Michael Murphy joins Gaelic football’s elite in GAA.ie’s top 25-year list

Donegal player Michael Murphy has been named among the greatest Gaelic footballers of the last quarter-century in a list curated by GAA.ie.  

The comprehensive ranking celebrates the players who have defined the sport since 2000, featuring stars from powerhouse teams like Dublin, Kerry, and Tyrone, alongside outstanding individuals from counties across Ireland. 

The past 25 years have seen monumental shifts in Gaelic football, with innovative tactics and unforgettable moments. This era has produced extraordinary talent, making the task of selecting a 26-player panel incredibly challenging.  

With only 15 starting positions available, difficult decisions were inevitable. Even some past Footballer of the Year recipients missed the cut, highlighting the elite calibre of those chosen. 

Murphy’s inclusion recognises his status as one of the most complete players of his generation. A three-time All-Star, he excelled in every aspect of the game, from fielding to scoring and leadership, and remains a towering figure in Donegal’s sporting history. 

The 26 Greatest Footballers of the Last 25 Years 

Starting XV 

Stephen Cluxton (Dublin) – Revolutionised the goalkeeper position with precision kick-outs and clutch saves. 

Marc Ó Sé (Kerry) – A stylish and effective defender with five All-Ireland titles. 

Seamus Moynihan (Kerry) – A masterful ball-playing defender with unmatched anticipation. 

Keith Higgins (Mayo) – The modern corner-back prototype, blending defensive tenacity with attacking flair. 

Lee Keegan (Mayo) – Five-time All-Star known for his versatility and big-game performances. 

Kieran McGeeney (Armagh) – A fierce competitor and 2002 All-Ireland-winning captain. 

James McCarthy (Dublin) – A powerhouse player, instrumental in Dublin’s nine All-Ireland titles. 

Brian Fenton (Dublin) – The standout midfielder of his generation, pivotal to Dublin’s six-in-a-row. 

Michael Murphy (Donegal) – A Donegal legend, masterful in all facets of the game. 

Sean Cavanagh (Tyrone) – A dynamic playmaker and scorer, 2008 Footballer of the Year. 

Peter Canavan (Tyrone) – A clinical forward and Tyrone’s 2003 All-Ireland-winning captain. 

Ciarán Kilkenny (Dublin) – A workhorse with six All-Stars and a knack for shining in big moments. 

Colm Cooper (Kerry) – One of the most skilful forwards ever, excelling in both scoring and playmaking. 

David Clifford (Kerry) – Already considered one of the game’s greats at just 25 years old. 

Conor McManus (Monaghan) – A scoring machine with unmatched accuracy under pressure. 

Extended Panel 16. Niall Morgan (Tyrone) – A modern goalkeeper known for his point-scoring and attacking contributions. 
17. Conor Gormley (Tyrone) – Famous for his game-saving block in the 2003 All-Ireland Final. 
18. Michael Fitzsimons (Dublin) – The best man-marker of his generation, a nine-time All-Ireland champion. 
19. Tomás Ó Sé (Kerry) – A relentless wing-back, combining defensive grit with attacking flair. 
20. Jack McCaffrey (Dublin) – Electrifying pace and scoring ability from defence. 
21. Philip Jordan (Tyrone) – Poetry in motion as a marauding wing-back. 
22. Darragh Ó Sé (Kerry) – A dominant midfielder with six All-Ireland wins. 
23. Stephen O’Neill (Tyrone) – A gifted forward with sublime balance and finishing skills. 
24. Steven McDonnell (Armagh) – The 2003 Footballer of the Year, known for his clinical finishing. 
25. Cillian O’Connor (Mayo) – The championship’s all-time leading scorer with a knack for thriving in big games. 
26. Bernard Brogan (Dublin) – A natural scorer and the 2010 Footballer of the Year.