John O’Shea is a highly respected Irish football coach and former professional player, best known for his versatility, leadership, and long-standing career at the highest levels of the game. He is currently the Assistant Manager of the Republic of Ireland men’s national team, having also served in various coaching roles at Stoke City and Birmingham City, and even stepping in as interim manager for Ireland in 2024.
As a player, John was celebrated for his remarkable club and international career. He made an impressive 256 league appearances for Manchester United, where he was part of one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. John won five Premier League titles, an FA Cup, two Football League Cups, four Community Shields, a UEFA Champions League title, and the FIFA Club World Cup. He later became a mainstay at Sunderland, racking up 226 appearances. Internationally, John earned 118 caps for the Republic of Ireland, featuring in major tournaments like UEFA Euro 2012 and 2016. He was also part of the squad involved in the controversial World Cup play-off loss to France in 2010. His consistent presence on the national stage earned him the title of FAI Senior International Player of the Year in 2014.
John O’Shea is a popular choice for keynote speaking engagements because of the rich leadership, teamwork, and resilience lessons drawn from his footballing career, particularly as the Captain of the Republic of Ireland national team. He played under elite managers, competed at the highest levels, and adapted to different roles and responsibilities across the pitch. These experiences translate into compelling stories and insights on handling pressure, maintaining performance, and building winning teams.
Whether speaking to corporate leaders or sports professionals, John O’Shea draws on a legacy of discipline, adaptability, and success that resonates with a wide range of audiences. His career journey, from teenage debutant to Champions League winner, national captain, and now coach, makes him an authentic and inspiring speaker for any event.
- 2024 – Returned as Assistant Manager of the Republic of Ireland
- 2024 – Interim Manager for friendlies vs Hungary and Portugal
- 2024 – Interim Manager debut vs Belgium (0–0 draw)
- 2024 – Left Birmingham City coaching role
- 2023 – Appointed First-Team Coach at Birmingham City
- 2023 – Appointed Assistant Manager of the Republic of Ireland senior team
- 2022 – Completed UEFA Pro Licence
- 2022 – Joined Stoke City as First-Team Coach
- 2020 – Appointed Assistant Manager of the Republic of Ireland U21S
- 2016 – Played at UEFA Euro 2016
- 2014 – FAI Senior International Player of the Year
- 2013 – Football League Cup runner-up with Sunderland
- 2012 – Played at UEFA Euro 2012
- 2011 – Won Premier League (Manchester United)
- 2010 – Won FA Community Shield (Manchester United)
- 2009 – Won Football League Cup (Manchester United)
- 2008 – Won Premier League, FA Community Shield, UEFA Champions League, FIFA Club World Cup
- 2007 – Won Premier League and FA Community Shield
- 2006 – Won Football League Cup
- 2004 – Won FA Cup
- 2003 – Won Premier League and FA Community Shield
- 2002 – Denzil Haroun Reserve Team Player of the Year
- 1998 – Won UEFA European Under-16 Championship (Ireland U16)
How to hire John O'Shea
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring John O'Shea for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
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