Roy Keane
Roy Keane is known for being one of the more controversial figures in football history. Here we look back at Keane's life and career.
Roy Keane is known for being one of the more controversial figures in football history. Here we look back at Keane's life and career.
Roy Keane was born in Mayfield, County Cork, Ireland, on 10 August 1971 to a sports-loving family. At a young age, be played football for the local Rockmount team and showed promise from early on, being voted Player of the Year.
Roy and Theresa, who have been married for 20 years, met in 1992 while he was playing for Nottingham Forest. They married in a Church in his native County, Cork, Ireland, in 1997. Although from Nottingham, Theresa has Irish roots. Speaking about the first time they met, Roy said he spotted Theresa across a club but that she blanked him.
Roy now lives in England and has five children and grandchildren. Keane has spoken of his love for spending quality time with his family over anything else. The footballer recently joined Instagram and has shared a more personal side.
Although Keane started as a young talented boxer, he soon discovered his passion for football. Roy began playing with Cork's Cobh Ramblers.
Keane debuted with Nottingham Forest in 1990 against Liverpool and scored his first goal against Sheffield United, and soon became a regular starter for his team.
Roy Keane excelled during his time with Manchester United and was known for being a passionate and competitive player.
He was appointed team captain in 1997 and helped Unite become one of the most successful clubs in history. Keane left Manchester United in 2005 after 12 years with the team.
After a particularly aggressive stamping incident involving Gareth Southgate during a match against Crystal Palace, Keane was suspended for three matches and fined £5,000. He later went on to state he did not regret his actions and would do the same thing again.
Keane also played on the international level for the Republic of Ireland. During his 14 years playing for his national team, he acted as captain for the majority of his time.
After leaving Manchester United, Roy Keane signed with Celtic for a brief period before retiring in 2006.
One of the most infamous moments in Keane's career was during the 2022 FIFA World Cup when he was sent home by coach Mick McCarthy. The two reportedly butted heads regularly; on this occasion, the dispute was over training facilities. The Saipan incident, as it was known, divided Irish opinion.
Keane wrote his first Autobiography in 2002 and went on to release a second book entitled The Second Half, ghostwritten by famous Irish screenwriter Roddy Doyle.
Roy Keane's retirement didn't last long, and he began managing for Sunderland in 2006. Kean helped Sunderland go from 23rd position in the Championship to winning the division title and gaining promotion to the Premier League.
Keane once again put on the manager hat as assistant manager for the Republic of Ireland team alongside Martin O'Neil.
Roy was hailed as one of the greatest midfielders of our time. Keane was named on the FIFA 100 list of the world's greatest living players in 2004
Keane participated in a Manchester United Legends match at Anfield, Liverpool, in September 2022.
Roy started appearing as a studio analyst on several sports shows, including Sky Sports and ITV but didn't take to the role at first.
More recently, Roy seems more comfortable as a football commentator, appearing alongside Pep Guardiola, Manager of Manchester City, Kelly Cates ahead of a Premier League match.
Famed for his excellent football skills and big personality, Keane was inducted into the Premier League Hall of Fame in 2021.