David O'Leary
๐ฅ TrendingAt 67 years old, David O'Leary remains one of the most prominent Irish Athletes working today.
Irish footballer and manager
"As a manager, David O'Leary's most defining career moment was leading Leeds United to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in the 2000-2001 season." โ About David O'Leary
| Metric | David O'Leary | Avg Athlete | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 67 | 47 | +20 yrs |
| Height | 2cm (0'1") | 176cm | -174cm |
| Career length | 49 yrs | ~35 yrs | +14 yrs |
| Based on 1874 Athlete profiles in our database | |||
See also
Facts about David O'Leary
Did you know that despite his record 722 appearances for Arsenal, David O'Leary only scored 14 goals, reflecting his primary role as a steadfast defender?
- He holds the all-time appearance record for Arsenal, with an incredible 722 senior games across all competitions.
- Despite being an Irish international, he was born in London and started his youth career at Arsenal.
- He made his Arsenal debut at just 17 years old in 1975, showcasing his early talent and remarkable longevity.
- After leaving Arsenal, he spent three seasons playing for Leeds United, the very club he would later manage.
- His younger brother, Peter O'Leary, also played professional football, including for Arsenal's youth team.
As a manager, David O'Leary's most defining career moment was leading Leeds United to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals in the 2000-2001 season. This remarkable achievement saw his young team overcome major European clubs before narrowly losing to Valencia. It remains a high point in the club's modern history under his guidance.
David O'Leary is primarily remembered as an Arsenal legend for his record-breaking appearances and defensive prowess. His managerial spell at Leeds United also solidified his legacy as a tactician who brought exciting, attacking football and European success to Elland Road.