Former Republic of Ireland captain Robbie Keane has solidified his future in Budapest, signing a new contract with Hungarian champions Ferencvaros. The deal comes on the back of a spectacular debut year that has seen the 45-year-old Dubliner's managerial stock rise dramatically across the continent.
A Manager Flourishing in Budapest
Keane, who took charge in January, expressed his delight at extending his stay. 'I am happy to continue this journey,' he stated on Wednesday. 'I am enjoying it very much. It is a good place to be. The fans are incredible, there is a good relationship with everyone at the club. The president has been fantastic and can see the vision I have for the club. Stability is very important. I am very happy to sign and stay.'
His sentiments were echoed by Ferencvaros president Gabor Kubatov, who highlighted Keane's seamless integration into the fabric of the club and city. 'Robbie feels very comfortable in Budapest. He loves the people, the Hungarian restaurants, the food. It is as if he likes this fabric and has embroidered himself into it,' Kubatov said. 'The fans adore him too. He is a winner. Relentless and very motivated.'
Domestic Dominance and European Surprise
Keane's immediate impact was undeniable. He guided Ferencvaros to their seventh consecutive Hungarian league title last season, masterminding a stunning final sprint of 33 points from the last 13 matches. However, it is his work in Europe that is truly turning heads.
Ferencvaros remain unbeaten in their six Europa League matches this campaign. A famous victory over Rangers last week has left them on 14 points, just one behind group leaders Lyon, Midtjylland, and Aston Villa. With two matchdays remaining, they are on the cusp of automatic qualification for the knockout stages.
The scale of their achievement is underscored by a stark financial disparity. The starting XI that defeated Rangers was assembled for just £6.4 million – £2 million less than Rangers paid Everton for striker Youssef Chermiti, who was an unused substitute in Budapest. Ferencvaros consistently outperforms rivals with far greater resources; their squad costs a fraction of those at Celtic and Nottingham Forest.
A Coaching Journey Forged in Adversity
Keane's managerial path has been both deliberate and tested. After beginning as a player-manager at India's ATK, he served as an assistant under Mick McCarthy, Jonathan Woodgate, and Sam Allardyce. His first permanent managerial role was at Israel's Maccabi Tel Aviv, where he won a league and cup double and secured historic European progress, all while the club was displaced to neutral venues due to the outbreak of war in Gaza.
He joined Ferencvaros six months after leaving Israel, nearly securing a domestic double in his first half-season, only to lose the Hungarian Cup final on penalties. Now, in his first full campaign, Keane is clearly flourishing. After a final pre-winter break match against Diosgyor on Friday, his team faces a daunting restart in January with crucial Europa League ties against Panathinaikos and Nottingham Forest, alongside a key domestic clash.
As several of his former clubs, including Celtic, struggle for identity, Robbie Keane has found his in Budapest, building a formidable, overachieving side that has captured the imagination of Hungarian football and beyond.
