Robert David Keane was born on July 8, 1980 to Anne and Robert Keane in Tallaght is a famous Irish footballer. His natural talent was evident from a young age, and he quickly became a standout player in local leagues playing for Fettercairn and then joining Crumlin United at 10 years old. Keane’s passion for the game was nurtured by his family and friends, where he developed the skills that would later make him a global star.
Keane’s professional journey began when he joined the youth academy at Wolverhampton Wanderers in 1997. His time at Wolverhampton was marked by impressive performances, and it wasn’t long before he caught the eye of bigger clubs. His ability to find the back of the net with ease and his remarkable football intelligence made him a sought-after player.
In 1999, Keane made a significant move to Coventry City, where he continued to demonstrate his goal-scoring ability. His stint at Coventry was brief but impactful, leading to a high-profile transfer to Inter Milan in Italy. Although his time in Italy was challenging, it proved to be an invaluable experience that shaped his future career.
Keane’s return to England marked the beginning of his ascent to football stardom. He joined Leeds United in 2001, but it was his move to Tottenham Hotspur in 2002 that truly defined his career. At Tottenham, Keane became a fan favourite and one of the Premier League’s most consistent strikers. His partnership with Dimitar Berbatov was particularly memorable, and he scored over 100 goals for the club across two spells. After leaving Tottenham, Keane’s career saw him play for various clubs, including Liverpool, LA Galaxy, Celtic, West Ham and Aston Villa. His time in Major League Soccer (MLS) with LA Galaxy was particularly successful, as he helped the team win three MLS Cup titles and was named the league’s most valuable player in 2014.
Keane’s playing career concluded with a brief stint at Indian Super League club ATK, where he also took on a player-manager role. His transition into coaching and punditry has allowed him to continue influencing the game he loves.
Robbie Keane’s contribution to the Republic of Ireland national team is legendary. He made his senior debut in 1998 and quickly established himself as a key player. Keane’s leadership on the field and his knack for scoring crucial goals earned him the captain’s armband. By the time he retired from international football in 2016, Keane had amassed 146 caps and scored 68 goals, making him Ireland’s all-time leading scorer and one of the most prolific international strikers of his generation.
In 2020, Keane was appointed as the assistant manager of the Republic of Ireland national team, further solidifying his legacy as a key figure in Irish football. He also took on the role of assistant manager at Championship club Middlesbrough in 2019, with his former teammate Jonathan Woodgate as manager. He left both roles in 2020. He became the head coach of Maccabi Tel Aviv in June 2023, winning the Israeli Premier League and Toto Cup in his only season.
Robbie has close ties with Crumlin, with his transfer from Leeds to Tottenham netting his schoolboy club Crumlin Unit with a payment of over €120,000 which contributed to the new astroturf pitch. The annual international football cup – Robbie Keane Academy Cup Tournament is also named after him. He is also an ambassador of the Crumlin Children’s Hospital and supports it’s fundraising activities on a regular. Robbie also had a number of relatives living in the area and has common ancestry with Morrissey.
