‘DER KAISER’
Here are two specially commissioned paintings I recently finished for double World Cup & double Ballon d'Or winning legend Franz Beckenbauer .
Franz is 1 of only 3 people to win a World Cup as both player & manager. What an incredible honour to portray those two iconic moments in the career of an all-time great of the beautiful game!
Danke Der Kaiser!
‘CAPITÃO FANTÁSTICO’
In 2002, a star studded Brazilian football team lifted the FIFA World Cup for the 5th time. Incredible talent throughout their entire squad, but they were led into battle by only one... the legendary Cafu!
I really don't have the words to express the sheer honour I have to know my work is now inducted into Cafu's very own memorabilia room. What a photo! What a moment!🙏🎨⚽
‘EL HOMBRE BALA’
Roberto Carlos… I spent hours everyday as a kid trying to replicate your incredible free kicks. I even broke my mum & dads window with my efforts!🙈 ... but never did I ever expect you would want one of my paintings to hang proudly in your home! The honour is all mine my friend!
‘NET KING COLE’
Manchester United Treble winning hero Andy Cole with a recent portrait I painted for him. As a lifelong United fan, I still shake my head at times to know my work hangs proudly in the homes of so many of our greats!
‘PORTRAIT OF A GENIUS’
From one artist to another🎨⚽... The coolest man in world football... Andrea Pirlo! Maverick. Genius. Legend. Thank you for the honour!🙏
‘THE WHITE FEATHER’
I fell in love with Italian football during the 90's, largely because of this man right here - Fabrizio Ravanelli. Little did I know I would one day be commissioned to do a portrait painting for him! I'm thrilled you love it my friend!
'THERE'S ONLY JUAN MATA!'
Manchester United superstar Juan Mata loved his painting so much he couldn't wait to take it out of the wrapper before sending me a picture!😀
I'm incredibly proud to team up with Juan & the inspirational team at 'Common Goal'. This painting will be signed by Juan and auctioned to raise funds for very worthy causes. Details to follow. Stay tuned....
‘AMERICAN HERO’
Kurt Angle first came to my attention in 1996 when he won an Olympic Gold medal with a broken neck! ("Oh, it's true!").
I followed his career into professional wrestling where he went on to become a 4 time WWE champion, (among other titles), along with being a 2017 Hall of Fame inductee.
On top of all that, he also stars in one of my favourite movies in the last 20 years- 'Warrior' (2011).
Now, my artwork is on display in every single episode of his very own official podcast, ‘The Kurt Angle Show’.
'LEADER OF MEN'
As a lifelong Irish football fanatic, it was with the greatest of honour that I presented this iconic portrait of our leader... The truly inspirational Seamus Coleman!
I'm truly touched that my work is taking pride of place in the Coleman family home. Extra special on the same weekend Seamie was given freedom of his beloved Donegal!
'THE ITALIAN JOB'
The Italians know fine art when they see it! I'm very proud to reveal that former Italian international striker Pierluigi Casiraghi is the happy owner of one of my portrait paintings. Gigi has had a wonderful career, which includes winning 2 UEFA cups & a Coppa Italia with Juventus, another Coppa Italia with Lazio, as well as an F.A Cup & UEFA Super Cup with Chelsea.... Not to mention a runners up medal at FIFA World Cup USA '94!
I'm thrilled you love your portrait my friend.
FUN FACT: When a certain young Brazilian football legend by the name of 'Ronaldo' went up to collect his World Cup winners medal and hold aloft the famous trophy, he did so wearing Gigi's jersey, having swapped after the final.
'THE GENTLE GIANT'
The legendary All Blacks superstar Jonah Lomu took the world by storm at the 1995 Rugby World Cup. His imposing stature struck fear into every team he faced. My memories of Jonah is this iconic figure running effortlessly in a straight line, arm with ball outstretched and series of opponents seemingly bounce off of him!
With the contact of Jonah's brother John, my painting of the late great now hangs proudly beside his All Blacks jersey in the family home of Jonah's dear mum Hepi.
'LEGEND OF THE RING'
What a beautiful trip down memory lane to create this portrait for the family of wrestling great 'The British Bulldog' Davey Boy Smith. So many wonderful childhood memories because of this guy. I still cannot believe he is gone but he will never be forgotten. Special thanks to Diana Hart Smith, Harry & Georgia.
'THE GREATEST'
Presenting one of my earlier paintings to the legendary Paul McGrath.
This painting was signed by Paul and sent to auction where it raised fantastic funds for Children with Autism.
