order. The first perhaps is the Premier League debut for Fulham. I remember being the young player who travelled with the team, the 19th player who wasn’t always on the substitutes’ bench. Making my debut in the final game of the season against Everton was special. I was only 19, it was the hard work paying off,” Smalling said.
The defender then recalled his first goal in a Manchester derby after moving to Manchester United.
“The second is my first goal in a derby, when I arrived at Manchester United. I was fortunate to score a few in derbies, but the first ones are always special. I hope to score some goals in future derbies,” he said.
His third choice was the first Premier League title he won at Old Trafford. Smalling joined United as a young defender expecting to establish himself gradually, but quickly became an important member of the squad.
“Then, the first Premier League trophy, in my first year at Manchester United (2010/11). I went there as a kid, hoping to play some games. I ended up playing a good part of the season and then we won the title. It was something I watched in my bedroom the year before. It was a surreal moment,” Smalling said.
International football supplied another of his standout memories. His first England goal came against Portugal at Wembley.
“Also my first goal for England, which happened to be against Portugal. It was a beautiful moment, at Wembley,” he added.
Smalling’s final selection came from a much later stage of his career, when he helped Roma win the Conference League.
“Finally, the Conference League title with Roma. The scenes and the celebrations... I saw the celebrations here last season, which reminded me of what happened there. Knowing what football means in Rome, I can see the same here in Porto. It was another big reason for me to come here. To feel the whole city during the celebrations is something I want to experience again! I’m sure I’ll have two or three moments here to add to the list,” the defender said.
Smalling joined Porto on a one-year contract after leaving Al Fayha, bringing 31 England caps and extensive European experience to Francesco Farioli’s squad. His five memories now provide a personal snapshot of a career that has taken him from a teenager trying to make the Fulham bench to the biggest stages in club and international football.