Sam Curtis: Ireland’s Next Footballing Superstar?

Sam Curtis is Ireland’s next upcoming prospect who has grabbed the attention of Europe’s top clubs and is tipped for a bright future in the game. The Navan-born Irishman has already had trials with AS Roma, Bayer Leverkusen, and Feyenoord. 

At the age of 14, Curtis made his senior debut for Shamrock Rovers in 2020 in a 3-1 victory over Athlone Town, making him the youngest player in the League of Ireland history. In the summer of July 2021, Curtis left Shamrock Rovers to join St Patrick’s Athletic and debuted for the club at 15-years-old and has made 60 appearances with three goals and six assists for the club.

The versatile defender, who primarily plays as a right-back, received his first call-up to the Republic of Ireland U21 squad in March earlier this year, making his debut in a 2-1 win against Iceland U21, and he played the full 90 minutes. He’s gone on to make seven appearances for the U21s and it’s only a matter of time before he gets a call-up to the senior squad. 

The 18-year-old had a successful 22/23 campaign, as he helped his side to a third-play finish and won the FAI Cup. Curtis was named PFAI Young Player of The Year, making him the youngest player to receive the award, and he was included in the PFAI Team of the Year.

After a memorable season of winning the FAI Cup for the second season in a row and achieving individual success – what’s next for Curtis? Last month, St Pat’s boss, Jon Daly, spoke ahead of the FAI Cup final and was asked about the future of his star man: “I think Sam Curtis will eventually go. He’s played a lot of football and won’t look out of place wherever he ends up.”

Curtis played 60 games in the 22/23 season, only missing two games – which is an incredible feat for a player at his age to achieve so quickly. Speaking to the Irish Independent, the teenager said he has “probably” played his last game for the Red Army:

“That was my 60th (appearance), and probably last game for St Pat’s. I won’t say last yet. We’ll see what happens come January.”

According to TEAMtalk, a number of Premier League clubs including Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester City and Newcastle are battling it out for Curtis’ signature. The rising star certainly won’t be short of options when the January transfer window comes around and it will be interesting to see where he ends up. 

By: Scott Bradley / ScottBradleyX

Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Seb Daly / Sportsfile