FUN FACT: This piece actually started an incredible snowball effect of Irish football player portraits.
'FANS FAVOURITE'
Pro 12 champion with my local rugby side Connacht, Bundee Aki is loved all throughout my native Galway as a fierce competitor on the rugby field but a fun loving gentleman off it! I'm certain I speak for everyone when I say how thrilled I was when he opted to play for Ireland and in his first major tournament 'Uce' won The Six Nations Championship, Grand Slam & Triple Crown titles!
'PATRIOT WARRIOR'
Irish boxing sensation 'Sugar' Ray Moylette has enjoyed huge success as an amatuer and since turning professional, the Mayo native has a flawless 100% record. Knowing Ray for over a decade and following career with keen interest, I know how far his talent, work rate and personality will take him... He's the complete package, watch this space!
'COMETH THE HOUR'...
1-0 down, deep into stoppage time. Away to the world champions Germany,in a crucial Euro 2016 qualifier... and on his 100th cap for his country. It really doesn't get much more epic that that! It was a real pleasure to recreate this iconic moment for one of Ireland's most decorated footballers- the legendary John O'Shea.
‘ANY GIVEN PAINTING’
Two safe hands warrant two portrait paintings! As a kid, I used to dream of becoming Ireland's next goalkeeper... but then they stumbled across this man.... I'm big enough to admit they made the right choice😉 It is with the greatest of pride to know two of my paintings now reside in the home the greatest goalkeeper to ever grace the Irish net, the one & only Shay Given!🍀 Thank you for the great honour & glorious memories my friend!
‘THE MAGIC MAN’
No matter what team you support, I'm certain we can all agree that we always loved and admired the sheer genius of the Italian Magician GIANFRANCO ZOLA! It fills me with pride to know my painting now hangs proudly in the great mans office!😊
‘THE ENTERTAINER’
25 years ago, the Swedish national football team captured the hearts of the footballing world with their stunning heroics when when finished 3rd at the World Cup in USA ‘94. One of their stand out performers was the charismatic goalkeeper Thomas Ravelli. I vividly recall watching Thomas during that tournament and his iconic dance routine vs Brazil. little did I know then, that I would one day, very proudly be sending him one of my portrait paintings.
‘FOREVRA RED’
We all know Manchester United & France legend Patrice Evra "Loves this Game!"...but I'm truly honoured to say he absolutely loved this recent painting I created of him also! Merci beucoup my friend, enjoy!
‘SAFE HANDS’
The ever reliable goalkeeper enjoyed much success during his career, including performing in League and F.A Cup semi-finals for Sheffield United, two play-off finals, and promotion to the Premier League with QPR in 2005–06. In addition, Paddy became a Republic of Ireland international from 2004 - 2006.
‘THE HITMAN’
In 1993, Bret Hart & the WWF came to Ireland and with me & my parents seated at ringside, I was on a mission to get within touching distance of this great man.
After his match, without any thought, I threw my Irish flag towards him. He draped it over his shoulder, climbed the turnbuckle & saluted his adoring fans... 22 years later, I learned that he still has my irish flag! And 27 years after meeting, my artwork now finds it's way to his home in Calgary, Alberta Canada.
It really is impossible to put this moment into words.
Thank you for your inspiration & the incredible memories Bret🙏
‘GREATEST OF ALL TOUCHES’
It is no secret that Dimitar Berbatov was one cool, creative genius on the football pitch but did you know he is also an incredibly talented artist off it!? It is for this reason, it is high praise indeed when such a talented man wants your work to adorn his walls.
*FUN FACT: Dimitar shared his painting with the world the same week he released his autobiography ‘My Way’.
‘THE FLYING DUTCHMAN’
One of the greatest goalkeepers to ever grace the net. The legendary Dutch shot stopper Edwin Van Der Sar, celebrating his two UEFA Champions League triumphs - with Ajax (1995) and Manchester United (2008).
‘MARAZOLA’
Two genius’ of the beautiful game. A specially commissioned piece for the legendary Gianfranco Zola, commemorating his time at SS Napoli with the iconic Diego Maradona.
‘THE PINNACLE’
Every football fan dreamt of representing their country in the World Cup... Some even dared to dream of playing in the final... But to score the winning goal and become Champions of the World???
The legendary Andreas Brehme did just that!
What a fantastic honour to have my work now hang proudly in the home of the Germany legend!
‘CRUYFF LEGACY’
What an honour to portray an iconic father & son duo on canvas, wearing the magical orange of their beloved Netherlands.
Johan & Jordi Cruyff.