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It’s time to celebrate everything Irish in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day, which is on 17 March 2023. We’ve put together a list of the top players to ever play on the green in this amazing region of the world as a tribute to the Emerald Isle.
Football, or soccer as it’s commonly referred to in some countries, is a sport that has captured the hearts of millions of people around the world. And while countries such as Brazil, Argentina, and Spain have produced some of the most well-known and talented football players in the history of the sport, Ireland has also made its mark on the game.
From the likes of Roy Keane to Robbie Keane, Ireland has produced some of the most famous football players in the world. There are also top football betting sites in Ireland if you fancy putting down a wager or two on your favourite sport or player.
However, football fans are never just about the money that can be made from the game, they are also about the heart and soul of this sport. Without further ado, here are some Irish football greats that will go down in the sports history books.
1. Roy Keane
One of the most well-known Irish football players is Roy Keane. Born in Cork in 1971, Keane began his professional football career with Nottingham Forest in 1990. He later went on to play for Manchester United, where he quickly established himself as one of the team’s most important players.
During his time with Manchester United, Keane won numerous domestic and European titles, including seven Premier League titles, four FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League. He was also captain of the Irish national team for several years and helped lead the team to the knockout stages of the 2002 World Cup. Keane was known for his aggressive and uncompromising style of play on the field, as well as his strong leadership qualities.
2. Robbie Keane
Another famous Irish football player is Robbie Keane. Born in Dublin in 1980, Keane began his professional career with Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1997. He later went on to play for Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, and LA Galaxy.
During his career, Keane scored a total of 325 goals and made over 800 appearances for various clubs. He was also a key player for the Irish national team, scoring 68 goals in 146 appearances. Keane was known for his technical ability, as well as his scoring prowess, and he remains one of the most successful Irish football players of all time.
3. Paul McGrath
In addition to Keane and Keane, there have been several other notable Irish football players throughout history. One such player is Paul McGrath. Born in 1959 in Dublin, McGrath began his professional career with St. Patrick’s Athletic in 1981.
He later went on to play for Manchester United, Aston Villa, and Derby County. During his career, McGrath won two League Cups, one FA Cup, and helped Aston Villa win the 1993-94 UEFA Cup. He was also a key player for the Irish national team, playing in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups.
McGrath was known for his defensive skills and his ability to read the game, and he remains one of the greatest defenders in the history of Irish football.
4. Liam Brady
Another famous Irish footballer is Liam Brady. Born in Dublin in 1956, Brady began his professional career with Arsenal in 1973.
He later went on to play for Juventus, Sampdoria, and Inter Milan. During his career, Brady won two Serie A titles with Juventus and was a key player for the Irish national team, playing in the 1982 and 1986 World Cups. After retiring from playing, Brady went on to work as a coach and television pundit, and he remains a well-respected figure in the world of football.
5. George Best
Finally, we can’t talk about famous Irish football players without mentioning George Best. Born in Belfast in 1946, Best is widely regarded as one of the greatest football players of all time. He began his professional career with Manchester United in 1963 and quickly established himself as one of the team’s most important players.
During his career, Best won two league titles and the 1968 European Cup with Manchester United. He also played for several other clubs, including Fulham, Hibernian, and the San Jose Earthquakes. Best was known for his incredible dribbling ability and he won praise for his unique combination of speed, skill, agility, footwork, goal-scoring, and the capacity to evade defenders with his playing style.
It’s worth noting that there are many top football betting sites in Ireland that offer a range of betting options for football fans. These sites provide a platform for Irish football enthusiasts to place bets on their favorite teams, players, and matches, and potentially earn some money while enjoying the sport. However, it’s important to bet responsibly and within one’s means to avoid any negative consequences.
Image Credit: Photo by Peter Glaser on Unsplash