The Legend That Is Paul McGrath

"A fitting tribute to McGrath is difficult to find, given the length of his career, and the context in which he played many games, fighting injury and other personal problems that he has been very candid about in his award-winning autobiography Back from the Brink, but this video does him some justice across his clubs and international career"
JOE.ie - 02/04/2013
This video is about a quite extraordinary person, the finest player to ever represent the Republic of Ireland, a Aston Villa legend, one of the best defenders ever to play the game, The Legend That Is Paul McGrath!
I tried to get as many clips as I could but the majority feature Paul in action for Ireland and Villa. Note, the beauty of a strike Paul scores against Holland in the World Cup was disallowed, hence Pauls disappointment after finishing it, Riijkaard conned the ref!
Music: U2 - Where The Streets Have No Name
Copyright Notice: I do not own the footage or music used in this compilation. All rights reserved to the relevant parties.

[@IrishRu5T]

IF McGrath was English they'd be still talking about him today.Best defender to grace the premiership in my eyes.To go through the shit he did,and still be able to have the greatest strikers in the world in his pocket takes something special.

[@mrfrisky2997]

He is- born in London

[@davidlalor9464]

The fact he Is IRISH regardless of where he was Born . He is Irish true and True . What a Player . A true Great . One of the all time Greats . Ask Ian Rush . To think Alex Ferguson wanted him to retire .

[@chrishadley1720]

As a Villa fan, we do still talk about him today. God

[@diarmuidkelleher5868]

@@mrfrisky2997 his mother had him there because she was afraid of what her father back in Dublin would think having a black child out of wedlock

[@mrfrisky2997]

@@diarmuidkelleher5868 says a lot about Ireland back then.

[@JJJH93]

There's a reason us Villa fans call him God! UTV👌👌💜💙💜💙

[@dano4971]

Im a Birmingham city fan and i cant stand villa but paul is the best defender i have ever seen. Credit where it's due.

[@johnanthonyp]

He played for Villa and ten years back, I heard that he was there doing a book signing session at Waterstones, Brum. I thought I could nick in and buy his book and get it signed. The queue was extraordinary. Around at least two blocks. Police were there and smiling and laughing and people were wondering who the hell was in there fucking outside of a resurrected Elvis.

[@liamleavy7930]

i seen this man play. 17 times. he won every ball he attacked. not some, not most, every ball.

[@ja-ks8dh]

He had the ability to be in the right place at the right time, all the time. The ball seemed to be a magnet towards him. Man Utd told him his knees were done and that he should consider retirement!!!! Then goes on to play another 10 years. Can you imagine what a player like Paul would be worth in the current football climate.

[@timheavyable]

His one man defensive wall against Italy in the world cup was amazing

[@simonbradley3556]

Real privilege to see the guy play down at the Villa. Absolute genius with the ball and could read the game like no one else I have ever seen. Once saw him as the only defender against three attacking players when we were throwing everything forward in a game and he still nullified the attack. Can still see it as clear as day. Truly a living legend.

[@diarmuidkelleher5868]

There is something otherworldly almost about him, the way people talk about him

[@seandoran2209]

That game in 94 vs Italy...wow...and he was injured,some lad.

[@VillaBoy]

The Best player ever to wear a Villa shirt in my opinion!!!

[@TheJobzillaattacks]

+Red and White Warriors of Sevilla. Literally met Paul today. Hence I was looking up videos of him. Couldn't have met a nicer guy, stopped for photos with everyone who asked (myself included).

[@jimmy27paul]

More bullshit rumors....

[@alfamyromeo3926]

Stupid comment.

[@johnwalsh4432]

I am a villa fan and wish he was there now

[@waynemolloy4282]

What a player mate and he couldn't even train his knees were so bad

[@0121zero]

Could you imagine what the English media would have done to Paul if he was English? It would have been horrific. I think its a blessing he was Irish, the trips back home to relieve the pressure and pain he was under are probably what saved him... He was my absolute idol when I was a kid, I even got my Dad to take me to Derby after he left the Villa just so I could watch him play.

[@Cenotaff]

His auto-biography is fascinating, he was a hero of mine growing up as a youngster completely oblivious to his troubles, as I assume, were most. What a player and a top guy all things considered. Ooooo aahhhh,

[@Macca1000001]

Grew from being a very good footballer at previous clubs to a world class centre half at Villa Park. The Greatest.

[@stevanroth]

As my 4 sons have all grown up, they have all had to listen to the real story of 'God' and his name is Paul McGrath. Legend and the greatest Aston Villa player of all time. Up the Villa.

