Roy Keane, born on August 10, 1971, hails from Ireland and boasts a rich football history. He’s not just any football enthusiast; he’s a former player, coach, and now football pundit. Keane’s football journey is nothing short of remarkable.
During his illustrious career, Keane became one of the most successful Irish footballers ever, bagging an impressive total of 19 major trophies while playing for various clubs. The lion’s share of these triumphs, a staggering 17, came during his time with the iconic English club, Manchester United. Such a feat places him in a league of his own.
When it comes to midfield maestros of his generation, Keane’s name is right at the top. In fact, the legendary Pelé himself included Keane in the esteemed FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players back in 2004. This recognition speaks volumes about his prowess on the field.
What set Keane apart wasn’t just his footballing talent; it was his rugged and no-nonsense attitude that earned him a reputation as one of the toughest footballers in history. In 2007, The Times ranked him No. 11 on their list of the 50 “hardest” footballers ever to grace the game.
In 2021, the Premier League Hall of Fame welcomed Keane into its illustrious ranks, cementing his place in football history.
Keane’s playing days were a thrilling journey through clubs like Cobh Ramblers, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, and finally Celtic.
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As a box-to-box midfielder, he was known for his aggressive and fiercely competitive style of play, qualities that made him an exceptional captain during his time at Manchester United from 1997 to 2005. United enjoyed sustained success under his leadership.
Even after leaving Manchester United, Keane’s career continued to shine as he joined Celtic, where he achieved a domestic double before hanging up his boots in 2006.
Keane was equally passionate about representing his nation, the Republic of Ireland, on the international stage for over 14 years, many of which he spent as captain. His dedication was evident when he played in every Republic of Ireland game during the 1994 FIFA World Cup. However, his journey hit a bump during the 2002 FIFA World Cup, when a dispute with national coach Mick McCarthy led to his early exit from the tournament.
Post-retirement, Keane ventured into management. He took the reins at Sunderland, orchestrating an incredible transformation from the 23rd position in the Football League Championship to winning the division title and securing a Premier League promotion.
Although his time at Sunderland was notable, Keane’s managerial career had its ups and downs.
He managed Championship club Ipswich Town and held roles as an assistant manager for the Republic of Ireland national team, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest.
In addition to his coaching endeavors, Keane contributed his insights as a studio analyst for British channels ITV and Sky Sports, enhancing football coverage for fans around the world.
Roy Maurice Keane’s journey through the world of football is a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for the beautiful game, leaving an indelible mark that continues to inspire football enthusiasts to this day.
Roy Keane’s Wikipedia Profile
| Full name | |
| Date of birth | August 10, 1971 |
| Age | 52 years old |
| Place of birth | Cork, Ireland |
| Spouse | Theresa Doyle (m. 1997) |
| Teams coached | Nottingham Forest F.C. |
| Children | Aidan Keane, Caragh Keane, Shannon Keane, Leah Keane, Alanna Keane |
| Career | Player Coach |
| Net Worth | $25 million |
Early life
Roy Maurice Keane, born on August 10, 1971, in the working-class neighborhood of Ballinderry Park within Cork’s Mayfield suburb, had humble beginnings.
His father, Maurice, took on various jobs to make ends meet, including stints at a local knitwear company and the Murphy’s Irish Stout brewery, among others. The Keane family shared a deep passion for sports, particularly football, with many relatives having played for junior clubs like Rockmount.
At the young age of nine, Keane ventured into the world of boxing, dedicating himself to the sport for several years and impressively winning all four of his novice league matches. Simultaneously, his prowess in football was blossoming on the pitches at Rockmount.
In his debut season, he received the prestigious title of “Player of the Year,” a testament to his emerging talent.
Interestingly, while several of his teammates received invitations for trials with English football teams, Keane did not have such opportunities presented to him. His childhood allegiance was divided between Celtic and Tottenham Hotspur, and he admired players like Liam Brady and Glenn Hoddle.
