Carl Paul Baker (born 26 December 1982) is an English former professional footballer who played as a winger or as an attacking midfielder.

An impressive four-year spell saw him earn a move into the Football League with Morecambe, where he found the net 11 times in 48 appearances.

Two years at Stockport County followed prior to completing a switch to then-Championship club Coventry City in the summer of 2010.

He signed with Indian Super League franchise ATK in the following year but was released without playing a match due to an injury which ruled him out for the entire season.

In March 2018, Carl returned to Coventry City on a short-term deal until the end of the season, before concluding his career in non-league football.

Spotted playing for Prescot by Southport manager Liam Watson, Baker was quickly snapped up by the Merseyside club, and soon established himself as one of non-league's exciting talents.

[3] After again playing an important role in helping keep Southport in the Conference National in the 2005–06 season, Baker signed his first full-time contract, for the next season as the club turned fully professional, whilst much of the championship winning, and relegation surviving team, (fan favourites Steve Dickinson, Steve Daly, Earl Davis) all not willing to leave their non-footballing jobs, left unable to make the transition to full-time.

Baker became the first County player to score successive away hat-tricks, with stunning performances against Brighton & Hove Albion & Crewe.

[citation needed] Baker scored his 10th goal-of-the-season for Stockport from the penalty spot in the game away to Tranmere Rovers, which was live on Sky – dedicating the goal to his brother Mike whose name he bears on his shirt collar.

On 26 December 2009, Gary Ablett told reporters that Baker has signed a deal with Championship side Coventry City.

[12] In February 2010, Manager Chris Coleman praised Baker for his impressive performances since joining the club, likening his playing style to that of Sky Blue legend Tommy Hutchinson.

[14] On 26 September 2014, following his release from Coventry City, fellow League One side Milton Keynes Dons announced Baker had signed for the club,[15] and made his debut on 4 October 2014 in a 0–2 away win against Yeovil Town.

Baker scored his first goal for his new club on 8 November 2014 in the FA Cup first round 3–4 away win against Port Vale.

[25] After his departure from Nuneaton Borough, Baker joined fellow National League North club Brackley Town.

[27] On 26 November 2021, he was appointed as assistant manager to Paul Carden at National League North side AFC Telford United and also continued to feature as a player.

[29] In November 2005 Baker was called up to the England C squad, but was recalled by Southport due to an FA Cup replay against Woking.