Paul McGrath (footballer)

Paul McGrath
McGrath in 2018
Personal information
Full name Paul McGrath[1]
Date of birth (1959-12-04) 4 December 1959 (age 64)[1]
Place of birth Greenford, England
Height 1.85 m (6 ft 1 in)[2]
Position(s) Centre back[1]
Youth career
Fatima Rangers
Dalkey United
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1981–1982 St Patrick's Athletic 26 (4)
1982–1989 Manchester United 163 (12)
1989–1996 Aston Villa 253 (9)
1996–1997 Derby County 24 (0)
1997Sheffield United (loan) 7 (0)
1997–1998 Sheffield United 5 (0)
Total 478 (25)
International career
1985–1997 Republic of Ireland 83 (8)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Paul McGrath (born 4 December 1959) is an Irish former professional footballer, who played as a defender. McGrath is widely considered to be one of the greatest defenders of all time and was known by the nickname 'God' at Aston Villa. Mainly a centre back, he also played as defensive midfielder. He spent the majority of his career at Villa and Manchester United (seven seasons apiece). He is one of only six defenders to have won the PFA Players' Player of the Year award. He also played for St Patrick's Athletic, Derby County and Sheffield United.

Also a long-time member of the Republic of Ireland national team, he appeared at the 1990 and 1994 FIFA World Cups, as well as UEFA Euro 1988, the team's first-ever international tournament.

  1. ^ a b c "Paul McGrath". Barry Hugman's Footballers. Retrieved 18 February 2019.
  2. ^ "Paul McGrath Defender, Profile & Stats | Premier League". www.premierleague.com. Retrieved 25 March 2023.