Frank James Lampard (born 20 June 1978) is an English professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder for Chelsea and the England national team. He was voted England Player of the Year for two consecutive years in 2004 and 2005. He was top scorer for England in their successful 2006 World Cup qualifying campaign with five goals, and played in the 2006 World Cup. He had to wait until the 1997-98 season to score his first West Ham goal, against Barnsley. in this season he scored his first goals in European competition, in the Intertoto and UEFA Cups. After the sacking of his father and uncle Harry Redknapp (the assistant manager and manager of West Ham respectively), Lampard left West Ham United for Chelsea for £11 million, the Hammers having previously declined a £15 million joint bid from Aston Villa for Lampard and Frederic Kanoute.

In 2001, he moved to rival London club Chelsea for £11 million. He signed a new contract in 2008, becoming the highest paid Premier League footballer at that time, and scored in his first Champions League Final that same year. He has had over 1400 successful passes and 10 or more assists every season. Joining the youth team in 1994, he had secured a place in the first team by the 1997-98 season.