Barton plays as a midfielder for Queens Park Rangers. He played for Manchester City from 2002-2007, where he received 39 bookings and three red cards. He scored an international goal at Goodison Park, Liverpool on 9 September 2003 whilst playing for the England Under-21 team against Portugal. He played for Newcastle United from 2007-2011. He played for Olympique de Marseille for the 2012-2013 season.