Roy Keane Biography: Roy Maurice Keane born 10 August 1971 is an Irish football pundit, former coach, and retired professional footballer. He is one of the most decorated Irish players in history, sharing that distinction with Denis Irwin and Ronnie Whelan, having won 19 major trophies throughout his club career—17 of them during his time with Manchester United.
Roy Keane Biography
Roy Maurice Keane, born on August 10, 1971, in Mayfield, Cork, Ireland, is widely recognized as one of football’s most formidable and influential figures. Renowned for his intense playing style, strong leadership, and strategic thinking, Keane forged a remarkable career as a player before transitioning into coaching and football punditry. Often hailed as one of the finest midfielders of his era, he remains a respected and frequently discussed personality in the football world.
Roy Keane Biography 2025 Details
| Full name | Roy Maurice Keane | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 10 August 1971 | ||
| Place of birth | Cork, Ireland | ||
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | ||
| Position(s) | Midfielder | ||
| Category | Football Biographies | ||
Roy Keane Achievements
Widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive midfielders of all time, and one of the standout players of his generation and Premier League history, Keane was named by Pelé in the FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players in 2004. Over an 18-year playing career, Keane represented Cobh Ramblers, Nottingham Forest, and most famously Manchester United, before concluding his career at Celtic. Known for his fierce, combative playing style and relentless drive, Keane was a dominant box-to-box midfielder.
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About Roy Keane
Roy Maurice Keane is an Irish football pundit, former coach, and former professional player. He is the joint most decorated Irish footballer of all time alongside Denis Irwin and Ronnie Whelan, having won 19 major trophies in his club career, 17 of which came during his time at English club Manchester United.
Roy Keane Wiki
- Born: 10 August 1971 (age 53 years), Cork, Ireland
- Spouse: Theresa Doyle (m. 1997)
- Dates joined: 2005 (Celtic F.C.), 1993 (Manchester United F.C.) ·
- Children: Caragh Keane, Leah Keane, Aidan Keane, Shannon Keane, Alanna Keane
- Position: Midfielder
- Teams coached: Nottingham Forest F.C. (Assistant Coach, 2019–2019) ·
- Height: 1.8 m
Early Life
Roy Keane was born on 10 August 1971 in the Ballinderry Park area of Mayfield, a suburb of Cork, Ireland, into a working-class family. His father, Maurice, held various jobs, including work at a knitwear company and Murphy’s Irish Stout brewery. Keane grew up in a sports-loving household, with many family members playing for local Cork football clubs such as Rockmount.
In addition to football, Keane also took up boxing at the age of nine, winning all four of his novice bouts. Despite many of his peers receiving trials with English clubs, Keane initially struggled to gain similar recognition, although he showed early promise and was named “Player of the Year” in his first season with Rockmount. As a child, he supported Celtic and Tottenham Hotspur, admiring players like Liam Brady and Glenn Hoddle, though Manchester United captain Bryan Robson later became his biggest inspiration.
Overview and Quick Facts
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Roy Maurice Keane |
| Date of Birth | August 10, 1971 |
| Birthplace | Mayfield, Cork, Ireland |
| Nationality | Irish |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Playing Position | Midfielder |
| Spouse | Theresa Doyle (married since 1997) |
| Children | Shannon, Caragh, Aidan, Leah, Alanna |
Career Achievements
- Named among FIFA’s 100 Greatest Living Players by Pelé in 2004
- Inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2021
- Earned 67 caps with the Republic of Ireland national team
- Managed Sunderland to promotion in the 2006–07 season
Personal Life
Roy Keane met Theresa Doyle during his time at Nottingham Forest, and the couple married in 1997. They have five children together. Known for keeping his private life low-key, Keane resides with his family in Cheshire. Theresa has long been acknowledged as a major source of strength throughout his career.
Interesting Facts
- Nearly signed with Blackburn Rovers before a last-minute call from Sir Alex Ferguson changed his path.
- Had a notorious on-field rivalry with Alfie Haaland, culminating in a career-defining clash.
- His dog, Triggs, briefly became a media sensation during the 2002 World Cup controversy.
- Once received a punch from Brian Clough after a mistake—a story he later recalled with amusement.
Charitable Work and Lasting Legacy
Although not publicized extensively, Keane has supported various charitable causes over the years. His legacy in football remains profound—both for his accolades and for the fearless mentality he brought to the pitch. Despite various controversies, including his departure from the 2002 World Cup squad, Keane’s influence on the sport remains unmatched.
Cultural Relevance and Future Outlook
Roy Keane is now best known for his brutally honest football commentary and remains a popular television pundit. Though he has distanced himself from full-time management, he has shown interest in mentoring and motivational work. His life and career continue to inspire books, documentaries, and dramatic portrayals, making him a lasting icon in football culture.
Roy Keane Net Worth 2025
As of 2025, Roy Keane’s net worth is estimated at around £50 million. His wealth comes from his time as a footballer, his work as a pundit, and other business ventures.
FAQs
What teams did Roy Keane play for during his career?
Roy Keane played for Cobh Ramblers, Nottingham Forest, Manchester United, and Celtic during his professional football career.
Why was Roy Keane sent home from the 2002 World Cup?
Roy Keane was sent home from the 2002 FIFA World Cup after a well-publicized disagreement with Republic of Ireland manager Mick McCarthy over the team’s training facilities and preparation.
What role did Roy Keane play at Manchester United?
Roy Keane was a central midfielder and served as captain of Manchester United from 1997 until his departure in 2005, playing a key leadership role during one of the club’s most successful eras.
What honours has Roy Keane received?
Roy Keane was named to the FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players by Pelé in 2004 and was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2021.
What is Roy Keane known for as a player?
Roy Keane was known for his aggressive, highly competitive playing style and was widely regarded as one of the greatest defensive midfielders of all time.
Did Roy Keane have a boxing background?
Yes, Roy Keane took up boxing at the age of nine and won all four of his bouts in a novice league before focusing fully on football.