[@waynemolloy4250]

Couldn't agree more with you my friend he was irelands greatest ever player in my opinion and he was a genius at reading the game , the youth of today don't understand this man wasn't even fit most of the time can ye imagine what he would of done if he didn't have injuries and other personal issues to el with , I love Paul Mcrath I havnt met him but wheen I do it will be like meeting god 🙏🙏

[@chipcobb6015]

@@waynemolloy4250 mate, if I ever meet him I think I'll just drop to my knees and cry

[@waynemolloy4250]

@@chipcobb6015 nice to see somebody appreciates the man as much as I do

[@tiarnan76]

'9 times out of 10, Roy Keane was always the best player on the pitch for most of his career; except for when he played alongside McGrath - then it was 0 times out of 10.' tiarnan76

[@rampageclover9788]

Without his issues off the field...easily would've gotten 300-350 caps with Man U. But their loss was Villa's gain....none of today's centre-backs come close to him. Truly a one-off

[@ja-ks8dh]

I'm Scottish but this man is my favourite footballer of all time. A Colossus. A natural. He could play centre half blindfolded.

[@chipcobb6015]

That's a great comment, so true, flike a fucking Jedi

[@thewaspsanklessmith]

Ma auld da used to say Baresi" could have played in his suit", same sentiment applies to Paul McGrath wae the blindfold I suppose. What a player, one of my favourites also👍

[@eddienally4657]

could play anywhere,played midfield for ireland a bit for a time,the cross for quinn equalising v england at wembley in 91 was sublime

[@3storiesUp]

The greatest ever Irish player .. and arguably one of the finest halves ever to play the game.

[@josephquinn577]

Best centre half I've seen, just how good would he have been without the booze, its scary, I ♥️ Paul, so humble, so much time for fans, a true giant ofaman, I've ran out of things to say.

[@Round_07]

I’ve been watching Villa for over 40 years and there’s only two other player I’ve seen in the same class as him - Gordon Cowans & Brian Little. My grandad, who had been watching Villa since the 1940’s, said he was the best he had seen 👍

[@generalkenobi5967]

One of the most underrated players of all time. Revolutionised the role of a centre back with his ball playing skills

[@davidantony2734]

better than any english centre half in my lifetime (and I'm english)

[@liamh9802]

A hero a gentleman , a true person you made us happy .

[@powderfingermorrison5747]

Drunk as I was I knew it the minute we beat Italy in 94, McGrath was the best player on the pitch that day/night.

[@garypritchett8136]

Was fortunate enough to see most of his games home and away in a Villa shirt.... Legend!

[@LED1512]

Seen him several times on his visits to Ayresome Park with Utd and Villa. On a different level altogether. Best I ever seen.

[@alcoyne3333333333333]

In the 1990 World Cup in America to great Franco brazi asked Paul for his shirt before the game ! Legends respect Legends and many people not irish don't know that big Jack played him as the Defensive midfielder no 6 because of his passing and defensive abilities..and played most of his final years not training on the pitch with the rest of the team because of his bad legs. He only trained in the gym ! And sometimes the pub . 😉

[@kevinmassey7675]

Was that in Italy '90 or USA '94 ' Ireland played Italy in both these world cup tournaments

[@agunaful]

McGrath world class!!. And is easily in the conversation to be in the best team of all time. The guy was unbelievably good. I would say, the best there was, the best there is , the best there will ever be.

[@Eircom1978]

Awesome Player..........Thanks for putting this together.

[@markshields5883]

If you were naming a world 11 ,he would be in it

[@conish64]

He literally saw signourny, Massaro and Baggio in Giants Stadium in 1994 and said, No, not today lads. Best performance from ant centre half I've ever seen.

[@stephenendsor3884]

Arguably Villas Greatest Player

[@cafu-thebrazilianalanhutto6835]

Sometimes comments like that can be disrespectful to all the other players that brought us success in other eras and periods but that is a fair shout

[@mattuboyle5891]

Thanks lad..well played

[@weskenny]

Paul McGrath is without doubt the best player I have ever seen.

[@cooldood581]

Great video mate, he's such a hero :)

[@supafuckinmingster]

The best player I've ever seen wear a green jersey....by a country mile. Paul, we need you. Please either clone yourself or build yourself a time machine and come back to us as a 25 year old.

[@bk1147]

He was a world class player and beautiful to watch

[@Jaya365]

Ireland had a world class defensive line up on the 90s

[@paulmclaughlin8038]

Tough, honest, clean in the tackle and a tremendous temperament. Was he ever sent off?

[@hockleyrebelDJ]

Villas best defender EVER

[@petergraham8510]

Simpley a beautiful man…

[@johnanthonyp]

I went to Waterstones in Brum after work when I thought an old footballer not remembered would sign his book. Fucking Hell, there was near a thousand waiting queueing round stupid corners.

