James Justin in 2026: Net Worth and Salary, Parents, Wife, Injury, Transfer Value, Nationality, and FAQs

James Justin is one of the most respected and resilient defenders in modern English football. He has been through everything that the game can throw at a young player. Two anterior cruciate ligament injuries, the loss of his father just as his career was taking off, a rise from League Two to the Premier League in barely a year, an FA Cup victory at Leicester, an England senior cap, and now a fresh chapter at Leeds United where he is scoring big goals and playing a key role for his new club.

In 2026, at 28 years old, Justin is settling into life in West Yorkshire after his summer 2025 move from Leicester. He is one of the more experienced full backs in the Leeds dressing room, and he has already produced some of the biggest moments of his new club's Premier League season. This article walks through where he stands today, his net worth, his salary, his parents, his family life, his injury history, his transfer value, his nationality and heritage, and the questions people search for the most about him online.

Who is James Justin?

James Michael Justin was born on 23 February 1998 in Luton, Bedfordshire. He grew up local to Luton Town and attended Putteridge High School. After playing for the local side Crawley Green as a kid, he joined the Luton Town academy in 2005 at the age of seven and worked his way through the club's youth system. He was part of the Luton under 11 team that famously beat Bayern Munich 3-2 to win the Aarau Masters in 2009, a result that gives an idea of the talent level around him from an early age.

Justin was originally a central midfielder. He was called up to the Luton under 18 team as an under 16 due to injuries to others, but was asked to play at right back, and it stuck. That decision turned out to be the single most important tactical move of his career, because he has been a full back ever since. He signed his first professional contract on 4 November 2015, made his Luton senior debut in August 2016, and was named the club's Young Player of the Season at the end of his first season.

From there, his career has taken him to Leicester City, where he won the FA Cup squad medal in 2021, won the EFL Championship title in 2024, and earned his senior England cap in 2022. And now he has joined Leeds United for what should be the most exciting Premier League years of his career.

James Justin Career Overview

Justin spent four seasons at Luton Town, helping the club achieve back to back promotions from League Two to League One and then to the Championship. His rise was so quick that he went from League Two to the Premier League in just over a year. On 28 June 2019, Leicester City signed him on a five year contract for a fee that was reported to be a Luton club record of around 6 million pounds, with add ons that could rise the total to around 10 million pounds.

At Leicester, he established himself in the 2020 to 2021 Premier League season, scored his first league goal in a 4-2 win over Burnley, and was earning rave reviews from Brendan Rodgers. He played in the FA Cup run that ended with Leicester beating Chelsea in the final at Wembley, although a knee injury kept him out of the final itself. He picked up his FA Cup winners medal even though he was injured at the time.

After two ACL injuries between 2021 and 2023, he returned for the 2023 to 2024 Championship season and was a key part of the Leicester side that won the league title under Enzo Maresca. He made 39 appearances and earned widespread praise. He stayed for the 2024 to 2025 Premier League campaign, scoring four goals across 39 appearances including a brace at Arsenal in September 2024, before Leicester were relegated again.

On 25 August 2025, Leeds United signed him on a four year contract for a reported initial fee of 8 million pounds, with up to 2 million more in add ons. He made his Leeds debut on 30 August 2025 against Newcastle, scored his first Leeds goal on 11 January 2026 in a 3-1 FA Cup win over Derby County, and scored his first Premier League goal for the club on 26 January 2026 in a 1-1 draw with Everton, which was Leeds' first ever match at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

James Justin Net Worth in 2026

Icon Polls estimates that James Justin's net worth in 2026 sits between 22 million and 25 million US dollars. That figure has been built across more than nine years of professional football, including his early years at Luton Town, his six year spell at Leicester City on Premier League and Championship contracts, his current Leeds United deal, his England international match fees, and his image rights.

The biggest financial moments of his career so far have been his Leicester City contracts, including the long term extension he signed in February 2022 that ran until 2026, and his current four year deal at Leeds United. Premier League full back wages over that timeframe have made up the bulk of his career earnings, with bonuses tied to the 2021 FA Cup, the 2024 Championship title, and his England call up adding to the total.

Off the pitch, Justin is known for being family focused and humble. He has spoken openly in interviews about the influence of his late father Mick and the strength his family gave him through his ACL injuries. He keeps his lifestyle low key and uses social media mostly to share training updates and small glimpses of family life.

James Justin Salary and Contract in 2026

James Justin's exact weekly wage at Leeds United has not been publicly confirmed in detail, but given his Premier League experience and his role as a senior full back, his wage is estimated to be in the region of 50,000 to 70,000 pounds per week, which works out to roughly 2.6 million to 3.6 million pounds per year before bonuses.

His current contract was signed on 25 August 2025 and runs until 30 June 2029. The four year deal gives Leeds long term security with one of their most experienced and versatile defenders. He has been an important figure for Daniel Farke during the 2025 to 2026 season, alternating between right back and emergency centre back roles, providing leadership in the dressing room, and scoring big goals.

