Irish football legend Robbie Keane has been unveiled as the new manager of Hungarian champions Ferencvaros, the club announced on Monday.
“Announcement: Robbie Keane is the new head coach of Ferencvaros,” the Budapest-based club declared on their official social media platforms.
Keane, 44, is stepping into the role after a storied career as both a player and coach. A former Tottenham Hotspur striker, Keane retired in 2018 as Ireland’s all-time leading goalscorer and one of the standout players from the Republic of Ireland’s memorable run to the last 16 of the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
During his playing days, Keane scored 126 goals in 349 Premier League appearances, with 91 of those goals coming in a Tottenham jersey. He also had stints with Coventry City, Leeds United, Liverpool, and LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer, where he further cemented his legacy.
Following his retirement, Keane transitioned into coaching, starting as an assistant manager under Mick McCarthy for the Republic of Ireland. He later joined the coaching staff at Middlesbrough alongside his former teammate Jonathan Woodgate. His first head coaching role came in 2023 with Israeli club Maccabi Tel Aviv.
Now, Keane takes on the challenge of managing Hungary’s most successful club. Ferencvaros, widely regarded as a football powerhouse in Hungary, secured their 35th domestic league title in the 2023/2024 season.
This new chapter marks an exciting opportunity for Keane as he seeks to build on his managerial credentials and guide Ferencvaros to further success on both the domestic and European stages.