Martin Keown Biography: Martin Raymond Keown born 24 July 1966) is a former professional footballer from England and now works as a football pundit. Primarily a defender, Keown had a distinguished playing career from 1984 to 2005, most notably with Arsenal, where he made over 400 appearances and secured ten major trophies. Throughout his career, he also played for Brighton & Hove Albion, Aston Villa, Everton, Leicester City, and Reading. Keown earned his first cap for England in 1992 in a match against France and went on to earn 43 international caps over the next decade. He developed a strong defensive partnership with fellow Arsenal teammate Tony Adams, both for club and country. Keown represented England in four major tournaments: Euro 1992, World Cup 1998, Euro 2000, and World Cup 2002.
Martin Keown Biography
Martin Keown, born on July 24, 1966, in Oxford, Oxfordshire, England, is a former professional footballer and current football pundit and occasional actor. As a player, he was best known for his time as a defender with Arsenal, where he had two spells (1984–1986 and 1993–2004). He also played for Brighton & Hove Albion (on loan in 1985), Aston Villa (1986–1989), Everton (1989–1993), Leicester City (2004–2005), and Reading (2005). On the international stage, Keown earned 43 caps and scored 2 goals for England between 1992 and 2002. In addition to his football career, Keown has appeared on screen, including roles in Renford Rejects (1998), Match of the Day: 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup (2009), and 17 Mayıs (2005).
Martin Keown Biography 2025 Details
| Full name | Martin Raymond Keown | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 24 July 1966 | ||
| Place of birth | Oxford, England | ||
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||
| Position(s) | Centre Back | ||
| Category | Football Biographies | ||
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About Martin Keown
Martin Raymond Keown is an English football pundit and former professional footballer. A defender, he played from 1984 to 2005, notably in the Premier League for Arsenal, where he made over 400 appearances for the club and won ten honours.
Martin Keown Wiki
- Born: 24 July 1966 (age 58 years), Oxford, United Kingdom
- Spouse: Nicola Keown (m. 1990)
- Children: Niall Keown, Callum Keown
- Parents: Angela Keown, Raymond Keown
- Position: Defender
- Height: 1.85 m
- Dates joined: 2005 (Reading F.C.), 1993 (Arsenal F.C.), 1984 (Arsenal F.C.)
Club Career
Originally from Oxford, Keown played for local football and Gaelic teams as a youth before signing a schoolboy contract with Arsenal in 1980. However, his professional debut came during a loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion in 1984. He made his first senior appearance for Arsenal on 23 November 1985, under manager Don Howe, in a goalless draw against West Bromwich Albion.
That season, Keown featured in 22 league matches, often partnering with defenders like Tommy Caton or David O’Leary. However, following the appointment of George Graham as Arsenal manager in May 1986, Keown was deemed surplus to requirements. He transferred to Aston Villa on 9 June 1986 for £125,000, after a contract dispute over wages. In a later interview, Keown reflected: “It seemed crazy that they wouldn’t agree and although I didn’t want to leave and they didn’t want me to go, it became a matter of principle.”
Martin Keown Honours
Widely regarded as one of the most dependable defenders of his generation, Martin Keown enjoyed a trophy-laden career, particularly during his time at Arsenal. Though he also spent time with clubs like Aston Villa and Everton, it’s his contributions in North London that left a lasting legacy. Keown was part of the legendary “Invincibles” squad that went undefeated through the 2003/04 Premier League season—an unprecedented achievement. Here’s a look at the major honours he won during his playing career:
- Premier League Titles: 1997/98, 2001/02, 2003/04
- FA Cup Wins: 1997/98, 2001/02, 2002/03
- FA Community Shield: 1998, 1999, 2002
- European Cup Winners’ Cup: 1993/94
Martin Keown’s England Career
Representing England at the international level, Keown earned 43 caps and scored 2 goals between 1992 and 2002. He made his debut in a friendly against France and was a consistent presence in the national squad for over a decade. Keown featured in Euro 1992 and Euro 1996, and was selected for both the 1998 and 2002 FIFA World Cups, although he played a limited role in those tournaments. Despite not always being in the starting XI, his reliability and experience made him a valuable squad member throughout his international tenure.
Martin Keown’s Wife
Martin Keown married his long-time partner Nicola in 1990, and the couple continues to reside in Oxford. Nicola has intentionally stayed out of the public eye, allowing the couple to lead a relatively private family life. In a rare interview, Keown shared a moment when Nicola openly criticized his behavior on the pitch. After a controversial confrontation with Ruud van Nistelrooy during a 2003 match against Manchester United, Nicola told him, “I think you’ve gone and done it now,” marking a rare moment of public critique from his usually supportive wife.
Martin Keown’s Children
Martin and Nicola have two sons, Callum and Niall. Following in his father’s footsteps, Niall Keown has pursued a career in professional football. He began with Reading and has played on loan with Partick Thistle and St Johnstone. Interestingly, Niall chose to represent the Republic of Ireland rather than England at the international level. He has two caps with Ireland’s under-21 side. Speaking in 2015, Niall mentioned that his father received criticism from some family members for playing for England, which influenced his decision to align with Ireland. Although it’s still early in his career, many wonder whether Niall Keown will one day make headlines in Premier League predictions—time will tell.
Martin Keown Net Worth 2025
As a former top-tier footballer and long-time media personality, Martin Keown has built a solid financial foundation over the years. While exact figures are hard to pinpoint, estimates suggest his net worth is around £10 million. This figure seems reasonable given his lengthy playing career and his continued involvement in broadcasting with outlets like BBC and BT Sport. Keown has maintained a relatively private personal life, so it’s unclear whether he has invested in real estate, luxury cars, or other ventures. However, it’s fair to assume that his career in football—both on the field and in media—has provided him with a comfortable lifestyle. Today, he’s frequently seen offering football insights and betting predictions, further solidifying his role as a respected voice in the sport.
FAQs
What TV shows or films has Martin Keown appeared in?
Martin Keown has made appearances in several television productions, including Renford Rejects (1998), Match of the Day: 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup, and the documentary 17 Mayıs (2005), showcasing his presence beyond the football field.
Did Martin Keown ever return to Arsenal after leaving?
Yes, Martin Keown returned to Arsenal in 1993 after initially leaving the club in 1986. His second spell at the club became the most successful phase of his career, lasting until 2004.
Which position did Martin Keown play during his football career?
Martin Keown was known for playing as a central defender. He was particularly recognized for his physical style of play and strong defensive partnerships, especially during his time at Arsenal.
How many clubs did Martin Keown play for during his career?
Throughout his professional football career, Martin Keown played for six different clubs: Arsenal, Brighton & Hove Albion (loan), Aston Villa, Everton, Leicester City, and Reading.
What was Martin Keown’s role in the England national team?
Martin Keown was a regular member of the England national team between 1992 and 2002. He earned 43 caps and contributed 2 goals as part of the national squad during four major tournaments.
Has Martin Keown been involved in football after retiring?
Yes, after retiring from professional football, Martin Keown has remained involved in the sport as a coach, part-time scout for Arsenal, and as a football pundit on platforms such as the BBC and BT Sport.