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Ireland
A team across generations. Build your eleven, then explore the careers.
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A team across generations
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The 330 on the pitch
The duels
Pick the greater legend. Every vote moves the people's ranking of Ireland.
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The 33 of Ireland.
Editorial order, with a career scene and sources behind every name.
01
RK
Roy Keane 67 caps (Republic of Ireland) · Cobh Ramblers, Nottingham ForestThe fiery heart of Manchester United for years, his combative style and inspirational leadership powered them to countless trophies, including the 1999 treble.
CDM1991–2005
02
LB
Liam Brady 72 caps (Republic of Ireland) · 9 goals · Arsenal, JuventusThe elegant Irish playmaker graced Arsenal and Juventus with his sublime passing range, making him one of the most technically gifted midfielders of his generation.
CM1974–1990
03
JC
Johnny Carey 29 caps (Republic of Ireland) · Manchester United, Shamrock RoversThe First Division title of 1952 followed, along with the 1949 Footballer of the Year award and the honour of captaining the Rest of Europe XI at Hampden in 1947.
RB1937–1953
04
PM
Paul McGrath 83 caps (Republic of Ireland) · St Patrick's Athletic, Manchester United"The Black Pearl" was a majestic defender for Aston Villa and Ireland, showcasing elegance and power that belied his injury struggles.
CB1985–1997
05
DI
Denis Irwin 56 caps (Republic of Ireland) · Oldham Athletic A.F.C., Manchester United
LB1990–1999
06
Robbie Keane 146 caps (Republic of Ireland) · 68 goals · Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tottenham HotspurIreland's record goalscorer, Keane's infectious energy, acrobatic celebrations, and uncanny knack for finding the net made him a striker beloved by fans across the Premier League.
SS1998–2016
Robbie Keane 146 caps (Republic of Ireland) · 68 goals · Wolverhampton Wanderers, Tottenham HotspurIreland's record goalscorer, Keane's infectious energy, acrobatic celebrations, and uncanny knack for finding the net made him a striker beloved by fans across the Premier League.
SS1998–2016
07
TD
Tony Dunne 33 caps (Republic of Ireland) · Shelbourne, Manchester UnitedOnly Bobby Charlton and Bill Foulkes had played more games for Manchester United when he left in 1973, and on the night Benfica were beaten 4-1 at Wembley in 1968 he was there at left-back, quick, quiet, immaculate.
LB1962–1975
08
Damien Duff 100 caps (Republic of Ireland) · 98 goals · Blackburn Rovers, ChelseaPace, trickery, and a keen eye for goal defined this winger, who tormented defences for Blackburn, Chelsea, and the Republic of Ireland at the 2002 World Cup.
LM1998–2012
Damien Duff 100 caps (Republic of Ireland) · 98 goals · Blackburn Rovers, ChelseaPace, trickery, and a keen eye for goal defined this winger, who tormented defences for Blackburn, Chelsea, and the Republic of Ireland at the 2002 World Cup.
LM1998–2012
09
DO
David O'Leary 68 caps (Republic of Ireland) · Arsenal, Leeds UnitedPackie Bonner's save from Daniel Timofte in Genoa on 25 June 1990 left one penalty to take, and O'Leary, a centre-half, walked up from the halfway line to score it and put Ireland in a World Cup quarter-final.
CB1976–1993
10
JG
Johnny Giles 59 caps (Republic of Ireland) · 5 goals · Manchester United, Leeds United
CM1959–1979
11
Shay Given 134 caps (Republic of Ireland) · Newcastle United, Manchester CityOne of Ireland's most capped players, Given was a dynamic shot-stopper whose agility and consistency graced the Premier League for two decades.
GK1996–2016
Shay Given 134 caps (Republic of Ireland) · Newcastle United, Manchester CityOne of Ireland's most capped players, Given was a dynamic shot-stopper whose agility and consistency graced the Premier League for two decades.
GK1996–2016
12
SH
Steve Heighway 34 caps (Republic of Ireland) · 0 goals · Liverpool, Minnesota Kicks
RM1970–1981
13
KS
Kevin Sheedy On 11 June 1990 in Cagliari, Sheedy struck a left-footed equaliser past Peter Shilton against England, the first goal the Republic of Ireland ever scored at a World Cup.About the editorial selection
LM
14
Richard Dunne 80 caps (Republic of Ireland) · Manchester City, Aston VillaA colossus at the back, Dunne was an uncompromising, old-school centre-back whose bravery and aerial dominance were legendary in the Premier League.
CB2000–2013
Richard Dunne 80 caps (Republic of Ireland) · Manchester City, Aston VillaA colossus at the back, Dunne was an uncompromising, old-school centre-back whose bravery and aerial dominance were legendary in the Premier League.
CB2000–2013
15
SC
Séamus Coleman 81 (as of 4 October 2026) caps (Republic of Ireland) · Sligo Rovers, EvertonThe tenacious Everton captain is renowned for his tireless overlapping runs and committed defending on the right flank.
RB2011–
16
Ian Harte 63 caps (Republic of Ireland) · Leeds United, Levante UDA dead-ball specialist, this left-back was renowned for his thunderous free-kicks and consistent goal threat for Leeds United and the Republic of Ireland.
LB1996–2007
Ian Harte 63 caps (Republic of Ireland) · Leeds United, Levante UDA dead-ball specialist, this left-back was renowned for his thunderous free-kicks and consistent goal threat for Leeds United and the Republic of Ireland.