Icon Polls notes that Justin's contract was one of the smarter pieces of Leeds business in the summer of 2025. A 27 year old England international full back with Premier League and Championship promotion experience, available for a reported initial fee of 8 million pounds, is the kind of signing that ages well as a season unfolds.

James Justin's Parents

James Justin's father was Mick Justin, often known as Mike, who passed away in April 2020 just as James's career was starting to take off at Leicester City. Mick had been one of the strongest influences in James's life and was watching from the stands during a memorable performance against Watford shortly before he died. James has spoken in interviews about how his father's memory has given him remarkable strength through the most difficult moments of his career, including his two ACL injuries.

His mother is Carol Justin, who has continued to be a major source of support throughout her son's career. Together with James's sibling, the family bond runs deep, and James often credits his close knit upbringing for shaping the grounded, professional approach he brings to football.

James also has Saint Lucian roots through his family heritage, which is something he speaks about with real pride. That cultural connection forms part of his identity as a black English footballer with Caribbean heritage, a background shared by many British players past and present.

James Justin's Wife

As of 2026, James Justin is not officially married, although he has been in a long term relationship with his partner Laurel Sheppard for many years. The two have been together through some of the hardest moments of his career, including his two ACL injuries and the loss of his father in 2020. Justin has called Laurel one of his biggest supporters and has dedicated post match moments to her in the past.

Laurel is an English woman who has chosen to live a fairly private life away from the football spotlight. She is rarely seen at public events and does not maintain a large media profile, which fits with the way the Justin family handles its private life in general.

James and Laurel are parents to a son named Remi, who was born in early 2023. Justin has spoken in interviews about how fatherhood has changed his outlook, calling the experience amazing and saying it has given him fresh fuel for his career. Icon Polls notes that the combination of family stability, fatherhood, and the move to Leeds has clearly helped James enter what could be the most settled and productive phase of his career.

James Justin Injury History

Injuries have been one of the defining themes of James Justin's career. His first major setback came on 10 February 2021, when he came off in a 1-0 FA Cup win over Brighton and Hove Albion with a knee problem. The injury turned out to be a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament that ruled him out for the rest of the season and meant he missed Leicester's FA Cup final victory over Chelsea, although he still picked up his winners medal.

He returned to action in January 2022 after eleven months on the sidelines and looked to be back to his best form. He earned his first England senior call up in late May 2022 and made his debut against Hungary on 11 June 2022. The good news was short lived. In November 2022, during an EFL Cup match against Newport County in which he had just scored, he was stretchered off with another ruptured ACL. The second ACL injury ruled him out for the rest of the 2022 to 2023 season.

Since coming back from his second ACL injury, Justin has shown remarkable resilience. He played 39 times in the title winning Championship season at Leicester in 2023 to 2024, then 39 times again in the Premier League in 2024 to 2025. At Leeds in the 2025 to 2026 season, he has remained generally available, scoring his first FA Cup and Premier League goals for the club and proving that he has fully rebuilt his body and career. Icon Polls notes that his comeback from two ACL injuries is one of the most underrated stories of modern English football.

James Justin Transfer Value in 2026

James Justin's transfer market value in 2026 sits at around 15.2 million euros across the most respected football valuation platforms. That figure reflects his Premier League experience, his England cap, his versatility across both full back positions, and the time he has left on his current Leeds contract until June 2029.

His transfer history is one of steady upward progression. He joined Luton's academy at seven, signed his first pro contract in 2015, was sold to Leicester in 2019 for around 8 to 10 million pounds in total including add ons, and was then sold to Leeds in 2025 for another 8 to 10 million pounds in total. The fact that his value has remained at that level even after two ACL injuries is a testament to how good he is when fit.

Looking ahead, Justin is the kind of dependable full back that mid table Premier League and top Championship clubs always look for in the transfer market. With three years left on his Leeds contract from the summer of 2026 onwards, he is in a strong position, and his current valuation could even rise further if he continues to score and assist for Leeds and pushes for an England recall before the 2026 World Cup.

James Justin's Nationality

James Justin is English. He was born in Luton, Bedfordshire, attended school in the town, and came through the Luton Town academy from the age of seven. He has represented England at every level from under 19 through to the senior team. He played for the England under 19s, under 20s, and under 21s before earning his first senior call up in May 2022 ahead of the UEFA Nations League fixtures of that summer.

He made his senior England debut on 11 June 2022 in a 4-0 home defeat to Hungary at Molineux. Although his England career has been limited to a single senior cap so far, he has remained a regular topic of conversation in right back discussions, especially during periods when first choice options have been injured. He has spoken in interviews about how representing England was a dream come true for him and his family.

On top of his English nationality, James Justin has Saint Lucian heritage through his family. That Caribbean background is a point of pride for him and is part of a long tradition of Saint Lucian British footballers contributing to English football across multiple generations.

