Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Michael Keane (footballer, born 1993)

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: September 30, 2025

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Michael Keane (footballer, born 1993) made an impact.

Michael Keane is an English professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Premier League club Everton. A product of the Manchester United youth academy, he gained first-team experience through loan spells at Leicester City, Derby County, and Blackburn Rovers before permanently joining Burnley in 2015. His performances at Burnley led to a move to Everton in 2017. Keane has also represented England at various youth levels and has earned caps for the senior national team. He is known for his aerial ability, tackling, and defensive positioning.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2009: Joined Manchester United as Academy Scholar

In 2009, at the age of 16, Michael Keane joined Manchester United as an academy scholar along with his twin brother Will.

January 2011: First Professional Contract

On 11 January 2011, Michael Keane signed his first professional contract with Manchester United on his 18th birthday.

October 2011: First-Team Debut

On October 25, 2011, Michael Keane made his first-team debut in the League Cup, coming on as a substitute in United's victory over Aldershot Town.

2011: Reserve Team Appearances

During the 2011-12 season, Michael Keane made 27 appearances in all competitions for the reserve team, scoring five goals.

January 2012: Named on the Bench Against Liverpool

On January 28, 2012, Michael Keane was named on the bench against Liverpool in the FA Cup, but he remained an unused substitute.

February 2012: Desire to Play for England Under-19 Team

In February 2012, Michael Keane expressed his desire to play for the England under-19 team.

May 2012: Debut for England Under-19 Team

On May 25, 2012, Michael Keane made his debut for the England under-19 team in a win against Slovenia.

September 2012: First-Team Start Against Newcastle United

On September 26, 2012, Michael Keane started his first-team match for Manchester United against Newcastle United in the League Cup.

November 2012: Loan to Leicester City

In November 2012, Michael Keane joined Leicester City on loan, making his debut on November 6, 2012, in a draw against Bolton Wanderers.

December 2012: Loan Extended

In December 2012, Michael Keane's loan to Leicester City was extended to January 2, 2013.

January 2013: Extended Stay and FA Cup Permission

In January 2013, Michael Keane extended his stay at Leicester City and received permission from Manchester United to play in the FA Cup for Leicester.

March 2013: Debut for England Under-21 Team

On March 25, 2013, Michael Keane made his debut for the England under-21 team in a win against Austria.

November 2013: Goals for England Under-21s

In November 2013, Michael Keane scored in consecutive matches for the England Under-21s against Finland and San Marino.

November 2013: Loan to Derby County

On 28 November 2013, Michael Keane opted to join Derby County on loan until 2 January 2014.

December 2013: Debut for Derby County

On 7 December 2013, Michael Keane made his debut for Derby County, coming on as a substitute in a win against Blackpool.

2013: Loan to Blackburn Rovers

In 2013, Michael Keane joined Championship club Blackburn Rovers on loan for the remainder of the 2013-14 season.

January 2014: Loan Extended and Return to Manchester United

In January 2014, Michael Keane's loan deal with Derby County was extended by a month, but he was later sent back to Manchester United on January 30, 2014.

March 2014: Loan to Blackburn Rovers

In March 2014, Michael Keane joined Championship club Blackburn Rovers on loan for the remainder of the 2013-14 season and made his debut for the club on March 9, playing the full 90 minutes in a defeat to Burnley.

August 2014: First League Appearance for Manchester United

In August 2014, Michael Keane made his first league appearance for Manchester United against Sunderland, and started in the League Cup against Milton Keynes Dons.

September 2014: Loan Move to Burnley

On September 2, 2014, Michael Keane completed a loan move to Burnley and made his debut against Leicester City.

January 2015: Permanent Signing with Burnley

In January 2015, Michael Keane was permanently signed by Burnley after several loan spells with the club.

September 2016: First Premier League Goal

In September 2016, Michael Keane scored his first Premier League goal against Watford.

October 2016: Called into England Squad

In October 2016, Michael Keane was called into the full England squad as a replacement for Glen Johnson.

March 2017: England Debut

On March 22, 2017, Michael Keane made his debut for England in a friendly defeat to Germany.

July 2017: Signs with Everton

On July 3, 2017, Michael Keane signed a five-year contract with Everton for an initial fee of £25 million.

August 2017: League Debut and First Goal for Everton

In August 2017, Michael Keane made his league debut for Everton and scored his first goal for the club in a UEFA Europa League play-off match against Hajduk Split on August 17, 2017.

2017: Transfer to Everton

In 2017, Michael Keane transferred to Everton after being part of Burnley's team that won the 2015-16 Football League Championship.

August 2018: First League Goal and Injury for Everton

In August 2018, Michael Keane scored his first league goal for Everton in a draw with AFC Bournemouth before leaving the match on a stretcher due to a head injury.

2018: World Cup Qualification Matches

In 2018, Michael Keane was called into the full England squad, as a replacement for the injured Glen Johnson, by interim manager Gareth Southgate for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification matches.

March 2019: First International Goal

On March 25, 2019, Michael Keane scored his first goal for England in a win against Montenegro.

August 2020: New Contract with Everton

On 30 August 2020, Michael Keane signed a new contract with Everton until 2025.

2020: Represented England

In 2020, Michael Keane most recently represented England at the senior level.

2020: UEFA Euro 2020 qualification

In 2020, Michael Keane scored his first goal on 25 March 2019 with a header from Ross Barkley's free kick in a 5–1 win away to Montenegro in UEFA Euro 2020 qualification.