Harry Cooksley: From Football Pitch to Love Island Fame

The name Harry Cooksley resonates in two very different worlds – professional football and reality television. Known as a talented midfielder with a unique career path through English, Spanish, and Austrian football, he has also captured the public’s attention by appearing on Love Island UK. Beyond his sporting and television ventures, Harry has balanced professional roles in recruitment, finance, and even entrepreneurship. His journey represents a modern blend of athletic determination, business acumen, and media presence.

This article explores Harry Cooksley’s background, football statistics, Love Island journey, business career, and personal life, creating a complete picture of a man who has successfully transitioned between multiple fields.

Early Life and Background

Birth and Childhood

Harry Edward Cooksley was born on 15 November 1994 in Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom. Growing up in England, football was always at the centre of his life. By the age of eight, he was already part of the Reading youth academy, setting the foundations for a career in the sport.

Education

Cooksley pursued his academic and sporting ambitions in the United States. He studied at Limestone University, where he played NCAA Division II football before transferring to St. John’s University, New York. There, he became a standout player and eventually captain of the soccer team. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Economics in 2018.

His combination of education and sport highlights his discipline and adaptability – qualities that have defined his later career moves.

Harry Cooksley Football Career

Youth and Early Professional Debut

Cooksley progressed through the academies of Reading and Queens Park Rangers, gaining valuable experience before stepping into professional football. His first taste of senior football came at Aldershot Town, where he made his debut in League Two.

A short stint followed at AFC Wimbledon, although first-team opportunities were limited. Still, this phase shaped his resilience and hunger for further challenges.

European Ventures – Spain and Austria

In 2018, Harry made the bold move abroad, signing with RCD Mallorca in Spain. Playing for Mallorca B, he gained exposure to a different style of football and international competition. His time in Spain was followed by a transfer to FC Pinzgau Saalfelden in Austria. Between 2019 and 2021, he became an integral part of the Austrian side, sharpening his midfield creativity and tactical awareness.

Return to England – Farnborough & Farnham Town

Upon returning to England, Harry joined Farnborough Football Club in 2021, where he remained until early 2023. His performances there, and later at Farnham Town, earned him the affectionate nickname “The Surrey Zidane”, a tribute to his elegant style of play.

At Farnham Town, he played a pivotal role in the club’s back-to-back promotions and record-breaking winning streaks, cementing his reputation in the English lower leagues.

Harry Cooksley Stats and Achievements

• Position: Midfielder (central/attacking).

• Height: 1.91 m (6’3″) – a commanding presence on the field.

• College Stats:

  • Limestone College: 37 appearances, 17 goals.

  • St. John’s University: Consistently influential, scoring decisive goals and earning Big East honours.

• Professional Career Highlights:

  • Senior debut for Aldershot Town at just 18.

  • Played abroad in Spain and Austria, rare achievements for English lower-league players.

  • Key contributor to Farnham Town’s promotion run between 2023 and 2025.

Harry Cooksley Love Island Journey

Reality TV Appearance

In June 2025, Harry was announced as a contestant on Love Island UK Season 12. Entering as a semi-professional footballer and model, he quickly became one of the most talked-about Islanders.

Partner and Runner-Up Finish

Harry formed a connection with Shakira Khan during the series. Their chemistry carried them all the way to the finale, where they finished as runners-up. The exposure catapulted him into the limelight beyond football, turning him into a household name with a strong social media following.

Public Persona

Fans admired his charisma, confidence, and humour, while his mother, Julia, even gained attention for her light-hearted comments on his antics inside the villa. The transition from football to reality TV made him an example of how athletes can diversify their careers in the entertainment era.

Business and Professional Career

Catch Resource Management

Between July 2022 and July 2024, Harry worked as a Recruitment Consultant at Catch Resource Management in Farnham. There, he honed his skills in sales, new business development, and recruitment, proving his ability to thrive outside sport.

Zivi London

In January 2022, Harry co-founded Zivi London, a start-up focused on premium nicotine pouches. The brand grew rapidly, with products stocked in over 30 UK stores. His involvement demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit and willingness to explore innovative industries.

Financial Analyst at BCA UK

From August 2021 to August 2022, he worked as a Financial Analyst at BCA UK, specialising in credit risk management, customer retention, and experience. Balancing financial analysis alongside football illustrated his versatility and commitment to personal growth.

Personal Life

Age and Height

• Age: 30 (born 15 November 1994).

• Height: 1.91 m (6’3″).

Parents

Harry’s parents are Julia and Steve Cooksley, both supportive yet humourously vocal about his ventures. Julia, in particular, became known among fans during his Love Island appearance.

Partner

As of 2025, Harry is not married. His most notable public relationship is with Shakira Khan, his Love Island partner.

Harry Cooksley Today

In 2025, Harry Cooksley stands as a multi-dimensional personality:

• A professional footballer leading Farnham Town’s promotion campaigns.

• A reality TV star, gaining national recognition through Love Island.

• An entrepreneur, co-founder of Zivi London.

• A business professional, with roles in recruitment and finance on his CV.

His ability to transition smoothly across industries shows remarkable adaptability. He represents a generation of professionals who no longer fit into a single career box but instead embrace opportunities wherever they arise.

Conclusion

The story of Harry Cooksley is not just about football or reality TV. It is about resilience, adaptability, and the pursuit of opportunities across multiple fields. From captaining a university soccer team in New York to scoring goals in Austria, from launching a start-up in London to winning hearts on Love Island, Harry has consistently reinvented himself.

At 30 years old, with a diverse portfolio of experiences, he embodies the modern athlete-entrepreneur. Whether on the pitch, in the office, or on television, Harry Cooksley continues to surprise and inspire, proving that success is no longer limited to one path.

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