However, it was a Manchester United legend, Bryan Robson, who eventually captured young Keane’s heart as the footballer he admired the most.
Career
Roy Keane, a football legend whose journey began with Nottingham Forest, initially faced some tough times adapting to his new surroundings and felt a deep longing for home. He got his start playing in the under-21 teams during a pre-season tournament in the Netherlands. But the real breakthrough came when he made his senior team debut during the 1990–1991 season, facing Liverpool.
Keane’s remarkable performance didn’t go unnoticed, and the coach started giving him more chances on the field. By 1991, he had become a regular starter, and his first goal came against Sheffield United. He played a pivotal role in the 1991 FA Cup, scoring three goals and helping his team reach the finals.
However, not all moments were filled with glory. In a match against Crystal Palace, Keane made a critical error that led to a goal against his team. Surprisingly, after the game, manager Clough physically confronted Keane, but Keane brushed it off, attributing it to the pressures of management.
Despite Keane’s individual brilliance, Nottingham Forest was struggling in the league, facing the threat of relegation. Keane, in a shrewd move, negotiated a contract with a relegation clause. Unfortunately, he couldn’t save the team from relegation, and his contract was activated.
Then came a twist in the tale. Blackburn agreed to a £4 million fee for Keane, but the deal hit a snag when it was discovered that the paperwork was incorrect. On a Friday, with the signing set for the following Monday, Sir Alex Ferguson of Manchester United stepped in and convinced Keane to join the Red Devils for a record-breaking fee of £3.75 million. In his debut for United, Keane scored twice in a 3-0 victory against Sheffield United.
One of Keane’s memorable moments came in his first Manchester Derby when he scored a late winner, turning a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 win against Manchester City. Keane’s impact was immediate, as he helped United clinch the Premier League title by the end of the season. Just a week later, he played a crucial role in a 4-0 victory against Chelsea, securing the club’s first-ever Double.
The following season wasn’t as successful, with United losing the league title to Blackburn and the FA Cup Finals to Everton. It was also marred by Keane’s first-ever red card, earned during the FA Cup Semi-finals for a foul on Gareth Southgate. He received a three-match ban and a £5,000 fine.
However, United bounced back in the 1995-1996 season, winning the League title and their second Double after defeating Liverpool in the FA Cup Final. But the next season was plagued by injuries for Keane, interrupting his consistency.
In the 1997-1998 season, after Eric Cantona’s retirement, Keane was named captain. However, he missed most of the season due to a cruciate ligament injury. Despite the setback, Manchester United squandered an 11-point lead over Arsenal in the Premier League title race, leading to criticism of Keane.
Keane made a triumphant return the following season, helping United secure a historic treble of the Premier League, FA Cup, and UEFA Champions League. In the UCL semi-final against Juventus, his exceptional performance turned a 2-0 deficit into a 3-2 victory, although he received a yellow card that kept him out of the final. Nevertheless, Manchester United triumphed over Bayern Munich in the finals with a score of 2-1.
Although Keane suffered an ankle injury that kept him out of the Champions League final, he scored in the final of the Intercontinental Cup and helped United win. Keane’s demand for increased wages at the start of the 1999-2000 season was met, and he celebrated by scoring the winning goal against Valencia in the Champions League. However, United’s Champions League defense was thwarted by Real Madrid in the quarter-finals, partly due to an unfortunate Keane own goal.
Keane didn’t shy away from criticizing Manchester United supporters, expressing disappointment with their lack of vocal support during crucial matches. For the first time in four seasons, United finished trophyless, getting eliminated from the FA Cup and finishing third in the Premier League.
In August 2002, Keane faced disciplinary action, including a fine and suspension, for elbowing an opponent and making controversial comments. During his recovery from hip surgery, he reflected on his aggressive nature and returned to the field as a calmer and more composed player.
