Introduction
Todd Cantwell is an English professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Blackburn Rovers. As of August 2026, he remains part of Blackburn’s first-team setup and is the club captain.
He first became widely known at Norwich City, where he progressed from the academy into Premier League football. He later played for Rangers in Scotland before returning to England with Blackburn Rovers in August 2024.
Cantwell has also represented England at youth international level.
Todd Cantwell Quick Bio
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Todd Owen Cantwell |
| Date of Birth | 27 February 1998 |
| Age | 28 years old |
| Birthplace | Dereham, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Profession | Professional footballer |
| Position | Attacking midfielder |
| Current Club | Blackburn Rovers |
| Current Role | Club captain |
| Former Major Clubs | Norwich City, Rangers |
| Loan Clubs | Fortuna Sittard, AFC Bournemouth |
| International Level | England youth teams |
Who Is Todd Cantwell?
Todd Cantwell is a professional footballer from Dereham in Norfolk, England.
He is mainly an attacking midfielder but has also played in wider attacking positions.
Cantwell became familiar to many football supporters during his time with Norwich City. His Premier League appearances, goals and distinctive playing style brought him wider attention.
His career has since included football in England, the Netherlands and Scotland.
Readers interested in another English midfielder can also read about Jay Matete and his football career.
Early Life and Football Development
Cantwell grew up in Norfolk and developed through the Norwich City academy.
Norwich gave him the opportunity to progress from youth football into the professional game.
He made his senior Norwich City debut in January 2018 during an FA Cup match against Chelsea.
Shortly afterward, he moved to Dutch side Fortuna Sittard on loan.
The loan gave him valuable experience of senior football before he returned to Norwich and became a more regular member of the first team.
Todd Cantwell at Norwich City
Norwich City was the club where Cantwell established his name in English football.
During the 2018–19 season, he became part of a Norwich team competing near the top of the Championship.
Norwich finished the season as Championship winners and earned promotion to the Premier League.
Cantwell then received regular opportunities in England’s top division.
Premier League Breakthrough
The 2019–20 season was an important stage in Cantwell’s career.
He became a regular Premier League player for Norwich and scored several goals.
One of his most memorable moments came against Manchester City in September 2019.
Norwich produced a surprise 3–2 victory over the defending Premier League champions, and Cantwell scored during the match.
He finished the league season with six Premier League goals.
Although Norwich were relegated, Cantwell had established himself as a recognised top-flight player.
Second Norwich Promotion
Norwich responded strongly after returning to the Championship.
The club won the division again during the 2020–21 season and secured another promotion to the Premier League.
Cantwell was therefore part of Norwich’s two Championship-winning squads in:
- 2018–19
- 2020–21
These promotions remain important achievements from the early part of his career.
AFC Bournemouth Loan
Cantwell joined AFC Bournemouth on loan during the second half of the 2021–22 season.
Bournemouth were fighting for promotion from the Championship at the time.
The club eventually secured promotion to the Premier League.
Cantwell’s Bournemouth spell was relatively short, and he later returned to Norwich.
Todd Cantwell at Rangers
Cantwell’s career changed direction in January 2023 when he moved from Norwich City to Rangers.
The move took him into Scottish football and gave him the opportunity to compete for one of Scotland’s biggest clubs.
He became a regular first-team player and contributed both goals and creative play from midfield.
Cantwell made his 50th competitive Rangers appearance in February 2024 and marked the occasion by scoring against Aberdeen.
Todd Cantwell’s Rangers Trophy
Cantwell was part of the Rangers team that won the Scottish League Cup during the 2023–24 season.
Rangers defeated Aberdeen 1–0 in the final at Hampden Park in December 2023.
Cantwell started the match and collected a winner’s medal.
The trophy became one of the major honours of his professional career.
Why Did Todd Cantwell Leave Rangers?
Cantwell’s situation at Rangers changed during the summer of 2024.
Manager Philippe Clement publicly confirmed that Cantwell wanted a new challenge.
A transfer was eventually arranged, and Cantwell returned to English football.
Rangers announced his permanent departure to Blackburn Rovers on 30 August 2024.
The official transfer fee was not publicly disclosed by the clubs.
Todd Cantwell at Blackburn Rovers
Cantwell joined Blackburn Rovers in August 2024.
The move brought him back to the English Championship and gave him another opportunity to become an important first-team player.
He gradually became one of Blackburn’s key attacking midfielders.
His first Championship season with Rovers included goals and assists, and his role within the squad continued to grow.
Becoming Blackburn Rovers Captain
Cantwell’s importance at Blackburn increased further when he was given the captain’s armband.
He eventually became Blackburn Rovers’ permanent club captain.
The leadership role represented a major change from earlier stages of his career.
Rather than simply being an attacking player, Cantwell became responsible for helping lead the team on the pitch.
Todd Cantwell Current Club
As of August 2026, Todd Cantwell’s current club is Blackburn Rovers.
He is also Blackburn’s captain.
Tony Mowbray returned to manage Blackburn ahead of the 2026–27 season, and Cantwell spoke positively about the experienced coach during pre-season.