Frequently Asked Questions About James Justin

1. How old is James Justin in 2026?

James Justin is 28 years old in 2026. He was born on 23 February 1998 and turned 28 in February 2026.

2. What is James Justin's net worth in 2026?

Icon Polls estimates that James Justin's net worth in 2026 is between 22 million and 25 million US dollars, built from his Luton Town, Leicester City, and Leeds United contracts, plus England international match fees and image rights.

3. How much does James Justin earn per week?

James Justin's exact weekly wage at Leeds United has not been publicly confirmed. Based on his role and Premier League full back wage scales, his wage is estimated to be in the region of 50,000 to 70,000 pounds per week.

4. What club does James Justin play for?

James Justin plays for Leeds United in the Premier League. He joined the club on 25 August 2025 from Leicester City.

5. What position does James Justin play?

James Justin plays as a full back. He is mainly a right back but is comfortable on the left side too, and can also fill in as an emergency centre back.

6. What nationality is James Justin?

James Justin is English. He was born in Luton, Bedfordshire, came through the Luton Town academy, and has represented England at every level from under 19 to the senior team.

7. Who are James Justin's parents?

James Justin's father was Mick Justin, who passed away in April 2020, and his mother is Carol Justin. James has spoken in interviews about how his late father's memory has given him strength through some of the hardest moments of his career.

8. Is James Justin married?

James Justin is not officially married as of 2026. He has been in a long term relationship with his partner Laurel Sheppard, who has supported him through his ACL injuries and the loss of his father.

9. Does James Justin have children?

Yes. James Justin and his long term partner Laurel Sheppard have a son named Remi, who was born in early 2023. Justin has spoken about how becoming a father changed his outlook on football and life.

10. How tall is James Justin?

James Justin is 1.83 metres tall, which is around 6 feet 0 inches.

11. When does James Justin's contract expire?

James Justin's current contract with Leeds United expires on 30 June 2029. He signed his four year deal on 25 August 2025.

12. What was James Justin's transfer fee to Leeds?

Leeds United paid an initial 8 million pounds to sign James Justin from Leicester City on 25 August 2025, with up to 2 million pounds in add ons that could bring the total fee to around 10 million pounds.

13. What is James Justin's transfer value in 2026?

James Justin's transfer market value in 2026 sits at around 15.2 million euros across the major football valuation platforms.

14. Where was James Justin born?

James Justin was born on 23 February 1998 in Luton, Bedfordshire, England.

15. Has James Justin had injuries?

Yes. James Justin has had two anterior cruciate ligament injuries in his career, the first in February 2021 and the second in November 2022. He has fully recovered from both and has been a regular starter since the 2023 to 2024 season.

16. Has James Justin played for England?

Yes. James Justin made his senior England debut on 11 June 2022 in a 4-0 defeat to Hungary in a UEFA Nations League match at Molineux. He has earned one senior England cap.

17. What clubs has James Justin played for?

James Justin has played for Luton Town, Leicester City, and now Leeds United.

18. Did James Justin win the FA Cup?

Yes. James Justin was part of the Leicester City squad that won the FA Cup in May 2021, beating Chelsea in the final at Wembley. He was injured at the time of the final but received his winners medal as part of the squad.

19. Did James Justin win the Championship?

Yes. James Justin was a key player in the Leicester City side that won the EFL Championship title in the 2023 to 2024 season under Enzo Maresca, making 39 appearances during the campaign.

20. What is James Justin's heritage?

James Justin has English nationality and Saint Lucian heritage through his family. He has spoken publicly about being proud of his Caribbean background.

21. Did James Justin score for Leeds vs Everton?

Yes. James Justin scored his first Premier League goal for Leeds United on 26 January 2026 in the 28th minute of a 1-1 draw against Everton, which was Leeds' first ever match at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

22. What is James Justin's shirt number at Leeds?

James Justin wears the number 2 shirt for Leeds United.

23. What makes James Justin stand out as a player?

James Justin stands out for his versatility across both full back positions, his attacking quality from overlapping runs, his recovery from two ACL injuries, his composure on the ball, and his quiet leadership inside the dressing room. His resilience and family driven character make him one of the most respected modern English defenders.

James Justin's story is one of resilience, family, and quiet determination. From the Luton Town academy, to two ACL injuries, to the loss of his father, to an FA Cup, a Championship title, an England cap, and now to a new chapter at Leeds United, he has earned every honour in his career through hard work and the kind of mental strength that few footballers ever have to develop. In 2026, with his son Remi at home, his partner Laurel beside him, and a four year contract at Elland Road, he is finally in the most settled chapter of his life.

Icon Polls believes that James Justin's best years are still ahead of him. He has the experience, the versatility, the leadership profile, and the personal stability to play at Premier League level for several more seasons. If he keeps producing the kind of moments that he has already given Leeds fans this season, more England recognition and bigger career milestones could still be ahead.