[@ybill08]

paul mcgrath my lord , paul mcgrath , paul mcgrath my lord . paul mcgrath , paul mcgrath my lord , paul mcgrath , oooooh my lord paul mcgrath

[@laurencereid1462]

What a man, player, hero

[@johnmorgan8437]

Legend

[@waynegamble4752]

Quality player and my favourite UTD centre back ever .

[@Anthony-hu1cz]

The best Irish player ever

[@lorcanfeely6371]

Greatest living Irish man

[@jtb1245]

Legend 🌟❤️🇮🇪

[@philipglasgow3307]

The greatest defender of all time was Paulo Maldini, closely followed by Franco Baresi. In Giants stadium Paul eclipsed them both with Roberto Baggio in is back pocket. Thanks Paul for everything, you thought me to acccept people even when they carry baggage. You thought to accept myself.

[@LibertyBhoy]

OOH AAH PAUL MCGRATH!!!

[@keithoneillatsb8os116]

My hero greatest Irish player ever

[@Ryan4469]

He is the ONE!

[@shortallliam3142]

1916Rising, Bollox the begrudgers; what a wonderful tribute to a man who gave his all for the green shirt...

[@TroystonB]

What would you pay for McGrath today? There's nobody in England today that could touch him it was effortless for the big man.

[@offcuts4146]

Whata player won everything cant remember him being at fault for a goal propa defender. So glad got to see him play live. Even my dad who is a blue nose used to say he was class

[@john4592]

great video. if the next few weeks goes well hopefully you can do a similar montage on richard dunne. come on ireland

[@stevemakinson2222]

meant to say best player!

[@ufewl]

legend!

[@dogguyful]

Shyness is such a crippling thing. It can inhibit giants like Paul McGrath. Unfortunately he had to drink alcohol so much to make great public appearances.

[@stevanroth]

God, nothing else needs to be said.

[@DaBoyzInGreen]

Forget those bad knees, Paul. WE need YOU in JUNE!

[@martinjames6431]

4.26 stops a Baggio missile with his FACE and gets up. Imagine the thirteen months physical therapy, PTSD and sued players that would bring now. Paul just had a pint of the black stuff and went back on the field and outclassed some more

[@alcoyne3333333333333]

The VVD of his day

[@MrPlenty1]

Don’t you ever compare him with McGrath. He ain’t on Pauls level

[@albertross4102]

oohh ahhh

[@IrishRu5T]

Good point.I never saw him live on TV or at a match, just some tapes around of him playing for Utd/Villa/Ireland.Performance vs Baggio was as good a defensive display as I've ever seen.I'm referring to his quality tho.On the pitch,overshadowed all the Brits.Same story with Dunne these days.Gimme Richard Dunne over Rio/JT/Jagielka any day.

[@paradise8876]

.... not many God's in football, Mcgrath was one.

[@niall679]

The black pearl

[@stephenoconnell1591]

Imagine if he was fit

[@IrishRu5T]

yeah yeah, im sure that one month in England made him who he was.

[@stevemakinson2222]

Saw him play for United in the eighties,he was the player in the team apart from Bryan Robson(who was better than everybody)

[@mrfixit2788]

A flawed genius like a few. They tried their best with him e.g. laying a man against a door. But it's similar to me. Would I get more enjoyment from drinking a pint rather than hitting the gym. My 20's were the most exciting and what I miss.

[@stephenmurray5014]

o a paul mc grath say o a paul mgrath

[@tonyg368]

Paul Mcgrath deserves a better video than this

[@fcr_1991]

6 years later and you haven't produced one of your own?

[@roryslaine7896]

Oh ah!

[@0121zero]

McGrath is definitely up there, not sure about Dunne tho. He's been very average for us the last couple of seasons. Not in Terry or Rio's league for me.

[@nyuuggah]

GOD! I think refs would have a field day with Paul if he were to play nowadays.Especially with all the theatrical bollocks that we see.

[@johnwalsh4432]

Great player

[@dodi1986]

sorry lad u are wrong

[@IrishRu5T]

um....he's from an orphanage in Dublin......check out his autobiography lad. He was born in Dublin, grew up in orphanages in Dublin and is half Irish half Nigerian. The only decent part of your statement is that he is yes, a lifelong Chelsea fan.

[@ggmm6182]

He was born in London but everything else you said is true

[@conish64]

Better player than roy Keane. Fight me

[@MyMadra]

You clearly know nothing about him, and you clearly have not read is autobiography lmao

[@kengray7526]

Bless you Paul ❤