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Troy Parrott
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Troy Daniel Parrott (born 4 February 2002) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a forward for Eredivisie club AZ and the Republic of Ireland national team.
Key Information
Club career
[edit]Tottenham Hotspur
[edit]From Dublin, Parrott started his youth career with Belvedere. He was first identified for Tottenham Hotspur by Martin McGuigan, the club's Republic of Ireland scout based in Newry.[3] In July 2017, Parrott joined Tottenham Hotspur for an undisclosed fee.[4] On 4 February 2019, on his 17th birthday, Parrott signed his first professional contract with Tottenham.[5] He made his first-team debut for Tottenham in the 3–2 International Champions Cup friendly win over Juventus on 21 July 2019.[6] On 24 September 2019, Parrott made his professional debut for Tottenham in their third round loss in the EFL Cup against Colchester United.[7] On 7 December 2019, Parrott made his Premier League debut under manager José Mourinho, in a 5–0 win against Burnley.[8] On 8 February 2020, Parrott signed a new three-and-a-half-year contract with Spurs until the summer of 2023, with an option to extend for an extra year.[9]
Loan spells
[edit]On 1 August 2020, Parrott joined Championship side Millwall on a season-long loan.[10] After missing the start of the season due to suffering a quad injury during pre-season, he made his debut for Millwall in a 0–2 EFL Cup defeat to Burnley on 23 September, a match in which he also suffered an ankle injury which ruled him out of action for over 8 weeks. He made his first appearance following his return from injury in a 1–1 draw with Cardiff City on 21 November.[11] Parrott made 14 appearances in all competitions for Millwall[12] before being recalled from his loan in January.[13]
On 1 February 2021, Parrott joined League One club Ipswich Town for the remainder of the season.[14] making his debut five days later in a 2–0 victory over Blackpool.[15] He scored his first senior goal in a 1–0 home win over Plymouth Argyle at Portman Road on 13 March 2021.[16] Parrott made 18 appearances during his loan spell with Ipswich, scoring twice.[12]
On 29 July 2021, Parrott joined EFL League One club Milton Keynes Dons on loan for the 2021–22 season.[17] He made his league debut for the club on 7 August 2021 in a 3–3 draw away to Bolton Wanderers.[18] He scored his first goal the following week at home against Sunderland though MK Dons lost 2–1.[19] On 8 March 2022, Parrott scored twice in a 3–1 home win over Cheltenham Town.[20] He went on to make 47 appearances for the club, scoring ten goals and providing seven assists as Milton Keynes Dons secured a third-placed play-off finish.[21]
On 25 July 2022, Tottenham Hotspur announced that Parrott had signed a new contract at the club until 2025 and was subsequently loaned out to Championship side Preston North End for the 2022–23 season. He scored his first goal for Preston in an EFL Cup win over Huddersfield Town on 9 August 2022.[22] His first league goal for Preston North End was the winning goal in a 3–2 win over Norwich City at Carrow Road on 8 October 2022.[23]
On 24 August 2023, Parrott was loaned out to Dutch club Excelsior Rotterdam on a season long loan deal.[24] Over the course of the season, he scored seventeen goals, including two hat-tricks in the relegation play-offs, but was unable to save the club from relegation.[25]
AZ Alkmaar
[edit]Parrott signed for Eredivise club AZ Alkmaar from Tottenham Hotspur on 13 July 2024.[26] The transfer fee paid to Tottenham was reported as £6.7 million (€8 million).[26] Parrott scored four goals in AZ's 9–1 rout of Heerenveen on 14 September 2024.[27] He was named the Eredivisie Player of the Month for December 2024.[28] On 21 April 2025, he opened the scoring in the 2025 KNVB Cup final as AZ went on to lose to Go Ahead Eagles on penalties following a 1–1 draw after extra time.[29] Parrott started off the 2025–26 season in good form, scoring 10 goals in his first 7 appearances, but had a knee ligament injury at the end of August that kept him out of action until October.[30] Upon returning from injury, his excellent form continued and on 14 January 2026, Parrott scored a hat-trick and assisted another goal in a 6–0 victory over Ajax in the KNVB Cup.[31] On 19 April 2026, he played in the 2026 KNVB Cup final and scored his 30th goal of the season in a 5–1 win over NEC Nijmegen.[32][33]
International career
[edit]Youth level
[edit]Parrott has represented the Republic of Ireland at under-17, under-19 and under-21 youth levels. On 6 September 2019, Parrott scored on his under-21 debut in an Under-21 European 2021 qualifier against Armenia.[34] He followed that by getting a brace of goals in the next fixture against Sweden.[35] His third under 21 appearance was a 0–0 draw with Italy in which he was sent off after being shown a second yellow card following an altercation with Italy's Moise Kean, who received a straight red card for pushing Parrott in the face.[36]
Senior
[edit]Parrott made his senior Republic of Ireland debut on 14 November 2019, starting in a 3–1 friendly win against New Zealand and providing an assist for Ireland's second goal of the game which was Sean Maguire's first international goal.[37] On 24 August 2020, he was named in the squad to face Finland and Bulgaria in the Nations League games in 2020.[38] He made his first competitive appearance for Ireland as a substitute in a 0–0 draw with Bulgaria on 18 November 2020.[39] Parrott scored his first senior international goals on 3 June 2021 when he scored two goals in a 4–1 win over Andorra in a friendly at the Estadi Nacional.[40]
