Robbie Keane must avoid political obstacles to be truly judged on merit

Robbie Keane is back in management, appointed to lead Hungarian giants Ferencváros.

Former Ireland international Robbie Keane in attendance at the UEFA Conference League league phase match between Shamrock Rovers and APOEL at Tallaght Stadium in Dublin. Picture:  Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Like the poacher that he was in his playing days, Robbie Keane emerged from the shadows undetected to deliver the first Irish football story of 2025.

Hungary may be a mid-ranking performer within a European context – their position of 24th just inside the top half of Uefa’s nations – but an Irishman taking charge of their club champions Ferencváros is a major newsline.