33·Legends
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Ireland

The thirty-three greatest. Build your eleven, then settle the duels.
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The 330 on the pitch

The duels

Pick the greater legend. Every vote moves the people's ranking of Ireland.

The 33 of Ireland

Ranked by the almanac. Vote in the duels to build the people's version.

1 RK 91 Roy Keane 67 caps · Cobh Ramblers, Nottingham Forest · 2× Hall of Fame (2021–2021)The fiery heart of Manchester United for years, his combative style and inspirational leadership powered them to countless trophies, including the 1999 treble. CDM1990s
2 LB 90 Liam Brady 72 caps · 9 goals · Arsenal, Juventus · Hall of FameThe elegant Irish playmaker graced Arsenal and Juventus with his sublime passing range, making him one of the most technically gifted midfielders of his generation. CM
3 JC 89 Johnny Carey 29 caps · Manchester United, Shamrock RoversNine different positions bore his name on Manchester United teamsheets, goalkeeper included, yet it was as captain that he lifted the FA Cup after the celebrated 4-2 final against Blackpool in 1948. The 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
4 PM 89 Paul McGrath 83 caps · St Patrick's Athletic, Manchester United · Hall of Fame"The Black Pearl" was a majestic defender for Aston Villa and Ireland, showcasing elegance and power that belied his injury struggles. CB
5 DI 88 Denis Irwin 56 caps · Oldham Athletic A.F.C., Manchester United · Hall of FameThe versatile Irish full-back was a bedrock of Manchester United's defence for over a decade, winning seven Premier League titles and the Champions League in 1999. LB1990s
6 88 Robbie Keane 146 caps · 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. SS
7 TD 88 Tony Dunne 33 caps · 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. The European Cup crowns honours that also hold the 1963 FA Cup and the league championships of 1965 and 1967. LB1958–1979
8 87 Damien Duff 100 caps · 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. LM2000s
9 DO 87 David O'Leary 68 caps · 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. He holds Arsenal's appearance record at 722 games and won two league titles there, in 1989 and 1991, with the FA Cup in 1979 and 1993 and the League Cup in 1987 and 1993. CB1975–1995
10 JG 87 Johnny Giles 59 caps · 5 goals · Manchester United, Leeds United · Hall of FameA true Leeds United legend, his intelligent passing and midfield generalship were central to their dominant side of the late 60s and early 70s, winning the First Division title and FA Cup. CM
11 87 Shay Given 134 caps · 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. GK
12 SH 86 Steve Heighway 34 caps · 0 goals · Liverpool, Minnesota KicksPart of Liverpool's dominant 1970s side, Heighway's blistering pace and pin-point crosses from the right wing were key to multiple league titles and European Cups. RM
13 KS 85 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. That same left foot scored in Everton's 1985 European Cup Winners' Cup final against Rapid Vienna and helped win league titles in 1985 and 1987 plus the 1984 FA Cup, from 46 caps and nine goals for Ireland. LM1976–1993
14 85 Richard Dunne 80 caps · 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. CB
15 SC 85 Séamus Coleman 77 caps · Sligo Rovers, EvertonThe tenacious Everton captain is renowned for his tireless overlapping runs and committed defending on the right flank. RB
16 84 Ian Harte 63 caps · 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. LB
17 84 John O’Shea 118 caps · Manchester United, AFC BournemouthThe versatile defender became a Manchester United legend, famous for his ability to fill in across the back line and even in midfield, culminating in a Champions League triumph. CB
18 NQ 84 Niall Quinn 92 caps · 21 goals · Arsenal, Manchester City · Hall of FameThe towering centre-forward was a beloved figure for Arsenal and Sunderland, whose aerial prowess and surprising agility made him a handful for any defence. SS
19 PB 84 Packie Bonner 80 caps · Celtic, KilmarnockHero of Italia '90, Bonner's penalty shootout save against Romania etched his name into Irish football folklore. GK
20 84 Steve Finnan 53 caps · Welling United, FulhamA Champions League winner with Liverpool, Finnan was a remarkably consistent and understated right-back, valued for his defensive solidity and delivery. RB
21 AT 83 Andy Townsend 70 caps · 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. CM1990–94
22 FS 83 Frank Stapleton 71 caps · 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. ST1970s
23 83 Glenn Whelan 91 caps · 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. CDM
24 JM 83 James McClean 103 caps · 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. LM2012–16
25 JA 83 John Aldridge 69 caps · 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. ST1980s
26 KM 83 Kevin Moran 71 caps · 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. CB
27 82 Aiden McGeady 93 caps · 5 goals · Celtic, Spartak MoscowTbilisi, 7 September 2014: he scored in the 24th minute and again in the 90th, and Ireland began their Euro 2016 qualifying campaign with a 2-1 win in Georgia. Ninety-three caps for the Republic came out of Irish grandparents, and Celtic gave him four league titles, two Scottish Cups and a League Cup, along with the 2008 double of players' player and young player of the year, a feat only one man had managed before him. RM2008–16
28 ML 82 Mark Lawrenson 39 caps · Preston North End, Brighton & Hove Albion · Hall of FameA commanding presence at the back, he formed a formidable partnership with Alan Hansen, leading Liverpool to multiple First Division titles and the 1984 European Cup. CB1980s
29 RH 82 Ray Houghton 73 caps · 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. CDM1988–94
30 RW 82 Ronnie Whelan 53 caps · 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. CAM1980s
31 TC 82 Tony Cascarino 88 caps · 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. ST
32 MM 81 Mick McCarthy 57 caps · Barnsley, Manchester CityA no-nonsense centre-back and later a successful manager, he epitomised Irish grit during a long playing career in England. CB
33 81 Shane Long 88 caps · 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. ST

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, spanning the 1970s to the 2000s. Roy Keane leads the pool at 91 overall. Pick a formation, drag your eleven onto the pitch, then 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.

Disagree? That is the point. Settle it in the duels above.

Who is the greatest Ireland footballer of all time?
In the 33 Legends editorial ranking, Roy Keane leads Ireland with an overall rating of 91. The editorial top five: 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 pool covers every position across Ireland's football history. Ratings weigh peak level, longevity, honours and historical standing, then the full methodology page explains the tiers. Fan votes in the duels build a second, independent ranking.
Which Ireland players reach the Immortal tier or higher?
None yet. Roy Keane leads the Ireland pool at 91, in the Legend tier.
Can I build and share my own Ireland all-time XI?
Yes. Pick one of eight formations, drag any of the 33 onto the pitch, and export your lineup as a PNG. There is no account and no sign-up.
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