Ronnie Whelan Biography: Wife, Age, Stats, Net Worth, Trophies, Brother, Height, Children

Biography

Ronnie Whelan, born Ronald Andrew Whelan on September 25, 1961, in Dublin, Ireland, is a former professional footballer and manager.

A versatile midfielder, he spent most of his career at Liverpool FC (1979–1994), making 493 appearances and scoring 73 goals.

Whelan won three First Division titles, two FA Cups, three League Cups, and the European Cup in 1984 during Liverpool’s golden era. Known for his work rate, vision, and clutch goals, he also earned 53 caps for Ireland, captaining the side at the 1990 World Cup.

Post-retirement, he managed Southend United and coached at clubs like Panionios. Whelan remains a Liverpool legend and respected football pundit.

Irish former football player
Ronnie Whelan
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Ronald Andrew Whelan
Stage Name:	Ronnie Whelan
Born:	25 September 1961 (age 63 years old)
Place of Birth:	Finglas, Dublin, Ireland
Nationality:	Irish
Education:	St. Fergal’s Boys National School
Height:	1.75 m
Parents:	Ronnie Whelan Sr.
Siblings:	Paul Whelan
Spouse:	Elaine Whelan (m. 1985)
Girlfriend • Partner:	Not Dating
Children:	Elizabeth Whelan, Amy Whelan, Georgia Whelan
Occupation:	Footballer • Football Manager
Net Worth:	$1 million-$5 million (USD)

Early Life & Education

Ronnie Whelan, born Ronald Andrew Whelan on September 25, 1961, in Finglas, Dublin, Ireland, grew up in a family deeply rooted in the sport of football.

Of Irish ethnicity, he is Catholic by religion. His father, Ronnie Whelan Sr. (born November 17, 1936, in Dublin; died July 16, 1993), was a notable Irish international footballer who earned caps for the national team and played a key role for St Patrick’s Athletic in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Details about his mother are not publicly available. Whelan has at least one sibling, a brother named Paul Whelan, who played professionally for clubs including Bohemian FC and Shamrock Rovers.

For his education, he attended St. Fergal’s Boys National School in Finglas, Dublin.

During his early life, Whelan showed prodigious talent, making his League of Ireland debut for Home Farm on his 16th birthday and progressing rapidly to represent the Republic of Ireland at schoolboy, youth, amateur, U21, and senior levels by age 20.

Career

Ronnie Whelan, born on September 25, 1961, in Dublin, Ireland, enjoyed a professional football career spanning more than two decades, defined by standout achievements at both club and international levels.

He began with Irish youth side Home Farm, making his League of Ireland debut at just 16 in 1977, and quickly earned recognition with caps at schoolboy, youth, amateur, and U21 levels before making his senior debut for the Republic of Ireland in 1981.

In 1979, at age 17, Whelan signed for Liverpool FC in a £35,000 move—a record fee for an Irish player at the time. After impressing in the reserves, he broke into Bob Paisley’s first team in 1980 and went on to become a key midfielder known for his versatility, tireless work ethic, and ability to score vital goals.

Across 15 years with the Reds (1979–1994), he made 493 appearances, scored 73 goals, and collected an impressive haul of silverware: three First Division titles (1982, 1983, 1984), two FA Cups (1986, 1989), three League Cups (1981–83), and the 1984 European Cup, where he converted his penalty in the shootout victory over Roma.

Fans remember his long-range strikes, including his goal in the 1984 League Cup final against Everton and a spectacular volley versus QPR in the 1989 FA Cup. He also captained Liverpool during the 1988–89 season, guiding the team through a transitional period under Kenny Dalglish and Graeme Souness.

Injuries to his knee and back hindered his later years, and in 1994, he left Anfield to join Southend United as player-manager. Whelan made 35 appearances and scored once, but his managerial spell proved difficult, with Southend relegated in 1995.

He was dismissed in 1997 after failing to achieve promotion. Subsequent coaching stints included Panionios in Greece, Olympiakos Nicosia, and Apollo Limassol in Cyprus, though with limited success.

On the international stage, Whelan earned 53 caps for the Republic of Ireland between 1981 and 1995, scoring three goals. He was instrumental in Ireland’s groundbreaking Euro 1988 campaign—where his stunning volley against the USSR remains iconic—and captained the side at the 1990 FIFA World Cup as Ireland reached the quarter-finals for the first time in history.

After retiring from management, Whelan became a respected pundit, working with RTÉ and contributing regularly to Liverpool’s media channel.

Today, he is remembered not only as one of Ireland’s finest midfielders but also as a Liverpool legend whose intelligence, leadership, and big-game performances left a lasting mark on the sport.

Social Media

• Wikipedia: Ronnie Whelan
• Twitter: Ronnie Whelan (@WhelanRonnie5) / X

Personal Life

Ronnie Whelan, born on September 25, 1961, in Dublin, Ireland, is currently 63 years old.

He stands at a height of 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 meters).

Whelan has been married to his wife, Elaine Whelan, since at least 1985, with no public records indicating previous marriages or divorces.

The couple has three daughters: Elizabeth Whelan, Amy Whelan, and Georgia Whelan.

Whelan is also a grandfather to two grandsons, John and Jamie.

Net Worth

Ronnie Whelan‘s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million.

He primarily earned his living through his successful football career with Liverpool FC (1979–1994), during which he won numerous titles, and later as a player-manager at Southend United, as well as a coach in Greece and Cyprus. His income was supplemented by punditry work for RTÉ Sport.