The Irish football team were agonisingly close to a historic World Cup in 2026. Despite falling just short in the qualifiers, a new generation of talented individuals has emerged, blending experience with youthful promise. From reliable defenders anchoring Premier League sides to exciting attackers lighting up leagues across Europe, Irish football is enjoying a period of genuine quality and depth.
Like our list of the best midfielders, this collection of talented individuals celebrates the ten best Irish footballers right now based on form, consistency, output, and overall impact during the 2025/26 season. These players have been judged not only on their individual brilliance but also on their ability to perform at club level and contribute to the national team.
10. Andrew Omobamidele
Andrew Omobamidele’s progression has been somewhat hampered by injury. However, when fit, the young centre-back has shown why he is regarded as one of the most promising defenders in Irish football. His composure on the ball, reading of the game, and physical presence have stood out during his time at Strasbourg SC. Omobamidele is comfortable playing out from the back and wins his duels with authority, making him a reliable performer in Ligue 1.
He has earned regular call-ups to the senior Republic of Ireland squad and has impressed in competitive matches. His versatility and athleticism allow him to adapt to different systems, and he is seen as a long-term leader in the Irish defence. Despite the injury setbacks, Omobamidele’s talent and potential remain clear.
At just 23 years old, he has the attributes to develop into one of Ireland’s most important players for the next decade. His performances, when available, have reinforced his status as one of the best Irish football players right now.
9. Liam Scales
Liam Scales has been one of the best centre-backs in Scotland over the past two seasons. The centre-back has been a rock for Celtic in the Scottish Premiership, winning multiple titles and performing consistently at a high level in both domestic and European competitions. The soccer betting odds had his Celtic side out of the title race last term, before he helped them claim a dramatic 56th title on the final day of the season. His reading of the game and ability to play out from the back have made him a key part of Celtic’s success.
Scales has also become a regular in the Republic of Ireland senior squad under Heimir Hallgrímsson. He has shown he can handle the step up to international football with his defensive solidity and leadership qualities. His versatility adds significant value to both club and country.
At 27 years old, Scales is entering his prime and continues to improve with every season. He is a vital part of the national team’s defensive structure, playing at wing back or centre back in Hallgrimsson’s setup. That versatility means he will be a permanent fixture for the coming years.
8. Ryan Manning
Ryan Manning has perhaps been unlucky not to appear for the Republic of Ireland national team more times than the 23 occasions he has pulled on the green strip. The Southampton left-back has been playing Championship football for most of his career, with a stop in the Premier League in 2024/25. However, he took his performances to the next level last season.
The attacking full-back registered 8 goals and 6 assists in 35 league starts in 2025/26 as Southampton reached the EFL Championship playoffs and FA Cup semi-finals. His dynamism down the left flank has added an edge to his game we hadn’t seen before. Manning’s ability to deliver dangerous crosses and contribute in attack while maintaining balance at the back has made him one of the most consistent performers in the second tier.
He has developed into more than just a depth option for Ireland. Manning will probably be the first-choice left-back when the UEFA Nations League campaign begins in October. His work ethic and versatility have helped him become one of the best Irish footballers in 2026/27.
7. Finn Azaz
From one Saint to another. Finn Azaz was integral to Southampton’s playoff-reaching campaign last year. The midfielder signed from Middlesbrough in August 2025 for £12 million and immediately settled into the first team. He went on to score 11 league goals and deliver 8 assists in 43 games.
Azaz’s vision, technical quality, and ability to arrive late into the box have made him a standout performer in the Championship. His composure on the ball and range of passing have helped Southampton control games from midfield. His work rate and physicality mean he can affect the game at both ends of the pitch.
Azaz has now started to become a regular in the Irish national side under Heimir Hallgrímsson. He appeared in six of Ireland’s World Cup Qualifying games last term and will be part of a strong spine this coming season. His rapid development from Championship talent to senior Ireland regular highlights his high ceiling. With his energy, creativity, and goal threat, Azaz is quickly establishing himself as one of the best Irish footballers right now.
6. Evan Ferguson
Evan Ferguson’s career has not quite lifted off as many expected, but he is still one of the best Irish strikers whenever he pulls on the shirt. Several failed loans have halted Ferguson’s development, including a spell at Roma last season, where he netted just 3 goals in 16 league games before his season was ended due to ankle surgery. However, he forms part of one of Ireland’s best attacking regiments in years.
The Brighton and Hove Albion forward was in fine form under Hallgrimsson in 2025/26. He scored 3 goals in 4 World Cup qualifying games before his season was cut short. Ferguson’s partnership with Troy Parrott has transformed Ireland’s forward line. His physical presence, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing make him a constant threat in the final third. Ferguson’s ability to hold up play and link with attacking midfielders has added a new dimension to Ireland’s attack.
