Discover the best ten Irish Football players, from Robbie Keane to Shay Given.
Who are the greatest Irish football players of all time? Are their experiences limited to the lower divisions of Europe, or have they also played in the Premier League or other major European leagues? And if so, have they been featured as one of the stars? To answer these questions, it’s important to note that Ireland has a long history of football dating back to the game’s inception, making it a fitting birthplace for the sport. The first national team game was in 1882, and the division between the north and south didn’t occur until 1920.
However, club teams on either side of the Irish border aren’t known for much internationally, so the best Irish players choose to ply their trade in the domestic leagues of other nations, primarily England and Scotland. Players with ancestry in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland have rightfully seen their finest and brightest represent their countries in the Premier League, Champions League, and FIFA World Cup.
Due to their popularity, these players and their teams are featured in the betting markets of most online bookmakers Ireland. No doubt, sports betting have become a choice for many fans to earn some rewards for following their teams and favorite athletes. However, you should commit to developing useful strategies and tips if you want to win big.
If you are interested in wagering on some of the best Irish footballers currently and their teams on the best betting sites Ireland, you should follow expert tipsters like Kate Richardson for betting tips, insights, and recommendations. Visit her profile here to learn more. Listed below are the ten best Irish football players of all time.
1. Roy Keane
In a short time, he rose through the ranks to captain Manchester United, and his contributions to the team’s massive collection of trophies and medals from competitions around England and Europe are a monument to his enduring talent. Although his technical and personal flaws plagued his international career, he nevertheless became probably the best Irish player ever.
2. George Best
Best, perhaps the most well-known and highly regarded, was a household name, unlike any other player. He was a winger for Manchester United, winning many titles in the 1960s and 1970s. His flashy style and dribbling skill earned him a reputation as a nightmare for European defenses and constantly spurred passionate punters to gamble on the best betting sites in Ireland. Even when he wasn’t playing soccer, Best was a trendsetter and a gentleman.
3. Robbie Keane
Robbie Keane, one of the most dedicated players for the Republic since 1998 until his retirement, has never stopped striving for goals and victories on the field. The former Tottenham Hotspur star scored 68 goals for his country in 146 appearances. Who could forget the goal he scored against Germany in the 2002 World Cup that advanced Mick McCarthy’s team to the round of 16? Brilliant.
4. Keith Gillespie
Gillespie was well-known as a brilliant football player, but he, like Best, struggled with his private life. When he joined Manchester United in 1991, he was hailed as “the next George Best,” but things didn’t work out. He eventually departed for a high-paying move to Newcastle. Helped Newcastle reach the Premier League’s runner-up spot and a spot in the Champions League during his stay there.
5. John O’Shea
O’Shea won the Premier League five times during his career at Manchester United. He has played in the Premier League more than any other Irish player (except Shay Given, who has 451 appearances) with 445 appearances.
He had a fantastic Premier League career and contributed to the wins of gamblers who wagered via online betting sites Ireland. And his ability to play across the back four for one of the best sides in English football history was a tribute to his skills. He excelled at everything he tried, even playing as a goalie.
6. Liam Brady
During his career, he played for Inter Milan, Juventus, and Arsenal, all top clubs in the Premier League and Serie A, and is now 66 years old. However, he is best remembered as an Arsenal player because he spent seven years with the club (from 1973 to 1980) and only two seasons with Inter Milan and Juventus. Two Serie A championships with Juventus and one FA Cup with Arsenal were all Brady able to win throughout his club career.
7. Johnny Giles
In his time with the Republic of Ireland national team, the ex-Leeds United player established himself as one of the all-time greats. The player started 59 times for his country’s national team between 1959 and 1979, scoring 5 goals. Giles also had a great club career that lasted for 26 years. During his prime, he won many league and cup championships on the domestic level.
8. Packie Bonner
His standing in the community was boosted considerably due to his playing for Glasgow Celtic, where he became a legend. He was a big fan of local football and once gave a stirring speech at the Galway Cup, where teams from all over the globe compete for glory, on the necessity of investing in young people and advancing sports science in Ireland. To this day, he is a staunch advocate for youth football development in Ireland.
9. Shay Given
The Donegal man had a successful late career with Manchester City, Aston Villa, and Stoke, but he is most remembered for his time at Newcastle, where he played for 12 of his 21 Premier League seasons and became an undisputed icon.
Compared to other Irish players, Given racked up the most Premier League appearances (451). His stunning abilities and ball control raked in cashouts for gamblers who frequented the virtual list of online bookmakers to place their bets.
10. Seamus Coleman
Coleman has been a key part of an Everton club that has sometimes approached the top 4 in the Premier League, and he has been Ireland’s highest-performing Premier League player for the bulk of a decade. At 34, the Toffees’ right defender is still regularly delivering man-of-the-match-caliber performances despite his leadership responsibilities as captain.
Final Thoughts
Irish football has produced several stars who have made their mark on the international scene. Whether from the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, these sportsmen have stunned the football world with their incredible talent. So, which Irish footballers do you consider the best right now?
