Joseph William John Taylor (born 18 November 2002) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for EFL League One club, Wigan Athletic, on loan from fellow club Huddersfield Town and is a Wales under-21 international.
Taylor began his career in the academy at Norwich City, before being released at the age of 15. Taylor signed for King's Lynn Town at the age of 16.
Taylor signed a one-year contract extension King's Lynn in December 2020. Taylor joined Eastern Counties League Premier Division club Wroxham on loan ahead of the 2021âÂÂ22 season, making his debut on the opening day against Walsham-le-Willows. In his first home match, Taylor scored a hat-trick as his side thrashed Thetford Town 7âÂÂ2. In October 2021, Taylor was recalled by King's Lynn after scoring 21 goals in just thirteen appearances and made his National League debut off of the bench in a 1âÂÂ0 home defeat to Solihull Moors.
On 15 November 2021, Taylor joined Championship club Peterborough United for an undisclosed fee on a two-and-a-half-year deal, initially joining up with the club's under-23 squad. In December 2021, it was reported that Taylor had been impressing in the under-23 squad and would begin training with the first-team. After scoring a hat-trick in a Premier League Cup quarter-final victory against Charlton Athletic, Taylor made his first-team debut four days later on 8 March 2022 in a 1âÂÂ1 draw with second-placed AFC Bournemouth.
He scored his first goal for Peterborough in an EFL Cup win over Plymouth Argyle on 10 August 2022.
On 31 January 2023, Taylor signed for Championship club Luton Town for an undisclosed fee.
TaylorâÂÂs appearance in the 2022/23 Championship Play-Off Final on 27 May 2023 is regarded as one of the most dramatic cameos in Wembley history. Entering the match at the interval of extra time (106th minute) to replace an injured Elijah Adebayo, Taylor experienced a "100 to zero" emotional rollercoaster within just 15 minutes of play.
The Disallowed "Winner"
In the 116th minute, with the score tied at 1âÂÂ1, Taylor capitalised on a heavy touch by Coventry defender Jonathan Panzo. He robbed the ball, sprinted through on goal, and slotted a low finish past goalkeeper Ben Wilson, sparking wild celebrations from the Luton bench and fans.
However, VAR intervened and correctly ruled that the ball had ricocheted off Taylor's hand as he dispossessed Panzo, causing the goal to be disallowed for handball. Taylor later admitted he knew it had hit his hand but felt the decision was "harsh" given it was a ricochet.
Penalty Shootout Heroics
Despite the heartbreak of the disallowed goal, Taylor refocused for the subsequent penalty shootout. He stepped up to take Luton's second penalty and scored confidently, helping the team maintain a perfect record of 6-for-6 in the shootout. Luton eventually won 6âÂÂ5 on penalties to secure promotion to the Premier League.
On 5 August 2023, Taylor signed for League Two club Colchester United on a season-long loan. He was recalled from his loan on 8 January 2024.
On 9 January 2024, Taylor signed for League One club Lincoln City for the remainder of the season. He made his debut the following weekend in the 1âÂÂ1 draw against Wycombe Wanderers. He scored his first goal against Exeter City on 17 February 2024 to secure a 1âÂÂ0 win. He won the EFL League One Player of the Month and the EFL Young Player of the Month for March 2024, following 6 goals and an assist which included his first professional hat-trick in the 5âÂÂ0 win over Bristol Rovers. He would win Lincoln City's Golden Boot, after scoring 10 goals in his 19 games for the club.
On 10 January 2025, Taylor signed for League One club Huddersfield Town on a four-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee. He scored on his debut in a draw away to Blackpool on 17 January 2025.
On 15 January 2026, Taylor signed for fellow League One club Wigan Athletic on loan until the end of the season. He scored his first goal in a draw away to Doncaster on 24 January 2026.
In September 2022 Taylor made his debut for the Wales national under-21 football team in the starting line-up for the 2âÂÂ0 friendly match defeat against Austria under-21.
Luton Town
Individual