Ireland has a proud footballing heritage, boasting a rich tapestry of players who’ve made their mark on the domestic and international stage. From midfield generals and prolific strikers to world-class defenders and iconic goalkeepers, Irish footballers have consistently punched above their weight.
Whether you’re reminiscing about Italia ’90 or following modern stars via the LiveScore Bet app, it’s clear that Ireland’s impact on the beautiful game is enduring. For those looking to bet on upcoming fixtures featuring Irish talent, checking out the best mobile bookmakers can enhance the experience.
Here’s our ranking of Ireland’s greatest footballers — legends whose careers defined generations and left a lasting legacy.
1. Roy Keane
Combative, inspirational, and uncompromising, Roy Keane is widely considered the greatest Irish footballer of all time.
The Cork-born midfielder captained Manchester United during one of their most successful periods, winning seven Premier League titles and a Champions League.
On the international front, Keane was Ireland’s driving force in the late 1990s and early 2000s, his absence at the 2002 World Cup due to a fallout with Mick McCarthy remaining one of the most debated moments in Irish football history.
2. Paul McGrath
A Rolls Royce of a defender, Paul McGrath is revered for his elegance on the ball, reading of the game, and sheer resilience. Despite battling chronic knee problems, McGrath was a rock at the back for Aston Villa and Manchester United before spells in his later years at Derby and Sheffield United.
His performance against Italy at the 1994 World Cup is often cited as one of the finest individual displays by any Irish player on the big stage.
3. Robbie Keane
Ireland’s all-time leading goalscorer with 68 goals in 146 caps, Robbie Keane’s instinct in front of goal made him one of the most lethal strikers his country has ever produced.
Keane’s club career spanned several top leagues, including the Premier League, Serie A, and MLS, but he always delivered in green.
His late equaliser against Germany at the 2002 World Cup remains one of the most iconic moments in Irish football history.
4. Denis Irwin
Often dubbed the most underrated player of his generation, Denis Irwin was a model of consistency and professionalism. A key part of Manchester United’s dominance in the 1990s, Irwin won every major honour at club level, including the 1999 treble.
His versatility, dead-ball accuracy, and defensive solidity made him a quiet but crucial asset to both club and country.
5. Damien Duff
Explosive, tricky, and always a threat on the wing, Damien Duff was one of Ireland’s most exciting players of the modern era. A standout performer at the 2002 World Cup, Duff also enjoyed a successful club career with Blackburn, Chelsea, and Fulham.
At Stamford Bridge, he played a key role in Jose Mourinho’s title-winning sides in 2004-05 and 2005-06, helping usher in a new era of success for the west London club.
6. Shay Given
Ireland’s most capped goalkeeper with 134 appearances, Shay Given was a rock between the posts for over a decade. Known for his reflex saves and leadership, Given was a mainstay for both club and country, notably at Newcastle United and Manchester City.
His longevity and consistency make him one of the best goalkeepers Ireland has ever produced.
