Rory Finneran

Rory James Finneran is an Irish footballer who plays for Newcastle United. In January 2024, he became Blackburn Rovers' youngest ever player, debuting in the FA Cup third round against Cambridge United.

Early life

Described as a left-footed defensive midfield player, Finneran joined the Blackburn Rovers academy at eight years-old.
Finneran was named among the match day squad for Blackburn in the EFL Championship against Bristol City in December 2023 but was an unused substitute. He made his senior debut for Blackburn Rovers in the FA Cup against Cambridge United on 6 January 2024. At 15 years-old, ten months and eight days, he became Blackburn's youngest ever debutant. However, he was not allowed to wear a kit with the main Blackburn shirt sponsor, an electronic cigarette manufacturer, due to his young age.

Finneran will join Newcastle United academy, a tribunal will be required to determine the compensation fee owed to Blackburn Rovers for young midfielder.

A Republic of Ireland youth international, he first played for Ireland U15 against Cyprus U15 in 2022. He went on to play for Ireland at U16 and U17 levels, making his competitive debut in a 4-0 Euro U17 qualifying win over Armenia U17 in October 2023. He captained Ireland for the first time in a 3–1 victory over Australia U16s at the start of 2023. Finneran was named the Republic of Ireland's under-15 player of the year in 2023. Finneran was named in the squad for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar in November 2025.