What happened to David Batty, who shook off penalty miss against Argentina?
England midfielder David Batty quickly shook off his penalty miss against Argentina in 1998. As the two teams prepare to meet in the World Cup knockout stage again, BBC Sport asks: what happened to him?
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"I don't think anyone has seen him since we played together."
— Mark Viduka , Athlete
"It was clear from day one that he would never go into coaching, for example, and never seek that as a route back into football."
— Hayden Evans , Other
"We have tried to get him to the dos we have had, but nobody can get hold of him."
— Mark Atkins , Athlete
Key People
Carlos Roa is an Argentine goalkeeper famous for saving David Batty's penalty in the 1998 World Cup.
David Batty is a former England midfielder known for his participation in the 1998 World Cup.
David O'Leary is a former manager associated with Leeds United.
Hayden Evans is David Batty's friend and agent.
Mark Atkins is a former midfielder who played with David Batty at Blackburn Rovers.
Mark Viduka is a former Australian striker and former teammate of David Batty.
Rio Ferdinand is a former England defender and teammate of David Batty.
All Coverage
England midfielder David Batty quickly shook off his penalty miss against Argentina in 1998. As the two teams prepare to meet in the World Cup knockout stage again, BBC Sport asks: what happened to him?
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Weekly sports quiz: What was odd about Messi's Argentina debut?
How much attention have you paid to what has happened in the world of sport over the past seven days?
October 8, 2026 at 06:18 AMKane scores twice but who else was a 'real threat'? England player ratings
Senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel rates the England players after Tuesday's 3-0 win against the Czech Republic.
October 6, 2026 at 08:42 PMSpain rally to beat Croatia, Kane shines for England in Nations League - Reuters
Spain rally to beat Croatia, Kane shines for England in Nations League Reuters
October 6, 2026 at 09:37 PMKane's rise from childhood keeper to equalling England cap record
Harry Kane reaches another significant England milestone by equalling Peter Shilton's record as the most-capped Three Lions player that he has held for 36 years.
October 6, 2026 at 07:15 PMTottenham grab a draw but who got 1/10 - Ratings for Man Utd v Spurs
Tottenham score an injury-time equaliser against Manchester United after Rodrigo Bentancur was sent off for headbutting Luke Shaw.
October 10, 2026 at 06:46 PMEngland's greatest international? Kane is now a serious contender
With Harry Kane set to equal Peter Shilton's all-time England appearance record, where does he rank among England greats?
October 5, 2026 at 07:05 PM