*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 21:50, 29 December 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 13:00, 12 October 2024 (UTC)
Trafford began his career with Cockermouth and Carlisle United, signing with Manchester City in August 2015 at the age of 12.[4] At Carlisle he began as a midfielder but volunteered to become a goalkeeper at age nine.[6]
He moved on loan to Accrington Stanley in July 2021.[7] This loan was later described as "challenging" due to injuries and losing his first-team place.[6]
Trafford signed on loan for Bolton Wanderers on 13 January 2022, until the end of the 2021–22 season.[8] He kept four clean sheets in his first four games, the first time a goalkeeper had done so in Bolton's entire history.[9][10][5]
On 15 June 2022, Trafford rejoined Bolton on loan for a further season.[11][12] In July 2022, he signed a new five-year contract with Manchester City.[13] By October he was noted for his clean sheets,[14] and Trafford broke Bolton's record for consecutive home clean sheets on 4 February, with the 1–0 win over Cheltenham Town being his eighth in a row.[15][16][17] He was able to extend the record to nine,[18][5] though was unable to have it reach double figures as on 25 February he conceded against Port Vale in a 2–1 win, the first time since 2 December.[19] On 2 April, he started in the 2023 EFL Trophy final and kept a clean sheet in 4–0 win against Plymouth Argyle.[20] Trafford's clean sheet in a 1–0 win against Shrewbury Town on 22 April was his 25th of the season, which broke the record for the most clean sheets by a Bolton goalkeeper in one season.[21][22] He finished the season with a total of 26 clean sheets.[5] He helped Bolton qualify for the play-offs, though they were defeated by Barnsley in the semi-finals.[23] He was voted as Bolton's Young Player of the Year for the 2022–23 season, together with Conor Bradley.[24][25] His performances during the season saw him named in the PFA Team of the Year for League One.[26] He said his time at Bolton turned him from a "long, skinny boy" into a "long, skinny man".[27]
Burnley
On 3 July 2023, it was announced that a £15 million transfer fee had been agreed between Manchester City and Burnley for Trafford.[28] With add-ons, the deal could reach a total of £19 million — which if met would break Burnley's transfer record.[5] On 20 July 2023, Trafford's move to Burnley was officially completed.[29][30] Due to their sell-on clause, Carlisle United got 15% of the fee for around £2.25m.[31] He became the third most expensive British goalkeeper in history.[32]
He made his Burnley and Premier League debut on 11 August 2023, in a 3–0 home defeat to his former club Manchester City.[33] He earned high praise after Man of the Match performance in a 1–1 draw against Brighton & Hove Albion on 9 December in which he made 10 saves.[34][35]
On 14 June 2023, Trafford was included in the England squad for the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship.[41] He did not concede a goal during the tournament in six matches,[5] the first time a goalkeeper had done this in the tournament's history,[42] and saved a stoppage-time penalty and its rebound in the final against Spain as England won the game 1–0.[43] His mentality was praised by England under-21 manager Lee Carsley.[44] It was later reported that Trafford had told friends that he would save a penalty that game.[32]
Following an injury to Sam Johnstone in March 2024, Trafford received his first call up to the senior squad for a friendly against Belgium.[45][46] He was selected to England's provisional 33-member squad for Euro 2024.[47] On 6 June 2024, he was dropped from the final 26-man squad.[48]
