Football fans old and new have been basking in the most iconic efforts of former Ireland star Wes Hoolahan after a compilation of his best moments vent viral.
Dubbed the ‘Irish Messi’ by some, the diminutive former Shelbourne star worked his way up from the League of Ireland across his unique career and up the heights of the Premier League.
Despite not being an Ireland regular until his 30s, Hoolahan has left a lasting impression in the imagination of Irish football fans.
The man himself served up the pinpoint cross that allowed Robbie Brady to score the side’s most iconic goal in years at Euro 2016.
His selection – or lack thereof – by then-manager Martin O’Neill became a constant national issue; with the pro-Wes camp firmly led by Eamon Dunphy on RTÉ at the time.
The former Norwich City ace has mostly stepped back from the football limelight – albeit he is currently plying his trade at the age of 42 in England’s 11th tier – but fans on social media have brought him back front and centre.
Football outlet Mundial shared an excellent comp of Hoolahan’s tricks and flicks – and the video has quickly won over fans old and new of the midfield schemer.
Originally shared by a Twitter/X user back in January 2023, the video is aptly titled ‘Wes Hoolahan – The Irish Messi’.
Who knew that a Wes Hoolahan comp would be the best thing you’d see today?pic.twitter.com/y5nQThckUC
— MUNDIAL (@MundialMag) October 21, 2024
‘Knew he was a top baller when I saw him at Shels in [the] first Setanta Cup,’ claimed one long-standing fan of ‘Wessi’.
Another added: ‘If people aren’t aware of his game they need to fix up quick!’
Ireland – and the wider football world – rarely produces unique talents such as Hoolahan, so the Dubliner can expect to remain a lauded figure for the years to come.