Robbie Keane
Robbie Keane’s introduction to professional football was nothing short of spectacular. As a 17-year-old, he made his debut for Wolverhampton Wanderers against Norwich City in August 1997, scoring twice and capturing the hearts of Wolves fans. His early performances left a lasting impression on those who witnessed his rise, and his career trajectory was set for greatness.
Don Goodman said: “You always knew before he set foot on that pitch at Carrow Road that he had a great chance of being a great player. Most of the time he had a smile on his face anyway, but he had this great beaming smile after the first goal and I’m sure it didn’t leave his face for a week or so!”
John Richards said: “The guy in charge of the youth was Chris Evans and he was pushing Robbie for the senior team. At board level, we were aware that this young lad was very promising, very exciting and one of the best young players the club had ever had at the academy. I don’t think I’d seen anything like it before. He was that good.”
Mark McGhee said: “He had arrived at the end of the previous season. From that point on it was just a bewilderment at how he coped and how he just looked like the best player at every stage. We went to Scotland for pre-season and we took him with us and he impressed us so much that I said to the club, ‘We need to get this boy on a better contract for our own security as well as the boy deserving it.’”
Keane’s early years at Wolves were marked by his impressive goal-scoring ability, netting 11 goals in 45 appearances in his first season. His talent quickly attracted attention, and he was eventually sold to Coventry City for £6 million, a substantial fee for the time. His career continued to flourish, leading to a move to Inter Milan, where his transfer fee more than doubled.
Throughout his career, Keane became a household name, playing for several high-profile clubs and scoring 68 goals in 146 appearances for the Republic of Ireland, making him his nation’s record appearance holder and goalscorer. His journey from a promising teenager at Wolves to a global football icon is a testament to his talent and dedication.
McGhee added: “I don’t think Robbie knew how good he was. He was too modest a boy, too humble a boy to make any assumptions. He wanted to train, he wanted to work and he just wanted to play football.”
Keane’s legacy at Wolverhampton Wanderers remains strong, with fans and former teammates recalling his early days with admiration. His story is a reminder of the impact a young talent can have on a club and the football world at large.
About The Author
