Ireland is a proud footballing nation and, over the years, it has produced some world class talent. Many Irish international players have travelled outside of their own country and have featured in the major divisions around Europe.
While winning domestic honours with their respective clubs, many have also made an impact in the Champions League, the Europa League, and other major European club competitions. Over the course of history, there have been some match winning performances and significant contributions from these unforgettable Irish stars.
Roy Keane
Owing to suspension, Manchester United captain Roy Keane didn’t play in his club’s historic Champions League final victory over Bayern Munich in 1999. United went into that final as marginal underdogs in the Champions League betting markets, and while Keane played no part in their remarkable 2-1 victory, he was pivotal in the earlier rounds.
Keane was renowned as a combative player with plenty of aggression, and he showed all of his qualities in the second leg of their semi final against Juventus. In the first game, the Italian side had left Old Trafford with a 1-1 draw and were favourites to progress.
Juventus had one foot in the final when Filippo Inzaghi scored twice in the opening eleven minutes. United looked to be out of it before Keane inspired one of the greatest comebacks in Champions League history. The midfielder scored himself in the 24th minute and commanded midfield as goals from Dwight Yorke and Andy Cole sealed the tie.
Unfortunately, Roy Keane also picked up the booking that saw him suspended from the final, but he was the main reason Manchester United progressed.
Pat Jennings
Like Roy Keane, Northern Ireland international goalkeeper Pat Jennings made his mark across several years of European competition. Playing for Spurs and Arsenal, he made over fifty appearances in the UEFA Cup and the Cup Winners Cup.
Jennings delivered many memorable performances, but his display in the 1972 UEFA Cup final is the standout. Spurs travelled to Molineux for the first leg against Wolverhampton Wanderers and, in an even game, Tottenham’s goalkeeper was the difference between the two sides.
Throughout his career, Pat Jennings was known for making spectacular saves, and he thwarted Wolves many times as Spurs claimed a crucial 2-1 win.
George Best
Before Roy Keane’s impact on Manchester United’s 1999 Champions League campaign, George Best had been the standout Irish player in the club’s European endeavours. The brilliant Best was arguably the most skilful footballer of all time. He will be fondly remembered for some outstanding performances in a United shirt, but his greatest legacy came in the 1968 European Cup final.
Manchester United progressed through the rounds and were set to face Portuguese giants Benfica at Wembley Stadium. An even first 90 minutes saw the teams level at 1-1, meaning that extra time was needed. It was here that George Best produced a moment of individual brilliance, picking up on a through ball before rounding the Benfica goalkeeper and rolling the ball into an empty net.
United went on to win 4-1, and this was the match that sealed Best’s reputation as an entertainer, and one of Ireland’s finest footballers.
Robbie Keane
He may not have won a major European trophy, but we shouldn’t ignore Robbie Keane’s contribution to Irish football. He’s a record holder in terms of senior international goals scored and number of appearances for the national side.
Keane also holds a record on the European stage. Along with Roy Keane (no relation), he’s scored the most goals by an Irishman in European club competitions. His fifteen goals came in fewer games than Roy Keane, and they were split between four clubs – Inter Milan, Leeds United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.
Steve Heighway
Republic of Ireland winger Steve Heighway played a full role as part of Liverpool’s successful teams of the 1970s. During his time at Anfield, he won five European trophies between 1973 and 1978, and he fully deserves his place on this list.
Heighway’s most notable performances came during Liverpool’s winning 1977 European Cup campaign. He scored against Crusaders in the first round, before notching a crucial goal in the Reds’ semi final win over Zurich.
The Irishman didn’t find the net in the final against Borussia Mönchengladbach, but he was arguably Liverpool’s most influential player, providing two assists in his side’s 3-1 win. With Kenny Dalglish joining the club ahead of the following season, Steve Heighway’s opportunities were limited, but he still earned a European Cup winner’s medal in 1978 to round off a stunning career.
While Ireland remain competitive in world football, it’s likely that major clubs around Europe will scout the country for the best local talent. In turn, those stars will get the chance to feature in the Champions League and other top European club tournaments.
Over time, there will be more stunning contributions, with Irish players looking to add their performances to this list in the future.
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