Ferociously competitive Arsenal defender whose intensity, man-marking ability and warrior mentality made him a key figure in the club's success.
Martin Raymond Keown was born on 24 July 1966 in Oxford, England, and grew up playing local football, including Gaelic football, before joining Arsenal's academy as a schoolboy in 1980. He made his first-team debut in 1985, but with David O'Leary and a young Tony Adams ahead of him in the pecking order, George Graham allowed him to leave for Aston Villa in 1986, where Keown helped the club win promotion back to the top flight before Everton signed him in 1989. Keown returned to Arsenal in 1993, becoming the first player since the Second World War to rejoin the club, and went on to form one of English football's most formidable defensive partnerships alongside Tony Adams. Renowned for his physicality, aerial ability, and combative style, he became a cornerstone of Arsenal's defence through the club's most successful period under Arsène Wenger. Over his second Arsenal spell, Keown won three Premier League titles, in 1998, 2002, and 2004, and three FA Cups, playing over 400 games for the club in total. He earned 43 caps for England between 1992 and 2002, representing his country at the 1998 and 2002 World Cups and Euro 1992 and 2000, forming a trusted defensive partnership with Adams at international level as well. After brief spells at Leicester City and Reading, Keown retired in 2005 and moved into broadcasting, becoming a prominent football pundit for the BBC and BT Sport while also working part-time as a scout and coach for Arsenal.
Key defender in Arsenal's unbeaten 2003-04 Premier League season
He was part of Arsenal's 'Invincibles' squad that went the entire 2003-04 Premier League season unbeaten — a feat that has never been repeated.
Did You Know?How They Played
Physical, uncompromising centre-back with excellent aerial ability and strong leadership qualities
Lasting Impact
Legendary Arsenal defender known for his commitment and leadership during the club's most successful period
Career Honours
- Premier League 3x
- FA Cup 3x
- Invincibles 2004
- UEFA Cup Winners' Cup 1994
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals | Shirt |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | 1986–1989 | 449 | 7 | #5 |
| Brighton & Hove Albion | 1984–1986 | 44 | 2 | — |
| Aston Villa | 1989–1993 | 131 | 6 | — |
| Leicester City | 2004–2005 | 22 | 0 | #5 |
 England | — | 43 | 2 | — |