At just 21 years old, Ferguson still has significant potential to fulfil the early promise he showed. If he can secure regular first-team football at club level and stay injury-free, he could develop into Ireland’s main striker for the next decade. His partnership with Parrott gives the national team a potent and exciting forward duo that opponents will find difficult to contain.
5. Dara O’Shea
Dara O’Shea is arguably one of the most underrated defenders in England. The Ipswich centre-back had two spells in the Premier League and took Ipswich right back there this past season, playing all 46 league games in their promotion-winning campaign.
O’Shea’s leadership, aerial dominance, and composure on the ball have been vital to Ipswich’s success. He reads the game well and is comfortable progressing play from the back. His consistency and reliability have earned him regular caps for the Republic of Ireland, where he has performed with the same assurance. O’Shea’s professionalism and work ethic make him a valuable asset both at club and international level.
At 27 years old, he is entering his prime and continues to improve with every season. His performances in the Championship and Premier League have shown he can handle the step up in quality. Dara O’Shea is a key figure in Ireland’s defensive structure, forming part of a strong back three. He has become one of the most reliable heads in the Ireland squad.
4. Caoimhin Kelleher
Caoimhín Kelleher was outstanding as Brentford’s first-choice goalkeeper throughout the 2025/26 season. The Irish international made the number one spot his own after signing from Liverpool for £18 million last summer. He delivered several impressive performances in the Premier League, immediately settling in as a starting number 1 after years of playing backup at Anfield.
His shot-stopping ability, distribution, and command of the penalty area have been highly impressive. Kelleher has taken his opportunities with both hands and has shown he can perform consistently at the highest level. He has been Ireland’s number one for several years now and continues to grow in confidence with every cap. His calmness under pressure, quick reflexes, and modern goalkeeping skills have made him a vital part of both Brentford’s defensive structure and the Republic of Ireland national team.
At 27 years old, Kelleher is an established starter and looks set to remain Ireland’s first-choice keeper for the foreseeable future. His performances this season have reinforced his status as one of the best Irish football players right now.
3. Jake O’Brien
Jake O’Brien has impressed at Everton with his athleticism, aerial prowess, and composure on the ball. The centre-back has adapted well to the demands of the Premier League and has become an integral part of the Ireland squad. O’Brien’s ability to win duels, read the game, and contribute to build-up play has been notable. He has shown leadership qualities and defensive reliability in a competitive environment.
O’Brien’s versatility for club and country has been fantastic, playing right back for Everton last season. His performances have been consistent and reliable, helping Everton maintain a solid defensive record which saw just five teams concede fewer goals than the Toffees in 2025/26. At the international level, he has stepped up impressively, earning regular caps and forming a strong partnership in the heart of defence.
At just 25 years old, O’Brien is seen as one of Ireland’s brightest defensive prospects with huge potential. It would not be a surprise to see the former Cork City man at a top six Premier League side in the near future. His rapid development, physical attributes, and football intelligence suggest he can become a long-term leader at club level and for the national team.
2. Nathan Collins
Nathan Collins is one of the best defenders Ireland has produced in years. The towering centre-back has been a commanding presence for Brentford in the Premier League, blending raw physical power with graceful composure on the ball and razor-sharp reading of the game. Collins is captain for both club and country, wearing the armband with natural authority and leading by example with his passion and determination on the pitch.
His presence in the air and ability to launch attacks with intelligent passes have made him a joy to watch and a nightmare for opposition forwards. Collins has adapted brilliantly to the intensity of top-flight football. He has become the heartbeat of Ireland’s defence, inspiring those around him with his leadership and never-say-die attitude.
At just 25 years old, Collins has a lot more to offer both club and country. His journey from promising talent to respected leader has been inspiring, and he now stands as one of the cornerstones of Irish football.
1. Troy Parrott
From one end of the pitch to the other, Troy Parrott is one of the best strikers Ireland has produced in decades. The former Tottenham Hotspur man went on a merry-go-round of loan moves before settling at AZ Alkmaar in the Dutch Eredivisie in 2024. That £6.7 million move was a brave one that paid off handsomely for the Dublin man, who has become one of the best strikers in the league.
Parrott has flourished in the Netherlands, becoming a regular goalscorer and playmaker for AZ. His intelligent movement, clinical finishing, and ability to link play have made him a standout performer in the Eredivisie. He finished 2025/26 with 16 league goals, taking his overall return to 30 across 58 games since joining the previous year. His technical quality, work rate off the ball, and composure in front of the goal have excited fans and pundits alike.
Parrott has now become Ireland’s biggest hope every time he takes to the pitch for the Boys in Green. The forward found the net six times throughout their World Cup qualifying campaign last season. He brings energy, confidence, and a genuine goal threat that lifts the entire team. At just 24 years old, Parrott carries the dreams of a nation on his shoulders. His journey from highly-rated youngster to proven performer abroad has been brilliant, and he now stands as the clear number one Irish football player in the world.
