Shaun Maloney, professional football player, was born on January 24, 1983 in Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia. His family moved to Aberdeen, Scotland, his mother’s home-town, when he was a 5-year old boy. He went to St. Joseph’s School and then to Cults Academy, his passion for football made him play right from the age of 10. As a young boy, he played for Kincorth Boys’ Club, St. Joseph’s Primary School team, Culter Boys’ Club and Albion Boys’ Club.
In 2005, Shaun Maloney made his debut for the Scotland national team, when he played against Belarus, in which Scotland won 1-0. He scored his first goal for Scotland in its 2-0 win over Faroe Islands in the Svangaskard Stadium. Of his 20 appearances for the Scotland Under-21 category, Shaun Maloney has scored 6 goals for his country. As a senior, he has represented Scotland in 11 matches and has scored one goal. His outstanding football skills, has won him the eligibility to play for the Republic of Ireland.
Though Shaun Maloney joined the Celtic team as a trainee in 1999, he got his first chance to play for the team on April 29, 2001. He played against Rangers in the Old Firm derby held at the Ibrox Stadium, and his team made a 3-0 victory.
In February 2004, Shaun Maloney injured his knee ligament, which prevented him from playing football for almost a year. He did make an overwhelming come-back by the end of the 2004-05 season and displayed his outstanding performances. Being a brilliant attacking midfielder and striker, his unmatched football skills helped him score 16 goals and assist 28 goals from midfield in 44 matches. Shaun Maloney played 139 matches for the Celtics and scored 37 goals.
Aston Villa manager, Martin O’Neill, who is also an old boss of Shaun Maloney, signed him for Aston Villa in January 2007. On February 10, 2007, he made his debut for Aston Villa at Reading but despite his efforts, his team lost the match. He made 15 good starts for his team and also scored a goal in his first half season. On December 26, 2007 (Boxing Day of the year), Shaun Maloney played for Aston Villa against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. He scored a brace but the match ended in a 4-4 draw.
Shaun Maloney created a record by becoming the first player in Scotland to win both ‘SPFA Player of the Year’ and ‘Young Player of the Year’ awards in the 2005-2006 season. For his exceptional performance in the same season, he also won Celtic Fans’ ‘Player of the Year’ and ‘Players Player of the Year’ awards.
