David Ornstein Biography: Wife, Age, Salary, Net Worth, Height, Parents, Career, Awards

David Ornstein is a British sports journalist, widely regarded as one of the most reliable sources for football news, particularly in the Premier League.

As a football correspondent for The Athletic since October 2019, he is celebrated for his exclusive transfer scoops, in-depth features, and insider insights, earning the nickname “The Ornacle” among fans for his near-prophetic accuracy.

Previously a sports correspondent at the BBC for 12 years, Ornstein’s meticulous reporting and extensive network have made him a trusted figure in sports media, with accolades including the SJA Sportswriter of the Year in 2024 and 2025.

Profile

• Full Name: David Ornstein
• Stage Name: David Ornstein
• Born: 28 August, 1980
• Age: 44 years old
• Birthplace: London, United Kingdom
• Nationality: British
• Occupation: Sports Journalist
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Mr. and Mrs. Ornstein
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: None
• Children: None
• Relationship: Single
• Net Worth: $3 million

Early Life and Education

David Ornstein was born on August 28, 1980 in London, United Kingdom, to parents whose names are not publicly known. Information about his siblings is unknown.

His passion for sports, particularly football, emerged early, leading him to trial for a year at Chelsea’s youth academy, though he did not secure a place.

Academically, he struggled, admitting to failing school exams due to his focus on becoming a professional athlete. Ornstein later attended Bournemouth University, graduating with a degree in Journalism in 2006. His ethnicity is British, and his religious beliefs are not publicly known.

Career

David Ornstein began his journalism career as a trainee at The Guardian, followed by a brief stint as an intern at Hayters Teamwork. He joined the BBC in October 2007 as a broadcast journalist, initially covering general sports before specializing in football.

Over 12 years, he rose to sports correspondent, building a reputation for accuracy and earning a cult following among Arsenal fans for his reliable transfer updates. His concise, fact-checked reports, often shared via Twitter, distinguished him in a field rife with rumors, laying the foundation for his nickname “The Ornacle.”

In October 2019, Ornstein joined The Athletic, a subscription-based platform, as a flagship hire for its UK expansion. His role expanded beyond transfer news to include in-depth features and columns like “Ornstein on Monday,” offering insights into club boardrooms and player negotiations.

Notable scoops include breaking news of Dan Ashworth’s departure from Manchester United and investigative work on allegations by former Fulham women’s players against Mohamed Al-Fayed, which he cited as his proudest career moment.

His work earned him the SJA Football News Reporter award in 2023 and 2024, and the prestigious John Bromley Trophy for Sportswriter of the Year in 2024 and 2025.

Currently, Ornstein remains a leading voice at The Athletic, delivering exclusive stories on transfers, such as Manchester United’s £71 million deal for Bryan Mbeumo and Arsenal’s pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres in 2025.

His weekly podcast appearances, YouTube show The Athletic’s Week in Football, and columns continue to shape football discourse. Ornstein’s commitment to accuracy over speed, as emphasized in a 2025 SJA interview, and his mentorship of young journalists underscore his influence.

His coverage of sensitive issues, like the Fulham allegations, reflects his ability to handle impactful stories with sensitivity, solidifying his legacy as a trusted journalist.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @david_ornstein
• Facebook Handle: David Ornstein
• Twitter Handle: @David_Ornstein

Personal Life

David Ornstein is single and keeps his personal life private, focusing on his demanding career. Based in London, he travels frequently for work, covering tournaments and breaking news.

Net Worth

David Ornstein has an estimated net worth of $3 million USD. His income is derived from his role as a football correspondent at The Athletic, where he earns a substantial salary, supplemented by appearances on The Athletic Football Podcast, YouTube content, and speaking engagements.

His 12-year tenure at the BBC and freelance work for outlets like the Sunday Telegraph and Evening Standard also contributed to his wealth.