His comments showed that he remained involved in Blackburn’s plans ahead of the new Championship campaign.
Important Goal Against Birmingham City
Cantwell produced an important moment for Blackburn near the end of the 2025–26 season.
On 3 April 2026, he scored the winning goal as Blackburn defeated Birmingham City 1–0.
The result helped Blackburn move further away from the Championship relegation places.
A Sky Sports report on Blackburn’s win over Birmingham confirmed that captain Cantwell scored the decisive second-half goal.
Todd Cantwell Injury
Cantwell’s 2025–26 season was interrupted by injury.
A knee problem kept him away from first-team football for part of the campaign.
Blackburn later confirmed that he was getting closer to returning, and he eventually came back into the team.
His goal against Birmingham showed that he was capable of making an important contribution after returning.
England Youth Career
Cantwell has represented England at youth international level.
He played for England at several age groups, including:
- England Under-17
- England Under-19
- England Under-21
He received an England U21 call-up after establishing himself in Norwich City’s Premier League team.
Cantwell has not established a senior England international career.
What Position Does Todd Cantwell Play?
Todd Cantwell mainly plays as an attacking midfielder.
He can operate centrally behind the forwards but can also move into wider areas.
His role generally involves:
- Carrying the ball forward
- Creating attacking opportunities
- Linking midfield and attack
- Delivering passes into dangerous areas
- Taking set pieces
- Scoring goals from midfield
His ability to play in different attacking positions has allowed managers to use him in several roles.
For another football-related profile, readers can explore Shaun Fagan’s football career and journey.
Todd Cantwell Career Achievements
Norwich City
Cantwell was part of Norwich City’s Championship-winning squads in:
- 2018–19
- 2020–21
Both seasons ended with promotion to the Premier League.
AFC Bournemouth
He spent part of Bournemouth’s successful 2021–22 Championship promotion campaign on loan.
Rangers
Cantwell won the Scottish League Cup with Rangers during the 2023–24 season.
Blackburn Rovers
He established himself as an important first-team player before becoming Blackburn Rovers captain.
Why Is Todd Cantwell Famous?
Todd Cantwell is famous mainly because of his professional football career.
He is particularly known for:
- Developing through Norwich City’s academy
- Playing in the Premier League
- Winning two Championship titles with Norwich
- Scoring against Manchester City
- Representing England at youth level
- Playing for Rangers
- Winning the Scottish League Cup
- Joining Blackburn Rovers
- Becoming Blackburn captain
These achievements have made him a familiar name to football fans in England and Scotland.
Todd Cantwell Career Timeline
2018
Cantwell made his senior Norwich City debut and later joined Fortuna Sittard on loan.
2018–19
He became part of Norwich City’s Championship-winning team.
2019–20
Cantwell established himself in the Premier League and scored six league goals.
2020–21
Norwich won another Championship title and returned to the Premier League.
2022
Cantwell joined AFC Bournemouth on loan during their promotion-winning campaign.
January 2023
He left Norwich and joined Rangers.
December 2023
Cantwell won the Scottish League Cup with Rangers.
August 2024
He left Rangers and joined Blackburn Rovers permanently.
2025
Cantwell’s role at Blackburn increased and he became club captain.
April 2026
He scored the winning goal against Birmingham City during Blackburn’s fight for Championship survival.
2026–27
Cantwell entered the new season as a Blackburn Rovers player and captain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Todd Cantwell?
Todd Cantwell is an English professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Blackburn Rovers.
How old is Todd Cantwell?
Todd Cantwell was born on 27 February 1998, making him 28 years old as of August 2026.
Where was Todd Cantwell born?
He was born in Dereham, Norfolk, England.
What is Todd Cantwell’s current club?
Todd Cantwell currently plays for Blackburn Rovers.
Is Todd Cantwell Blackburn Rovers captain?
Yes. Cantwell is Blackburn Rovers captain as of the latest available 2026 information.
What position does Todd Cantwell play?
He mainly plays as an attacking midfielder but can also operate in wider attacking positions.
Did Todd Cantwell play for Norwich City?
Yes. Norwich City developed Cantwell through its academy, and he later became a senior first-team player.
Did Todd Cantwell play for Rangers?
Yes. Cantwell joined Rangers in January 2023 and remained there until his move to Blackburn in August 2024.
Has Todd Cantwell played in the Premier League?
Yes. He played Premier League football for Norwich City.
Has Todd Cantwell played for England?
Cantwell represented England at youth level, including the England Under-21 team.
What trophies has Todd Cantwell won?
His major team achievements include two Championship titles with Norwich City and the Scottish League Cup with Rangers.
Final Words
Todd Cantwell has built a football career across several clubs and competitions.
He started at Norwich City, developed into a Premier League player, gained loan experience with Fortuna Sittard and Bournemouth, moved to Rangers and later returned to England with Blackburn Rovers.
His career has included promotion celebrations, Premier League football, a Scottish trophy and England youth appearances.
As of August 2026, Cantwell remains an active Blackburn Rovers midfielder and the club captain as he enters another Championship season.