LB1996–2007
18
NQ
Niall Quinn 92 caps (Republic of Ireland) · 21 goals · Arsenal, Manchester CityThe towering centre-forward was a beloved figure for Arsenal and Sunderland, whose aerial prowess and surprising agility made him a handful for any defence.
SS1986–2002
19
PB
Packie Bonner 80 caps (Republic of Ireland) · Celtic, KilmarnockHero of Italia '90, Bonner's penalty shootout save against Romania etched his name into Irish football folklore.
GK1981–1996
21
AT
Andy Townsend 70 caps (Republic of Ireland) · 7 goals · Welling United, ChelseaA tireless and influential midfielder, he captained the Republic of Ireland at two World Cups (1990, 1994) and was a key figure for Aston Villa and Chelsea.
CM1989–1997
22
FS
Frank Stapleton 71 caps (Republic of Ireland) · 20 goals · Arsenal, Manchester UnitedAn 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.
ST1976–1990
23
Glenn Whelan 91 caps (Republic of Ireland) · Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke CityA tenacious midfield enforcer, he was a key figure for Stoke City for many seasons, providing a reliable shield in front of the defence.
CDM2008–2019
Glenn Whelan 91 caps (Republic of Ireland) · Sheffield Wednesday, Stoke CityA tenacious midfield enforcer, he was a key figure for Stoke City for many seasons, providing a reliable shield in front of the defence.
CDM2008–2019
24
JM
James McClean 103 caps (Republic of Ireland) · 11 goals · West Bromwich Albion, Stoke CityA tenacious winger, McClean’s tireless work rate and powerful left foot were a constant threat for club and country, including at Euro 2012 and 2016.
LM2012–2023
25
JA
John Aldridge 69 caps (Republic of Ireland) · 19 goals · Newport County A.F.C., Oxford UnitedA prolific goalscorer, Aldridge was a master poacher whose clinical finishing led Liverpool to the First Division title in 1988 and earned him cult hero status.
ST1986–1996
26
KM
Kevin Moran 71 caps (Republic of Ireland) · Manchester United, Sporting de GijónA hard-nosed centre-back, Moran enjoyed a successful career at Manchester United before returning to play Gaelic football, a true multi-sport athlete.
CB1980–1994
28
ML
Mark Lawrenson 39 caps (Republic of Ireland) · Preston North End, Brighton & Hove Albion
CB1977–1987
29
RH
Ray Houghton 73 caps (Republic of Ireland) · Fulham, LiverpoolA dynamic, hard-working midfielder, he famously scored against England at Euro 1988 and played a crucial role in Ireland's journey to the 1990 and 1994 World Cups.
CDM1986–1997
30
RW
Ronnie Whelan 53 caps (Republic of Ireland) · 3 goals · Home Farm, LiverpoolA stylish and effective midfielder, he was a vital part of Liverpool's glory years in the 1980s, scoring in the 1986 FA Cup Final.
CAM1981–1995
31
TC
Tony Cascarino 88 caps (Republic of Ireland) · 19 goals · Gillingham, MillwallThe powerful striker led the line with distinction for Millwall and Marseille, known for his aerial dominance and vital goals, including in the Champions League.
ST1985–1999
32
MM
Mick McCarthy 57 caps (Republic of Ireland) · Barnsley, Manchester CityA no-nonsense centre-back and later a successful manager, he epitomised Irish grit during a long playing career in England.
CB1984–1992
33
Shane Long 88 caps (Republic of Ireland) · 17 goals · Reading, West Bromwich AlbionA tireless forward with blistering pace, Long's incredible work rate and knack for crucial goals made him a handful for defenders throughout his Premier League career.
ST2007–2021
Shane Long 88 caps (Republic of Ireland) · 17 goals · Reading, West Bromwich AlbionA tireless forward with blistering pace, Long's incredible work rate and knack for crucial goals made him a handful for defenders throughout his Premier League career.
ST2007–2021
About this XI
At the head of Ireland's pool stand Roy Keane, Liam Brady and Johnny Carey. The 33 covers 2 goalkeepers, 13 defenders, 12 midfielders and 6 forwards, with sourced senior international careers spanning the 1930s to the 2020s. Pick a formation, drag your eleven onto the pitch, then explore the careers and settle the duels below. Your votes reorder the people's ranking of these 33 in real time.
Left out, and why
A 33 is a set of decisions, and these are the players who lost their place in the last revision of Ireland's list. Every one of them has a case.
- Kieren WestwoodThe place went to Johnny Carey.
- Wes HoolahanThe place went to Kevin Sheedy.
- Matt HollandThe place went to David O'Leary.
- Stephen IrelandThe place went to Tony Dunne.
Disagree? That is the point. Settle it in the duels above.
Who is the greatest Ireland footballer of all time?
The editorial collection starts with Roy Keane. Its first five careers: Roy Keane, Liam Brady, Johnny Carey, Paul McGrath, Denis Irwin. The people's ranking on this page moves with every duel vote and can disagree.
How were these 33 Ireland players chosen?
The collection covers every position across Ireland's football history. Honours, international records and career achievements inform the editorial order. Each entry opens a career note and its sources. Fan votes in the duels build a separate ranking.
Where can I read about the careers?
Open a player page from the collection to read the career scene, club record and recorded honours. The source links show where the available records come from.
Can I build and share my own Ireland all-time XI?
Yes. Pick one of 8 formations, place any of the 33 players onto the pitch, and export your lineup as a PNG. There is no account and no sign-up.