What happened to David Batty, who shook off penalty miss against Argentina?

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. What happened to David Batty, who shook off penalty miss against Argentina? Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, David Batty won 42 caps for EnglandByCiaran Kelly Football reporterPublished7 January 2026Updated 4 hours agoFew players take their first penalty as a professional at a World Cup, but that was exactly the situation David Batty found himself in back in 1998. England's breathless last-16 tie against Argentina had gone to a shootout and it fell to the midfielder to keep his side in the tournament with the fifth spot-kick.

The country held its breath as Batty stepped up, only for goalkeeper Carlos Roa to make the save to send Argentina through. Rather than collapsing to the turf in tears, or pulling his shirt over his face, Batty held his head high. When he emerged from the dressing room that night, he even questioned why his friend and agent, Hayden Evans, had come down from the stands to check on him.

The Details

It was as if nothing had happened. It was only when a fast food company later wanted Batty to feature in an advert campaign making light of his penalty miss that he showed his feelings. The angry Yorkshireman did not want to profit off the disappointment of those who had travelled out to the World Cup.

No wonder he was a cult figure with supporters. As England prepare to meet Argentina in the knockout stage of the World Cup once more, we revisit a piece about Batty's enduring popularity and his low-key retirement. England v ArgentinaFifa World Cup 2026 semi-final15 July, 20:00 BST Watch on iPlayer Listen on SoundsWatch live on One and iPlayer (UHD coverage available) from 19:00 BST.

Listen to build-up and full match commentary on Radio 5 Live and Sounds from 18:00 BST. Follow TV and radio coverage, plus live text updates, in-play video clips, post-match highlights and analysis on the Sport website and app. 'I don't think anyone has seen him since we played'Dozens of phones buzzed across the globe last December.

What Experts Say

Rio Ferdinand, Mark Viduka, Jason Wilcox, even former manager David O'Leary were among those alerted to new messages in their Leeds United WhatsApp group. It was Batty's 57th birthday. Only no-one who shared a dressing room with the ex-midfielder had the slightest idea where he was.

"I don't think anyone has seen him since we played together," Viduka said. "Everyone was wishing him happy birthday – but he's not even in the group. "To say Batty has kept a low profile since retiring in 2004 would be an understatement.

A series of amusing rumours have spread over the years as a result, amid claims Batty has become a superbike champion under a fake name, trained to be a master butcher and gone off grid to live in a caravan. The reality is a little different, but this was someone who was never going to stay involved with the game. Batty's agent, Evans, knew that better than most.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.