Martin Keown
A fierce and uncompromising defender whose physical presence anchored Arsenal's legendary backline during their most dominant era.
Born 1966 (age 60)·Former English footballer, coach, and scout·Birthday: July 24·Generation X
Biography
Martin Keown’s football journey was one of resilience and fierce commitment. Emerging from the youth ranks at Arsenal, he had to leave to find his footing, with notable spells at Aston Villa and Everton proving his mettle. His return to Highbury in 1993 marked the beginning of his defining chapter, where he became the snarling, relentless heart of Arsenal's famed back four. Under Arsène Wenger, his aggressive man-marking and tactical intelligence were instrumental in the club's historic double wins. Beyond his ten major honours, Keown is etched in Premier League folklore for his infamous on-pitch confrontation with Manchester United's Ruud van Nistelrooy, a moment that perfectly captured his combative spirit. After hanging up his boots, he transitioned seamlessly into punditry, offering sharp, insightful analysis drawn from his decades of elite experience.
Generation X
1965–1980
The latchkey kids. Raised during divorce, recession, and the end of the Cold War. Skeptical, self-reliant, media-literate. They invented indie culture, grunge, and the early internet — then watched the Boomers take credit.
Martin was born in 1966, placing them squarely in the Generation X. The events that shaped this generation — economic uncertainty, the end of the Cold War, and the rise of personal computing — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Martin Was Born
The biggest hits of 1966
#1 Movie
The Bible: In the Beginning
Best Picture
A Man for All Seasons
#1 TV Show
Bonanza
Martin's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1966Born
Star Trek premieres on television
Gas: $0.32/galHome: $14,200Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"The Ballad of the Green Berets" — SSgt Barry SadlerBest Picture: A Man for All Seasons
1971Started school
Voting age lowered to 18 in the US
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $18,100Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"Joy to the World" — Three Dog NightBest Picture: The French Connection
1979Became a teenager
Iran hostage crisis begins; Three Mile Island accident
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $37,900Min wage: $2.90/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"My Sharona" — The KnackBest Picture: Kramer vs. Kramer
1982Could drive
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1984Could vote
Apple Macintosh introduced
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $59,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"When Doves Cry" — PrinceBest Picture: Amadeus
1987Turned 21
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1996Turned 30
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2006Turned 40
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2016Turned 50
Donald Trump elected president; Brexit vote
Gas: $2.14/galHome: $181,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Love Yourself" — Justin BieberBest Picture: Moonlight
2026Turned 60
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won three Premier League titles with Arsenal, including two as part of 'The Invincibles' squad of 2003-04.
- Earned 43 caps for the England national team, representing his country at the 1998 FIFA World Cup and Euro 2000.
- Secured a domestic 'double' twice with Arsenal, winning the league and FA Cup in the same season in 1998 and 2002.
- Made over 400 competitive appearances for Arsenal across two spells, establishing himself as a club stalwart.
Did You Know?
He is one of only five players to have played in the Premier League in its inaugural 1992-93 season and also for the 'Invincibles' over a decade later.
Keown holds a UEFA A coaching licence and worked as a defensive coach for the England national team under Roy Hodgson.
He was known for an intense pre-match ritual of repeatedly headbutting the dressing room door to psych himself up.
His father, Raymond, was a professional footballer who played for Southampton.
“Defending is an art. It's about anticipation, timing, and sheer will.”
