Robbie Keane is a celebrated figure in Irish football, known as the nation’s top goalscorer.
Keane emerged as a football talent in his teens, captivating fans at various clubs with his unique celebration style.
His reputation was solidified on the international stage, where he played a key role for the Irish team, while also being one of the Premier League‘s best forwards, scoring 126 goals in the top tier of English football.
On St. Patrick’s Day, we look back at Keane’s remarkable career and some of his best goals:
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Keane’s journey began in the Tallaght suburb of Dublin. Like many aspiring young footballers from Ireland, he caught the attention of clubs across the water.
Wolves signed the 15-year-old, allowing him to kickstart his football career with part-time forms, quickly revealing his potential.
He debuted for Wolves just two years later, scoring twice against Norwich and showcasing the boldness that defined his career.
At just 17, he made his first appearance for Ireland, scoring twice against Malta in a Euro 2000 qualifier, starting a record 68-goal tally for the national team.
Keane’s rapid success attracted attention, and after two seasons, he transferred to Coventry City for £6m, making him the most expensive teenager in British football history.
He soon adapted to the Premier League, marking his debut with two goals for Coventry, with his first showcasing his skills against Norwich.
Keane’s impressive debut season saw him score 12 league goals, including a remarkable winner against Arsenal on Boxing Day.
This led to a move to Inter Milan for £13m, a significant leap into a highly competitive league.
However, Keane struggled in Italy, scoring only three times in 14 matches, which prompted a loan move to Leeds United.
A strong spell at Leeds saw him score nine goals in 20 games, leading to a permanent transfer. Unfortunately, competition from established players limited his playtime.
As Leeds faced financial difficulties, Keane moved to Tottenham for £7m, where he thrived, notching a career-best 13 league goals in his first season.
During his time at Tottenham, he consistently scored and created chances, becoming the first Spurs player to reach double figures for six consecutive league seasons.
He won Tottenham’s Player of the Season three times, with standout performances often stemming from a deeper playing role.
One memorable goal came against Blackburn, where Keane showcased individual brilliance with a stunning finish.
Keane’s strike partnership with Dimitar Berbatov led to his best scoring years, netting 22 goals in 2006/07 and another 23 the following season.
His contributions helped Tottenham win the League Cup, and during a thrilling match against Chelsea, Keane scored to secure a late equalizer.
In 2008, both Keane and Berbatov left Tottenham, with Keane moving to Liverpool for £19m. However, he struggled to find his place in the team and had a brief tenure, scoring seven goals in 28 outings.
After just six months at Anfield, he returned to Spurs, adding another 15 goals to his tally over three seasons.
Keane’s adventures continued with a successful loan period at Celtic and a stint at West Ham before joining LA Galaxy in MLS.
In the US, he scored 104 goals in 165 matches, winning three MLS Cups and becoming a fan favorite.
His brief return to the Premier League with Aston Villa saw him score three additional goals, highlighted by a powerful shot against Wolves.
Keane concluded his career with ATK in India, leaving behind a legacy of goals across five different countries.
He ranks as the 15th-highest scorer in Premier League history and is a legendary figure for Spurs, with his 68 goals for Ireland far surpassing any other player.
A humble and dedicated player, Keane achieved his dreams in the green jersey, establishing himself as one of the Premier League’s memorable talents.
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