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22 / Ireland · 1976–1990

Frank Stapleton

ST finisherclutch
Caps · Republic of Ireland
71
Goals · Republic of Ireland
20
Life
1956
Clubs
Arsenal, Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers
#22
Editorial rank of 33 for Ireland
–
The people's rank, live from duel votes

An old-school target man with an eye for goal, Stapleton was a key part of Arsenal's FA Cup glory in 1979 and later Manchester United's attack. Career record: 71 caps and 20 goals for Republic of Ireland; club career at Arsenal, Manchester United, Blackburn Rovers.

Career sourcesCareer dates · checked 4 October 2026
Identity and career · Wikidata Q118942
Vote in Ireland's duels Build your Ireland XI

Career record

1974–1981Arsenal
1981–1987Manchester United
1987–1987AFC Ajax
1987–1988Derby County
1987–1988R.S.C. Anderlecht
1987–1987Derby County
1988–1989Le Havre
1988–1988AFC Ajax
1989–1991Blackburn Rovers
1991–1994Bradford City A.F.C.
1991–1991Huddersfield Town A.F.C.
1991–1991Aldershot
Republic of Ireland71 caps, 20 goals

Sources

Shared the era

Ireland legends whose careers overlapped Stapleton's

The world's great STs

Around Stapleton in the almanac

One rank above: Andy Townsend at #21.

One rank below: Glenn Whelan at #23.

Ireland's editorial top five: Roy Keane · Liam Brady · Johnny Carey · Paul McGrath · Denis Irwin.

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