Vinnie Jones would really love to see his rags-to-riches life story turned into a movie as he talks about his Netflix documentary.
From working on building sites to winning at Wembley and making it big in Hollywood, Vinnie Jones’ incredible journey is truly movie-worthy.
Known as the tough guy on the football field, Jones began at Non-League Wealdstone before gaining fame with Wimbledon’s infamous ‘Crazy Gang.’ He helped them pull off a stunning win against Liverpool in the 1988 FA Cup final.
He later played for Leeds United, Sheffield United, Chelsea, and Queens Park Rangers after returning to Wimbledon for a second spell. But his biggest success came when he switched to acting, starring in Guy Ritchie hits like ‘Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels’ and ‘Snatch.’ He shared the screen with stars such as Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie, Nicolas Cage, Hugh Jackman, and many more.
More than 20 years later, Vinnie is still going strong. “I’d love to make my story into a movie while I’m still alive so I can say, ‘Yeah, I really did it!’” he told SPORTbible in an exclusive interview.
“In 1985, I was at Wembley watching a cup final with my jeans falling down because I couldn’t even afford the bus fare. Then, just a few years later, I was playing there myself. That’s the real turnaround.
“I’m not big on looking back—I just keep moving forward. Sometimes I wish I’d stop and enjoy it more.
“I remember the Snatch premiere in America with Quentin Tarantino and all the big names. Then the next day I’m back in line at Starbucks, and no one cares! It’s crazy. One night your arm’s being raised by Hollywood legends, the next, you’re just another person in line.”
For now, the ‘Gentlemen’ star is featured in a new Netflix documentary as part of their ‘Untold’ sports series, alongside stories about Jamie Vardy, Liverpool’s ‘Miracle of Istanbul,’ and Jose Mourinho.
Jones has even been named the “official head coach” of the “Netflix Sports Club” to promote upcoming sports content. He also starred in a promo film with the tagline, “We don’t play the same.”
Besides acting, Jones coached football in the movies ‘Mean Machine’ and ‘She’s the Man’ and even created a Hollywood All-Stars team, winning seven out of eight semi-pro league titles in LA.
He was assistant manager at QPR and nearly became their manager. But when Hollywood called, he knew what to do. “Ray Harford got sacked, and I was next in line for the manager’s spot. Then I got a call from America for ‘Gone in 60 Seconds.’ The club had to buy me out of my contract. It was my choice.
“If I’m honest, I thought acting might be a one-time thing and that I could always return to football management. But the career I’ve had? No regrets. You have to follow where life takes you.”
Jones admires Jamie Vardy, another player who rose from Non-League football to Premier League stardom with Leicester City. Vardy’s story, like Jones’s, is also featured in the ‘Untold’ Netflix series.
“Vardy came through Non-League just like I did,” Jones said. “There are many players from there—Stuart Pearce, Ian Wright, me, and now Vardy. He won the FA Cup and league — a great story.
“We’re different people, but our journeys have similarities. Every week, I’d check Leicester’s results to see if Vardy scored.”
Known for his tough playing style, Jones was sent off 12 times during his career. You might think he wouldn’t survive today’s game with VAR and all the cameras, but he disagrees.
“I’d have adapted. Before Wimbledon, I was more of a player; Dave Bassett turned me into a bit of a rogue. I’m like a chameleon—I would have found a way. Look at the goal I scored against Hull for Leeds; it was one of the best in 30 years.
“I wasn’t just about hard tackles; I played alongside legends like Glenn Hoddle, who was my idol because he could pass beautifully.”
You can watch ‘Untold UK: Vinnie Jones’ exclusively on Netflix from 26 May.