Keane had a fierce rivalry with Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira, but he chose not to engage in controversy. He became the most successful captain of Manchester United, winning 9 major honors and scoring 50 goals for the club. However, frequent arguments with Sir Alex Ferguson and the management led to his unexpected departure.
After leaving United, Keane joined Celtic in 2006. His abrasive nature caused some friction with his new teammates, but he quickly made an impact, helping Celtic win the Scottish Premier League title and the Scottish Football League Championship.
On June 6, 2006, Keane retired from professional football, leaving a lasting legacy. His international career with the Republic of Ireland was marked by controversies, including clashes with management and a refusal to play for the national team.
Roy Keane’s journey through the world of football was filled with highs and lows, but his determination and skill made him a legend in the sport, leaving an indelible mark on the teams he played for and the fans who watched him in action.
Controversy
Roy Keane, a footballing legend hailing from Ireland, stands tall in the annals of midfield greatness during his prime. His prowess on the pitch is undeniable. But Keane’s legacy isn’t just about his incredible skills; it’s also intertwined with controversy, both within and beyond the boundaries of the game.
One of the most infamous chapters in Roy Keane’s story unfolded during the 2002 World Cup, where he donned the captain’s armband for Ireland. In a pre-tournament training session, sparks flew as Keane clashed with the then-Ireland manager, Mick McCarthy, over the subpar quality of the team’s training facilities.
This heated exchange resulted in Keane’s abrupt departure from the tournament, leaving Irish fans crestfallen. It also marked the moment when Keane bid adieu to international football.
Keane’s notoriety extends beyond this incident. In 2001, he etched his name in football’s history books for all the wrong reasons. He received a red card for a tackle that left Manchester City’s Alf-Inge Haaland nursing an injury. In a later revelation in his autobiography, Keane admitted to deliberately targeting Haaland as payback for a prior incident.
Throughout his career, Keane’s combative spirit wasn’t confined to the field. He engaged in several disputes with fellow players, coaches, and even journalists.
His unfiltered and sometimes confrontational approach made him a polarizing figure in the football world.
However, it’s essential to acknowledge that his indomitable spirit and unwavering commitment to the game have earned him respect, even as his controversial moments continue to be a part of his legacy.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND RECORDS
Roy Keane, the football legend, left an indelible mark on the world of soccer with his remarkable achievements and records. As a player, he excelled at various clubs, including Nottingham Forest, where he contributed to their Full Members’ Cup victory in 1991–92.
His time at Manchester United was particularly glorious, winning multiple Premier League titles in 1993–94, 1995–96, 1996–97, 1998–99, 1999–2000, 2000–01, and 2002–03, along with several FA Cups and FA Community Shields. Keane’s crowning achievement was his pivotal role in securing the UEFA Champions League for Manchester United in 1998–99.
Even after moving to Celtic, Keane continued to shine, helping secure the Scottish Premier League title in 2005–06 and the Scottish League Cup in the same season. Individually, his accolades included multiple appearances in the PFA Team of the Year, recognition in the PFA Team of the Century (covering 1907–2007), and various prestigious awards such as FAI Young International Player of the Year, FAI Senior International Player of the Year, and the Sir Matt Busby Player of the Year.
His exceptional skills on the field earned him accolades like the Premier League Player of the Month and the FWA Footballer of the Year in 2000. Roy Keane’s contributions didn’t go unnoticed, as he was named RTÉ Sports Person of the Year in 1999 and secured the PFA Players’ Player of the Year in the same year. He also found his place in the English Football Hall of Fame in 2004 and was recognized in the FIFA 100 list.
As a manager, Keane showcased his tactical prowess with Sunderland, leading them to victory in the Football League Championship in the 2006–07 season. His managerial skills earned him the Football League Championship Manager of the Month award in February and March 2007.
Additionally, Roy Keane’s impact extended beyond the football pitch, as he was named Cork Person of the Year in 2004, highlighting his significance and influence both on and off the field.
Net Worth
His net worth is estimated to be around >$25 million.