Who is Roy Keane? All about the ITV Euro 2024 pundit and Man Utd legend
MANCHESTER UNITED legend Roy Keane’s football success has helped him amass an impressive fortune off the pitch as arguably the most outspoken pundit.
And fans are expected to find out exactly why during Euro 2024 as Keane, 52, is likely to be part of an all-star punditry team that will be covering the elite European competition.
From his football career and fortune to his family life – here’s everything you need to know.
Who is Roy Keane?
Roy Keane, born August 10, 1971, is an Irish football pundit, former coach, and former professional player.
He was born to parents Maurice ‘Mossie’ Keane and Marie in the Balinderry Park area of Cork, Ireland.
Keane’s late father Maurice met his mum Marie at a local dance, and the pair married in 1963.
They moved to the Mayfield suburb in Cork, where they raised five children, Denis, Johnson, Hilary, Roy, and Pat.
When Keane was a schoolboy, he began playing football for his local side Rockmount AFC.
From there, he moved to Irish First Division team Cobh Ramblers of County Cork in 1989.
The former footballer turned TV pundit was spotted by ex-scout Noel McCabe, who immediately recommended the talent to Brian Clough.
After impressing on trial, he moved to Nottingham in 1990 and blossomed into one of the best young midfielders in the country.
In 1993, Sir Alex Ferguson welcomed Keane to Manchester United for a British transfer record fee of £3.75million.
Following this career move, Keane went on to become one of the Premier League giants’ greatest captains – winning seven Premier League titles, a Champions League, as well as four FA Cups.
After a successful sporting career, Keane retired in 2006, following one season in Scotland at Celtic where he played 10 times.
Shortly after his retirement, Keane began his career as a football manager, launching his managerial career at Championship club Sunderland.
In the years that followed he managed Ipswich Town, the Republic of Ireland national team, Aston Villa, and Nottingham Forest.
Following his managerial moves, Keane is now best known for his punditry on Sky and ITV.
What is his net worth?
In 2004, Keane was named in the FIFA 100 list of the world’s greatest living players.
He has also won 19 major trophies in his club career, 17 of which were while at Manchester United.
After achieving success on the pitch, Keane’s estimated net worth sits in the region of $60million (£47,931,000.00), according to wealth site Celebrity Net Worth.
Therefore, it comes as no surprise that Keane’s success and fortune allows him to enjoy luxurious homes.
In January 2023, it was reported that Keane purchased a pad in Dublin’s most expensive development, with a luxury apartment estimated at £5.7m.
Is he married and does he have kids?
Keane has been married to his wife Theresa Doyle since 1997.
The pair first met in 1992, when the midfielder was playing for Nottingham Forrest under Brian Clough.
Keane once revealed his encounter with the Nottingham-born beauty.
He said: ‘’I spotted a beautiful girl in a club in town. Her name was Theresa Doyle but she blanked me.
‘’She was in a steady relationship and didn’t seem at all impressed by Roy Keane, the great footballer. In fact, I think my reputation was a downer for all kinds of reasons.
“From time to time we ran into each other around Nottingham. I knew some of her friends, who told me Theresa was a dentist’s assistant.
“Eventually, after her relationship broke up, she relented and we went out together. I was in love.”
The couple later married in a private ceremony at the Church of Our Lady Crowned in Mayfield, Cork.
Keane rarely mentions his wife in public, but once opened up about their relationship in a revealing interview with the Sunday Times in the early 2000s.
“I don’t really mention her in public, but in fairness to her, she has been a rock in my life. Just brilliant. She reads me better than I read myself,” Keane said.
He continued: “I wouldn’t say Theresa likes every part of the package. She knows I haven’t got a halo over my head. Actually, that’s what she likes about me. She also knows I am not the nastiest person in the world.”
Keane and Theresa share five children together.
They are the parents of Shannon, Caragh, Aidan, Leah and Alanna.
What are his career highlights?
Shortly after his signing to Manchester United in 1993, Keane proved his worth by securing the team a win over Manchester City at the Manchester Derby.
In 1994 the Republic of Ireland reached the World Cup knockout stages for only the second time ever, with Keane being named Ireland’s player of the tournament.
Following Eric Cantona’s unexpected retirement, Keane took over as captain of United.
Arguably his most impressive performance was the second leg of the 1999 Champions League semi-final against Juventus, where Keane helped to secure a last-minute victory.
As a player, his honours include PFA Team of the Century, Premier League Hall of Fame, and RTE Sports Person of the Year.
As a manager his honours include Football League Manager of the Month in February and March 2007, and LMA Manager of the Year 2006-07.
Is he on social media?
The former footballer was notoriously against any form of social media throughout his playing days and the years since he retired.
However, much to the delight of football fans, in February 2021, Keane sensationally joined the social media platform Instagram.
He crossed 1million followers within days of first opening the profile and used it to share stories of his career, as well as glimpses into his family life.
After 15 months online, Keane made the decision to delete the Instagram account.
As of November 2023, he doesn’t appear to have an official X account, formerly known as Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram account.