Shay Given: The Career of Ireland’s Veteran Goalkeeper
Introduction: Why Shay Given matters
Shay Given is one of Ireland’s most recognisable footballers, notable for a long Premier League career, a wealth of international appearances and several major club honours. His experience and statistics remain relevant to fans and analysts tracking goalkeeper longevity and the impact of international players in English football.
Main career highlights
Club achievements and key matches
Given’s club career includes spells at teams that reached significant milestones. While at Manchester City the club finished third in the Premier League and qualified for the UEFA Champions League for the first time in its history, and the club also won the FA Cup during his time there; however, he did not appear in the league campaign by which City reached the Champions League nor did he play in the FA Cup run itself.
Earlier in his career with Newcastle United he played an influential role during a season when the team finished third in the Premier League. Given featured in all 38 league games and made twelve European appearances that season, helping Newcastle advance into the Champions League qualifying rounds for 2003–04. He also played the whole match in the FA Cup final when Newcastle reached the showpiece, a game in which they were defeated 2–0 by Arsenal.
Transfers and later moves
On 18 July 2011 Given moved to Aston Villa in a transfer believed to be around £3.5 million, signing a five-year contract. His career includes multiple clubs and sustained Premier League involvement across many seasons.
International and statistical record
As an international, Given amassed 134 caps for the Republic of Ireland, marking him among the country’s most-capped players. Premier League records summarise his top-flight contributions: born 20 April 1976, he made 451 top-level appearances, kept 87 clean sheets and recorded 698 saves in the competitions covered by the Premier League’s statistics.
Conclusion: Legacy and significance
Shay Given’s career combines long-term club service, a standout international tally and clear statistical markers of consistency. For readers assessing goalkeeper careers, his record offers a case study in durability and performance across domestic and European competitions. Given’s transfers and cup appearances underline the often complex relationship between squad role and team success, and his figures remain a reference point in discussions of Premier League goalkeeping over the past two decades.