On 13 November 2025, he scored both of Ireland's goals in a 2–0 win over Portugal in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.[41] Three days later, he netted a hat-trick, including a 96th-minute winner, in a 3–2 win away to Hungary, securing Ireland's place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs. He became the first ever Republic of Ireland player to score a hat-trick in an away game for the men's team and the first Irish player to score a competitive hat-trick for the men's team since Robbie Keane in 2014.[42][43]
Personal life
[edit]Parrott was born in Dublin, Ireland. From 2013 to 2017, he attended the O'Connell School in Dublin.[44]
Career statistics
[edit]Club
[edit]- As of match played 17 May 2026
| Club | Season | League | National cup[a] | League cup[b] | Europe | Other | Total | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | ||
| Tottenham Hotspur U21 | 2018–19[45] | — | — | — | — | 2[c] | 0 | 2 | 0 | |||||
| Tottenham Hotspur | 2019–20[46] | Premier League | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 4 | 0 | |
| 2020–21[12] | Premier League | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | ||||
| 2021–22[21] | Premier League | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | ||||
| 2022–23[47] | Premier League | 0 | 0 | — | — | 0 | 0 | — | 0 | 0 | ||||
| 2023–24[48] | Premier League | 0 | 0 | — | — | — | — | 0 | 0 | |||||
| Total | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 4 | 0 | |||
| Millwall (loan) | 2020–21[12] | Championship | 11 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | — | — | 14 | 0 | ||
| Ipswich Town (loan) | 2020–21[12] | League One | 18 | 2 | — | — | — | — | 18 | 2 | ||||
| Milton Keynes Dons (loan) | 2021–22[21] | League One | 41 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | — | 4[d] | 2 | 47 | 10 | |
| Preston North End (loan) | 2022–23[47] | Championship | 32 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | — | — | 34 | 4 | ||
| Excelsior (loan) | 2023–24[49] | Eredivisie | 25 | 10 | 3 | 0 | — | — | 4[e] | 7 | 32 | 17 | ||
| AZ | 2024–25[49] | Eredivisie | 30 | 14 | 5 | 2 | — | 12[f] | 4 | — | 47 | 20 | ||
| 2025–26[49] | Eredivisie | 28 | 16 | 5 | 5 | — | 15[g] | 10 | — | 48 | 31 | |||
| Total | 58 | 30 | 10 | 7 | — | 27 | 14 | — | 95 | 51 | ||||
| Career total | 188 | 53 | 18 | 7 | 4 | 1 | 27 | 14 | 10 | 9 | 246 | 84 | ||
- ^ Includes FA Cup, KNVB Cup
- ^ Includes EFL Cup
- ^ Appearances in EFL Trophy
- ^ Two appearances and one goal in EFL Trophy, two appearances and one goal in League One play-offs
- ^ Appearances in Eredivisie relegation play-offs
- ^ Appearances in UEFA Europa League
- ^ Appearances in UEFA Conference League
International
[edit]- As of match played 5 June 2026[49]
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Republic of Ireland | 2019 | 1 | 0 |
| 2020 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2021 | 8 | 2 | |
| 2022 | 7 | 2 | |
| 2023 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2024 | 5 | 1 | |
| 2025 | 7 | 5 | |
| 2026 | 4 | 1 | |
| Total | 37 | 11 | |
- Scores and results list the Republic of Ireland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Parrott goal.[49]
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3 June 2021 | Estadi Nacional, Andorra la Vella, Andorra |  Andorra |
1–1 | 4–1 | Friendly |
| 2 | 2–1 | |||||
| 3 | 29 March 2022 | Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland |  Lithuania |
1–0 | 1–0 | Friendly |
| 4 | 11 June 2022 | Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland |  Scotland |
2–0 | 3–0 | 2022–23 UEFA Nations League B |
| 5 | 4 June 2024 | Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland |  Hungary |
2–1 | 2–1 | Friendly |
| 6 | 13 November 2025 | Aviva Stadium, Dublin, Ireland |  Portugal
|
1–0 | 2–0 | 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 7 | 2–0 | |||||
| 8 | 16 November 2025 | Puskás Aréna, Budapest, Hungary | Hungary
|
1–1 | 3–2 | 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification |
| 9 | 2–2 | |||||
| 10 | 3–2 | |||||
| 11 | 26 March 2026 | Fortuna Arena, Prague, Czech Republic |  Czech Republic
|
1–0 | 2–2 (a.e.t.) (3–4 p) | 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification play-off |
Honours
[edit]AZ
Individual
- FAI Under-15 International Player of the Year: 2017[50]
- FAI Under-16 International Player of the Year: 2018[51]
- FAI International Goal of the Year: 2019,[52] 2021[53]
- Eredivisie Team of the Month: September 2024[54]
- Eredivisie Player of the Month: December 2024[55]
References
[edit]- ^ "2019/20 Premier League squads confirmed". Premier League. 3 September 2019. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ a b "Troy Parrott: Overview". Premier League. Retrieved 31 August 2024.
- ^ Dunne, Seamus (5 February 2026). "Interview with Martin McGuigan". Soccer News. Westmeath Topic.
- ^ "Prolific Tottenham youngster Parrott has perfect chance to take off". Evening Standard. 24 September 2019.
- ^ "Troy Parrott signs first professional contract with Spurs". RTÉ. 4 February 2019. Retrieved 28 September 2019.
- ^ "Juventus 2–3 Tottenham Hotspur". Irish Times. 21 July 2019. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
- ^ Gold, Alasdair (24 September 2019). "Spurs team confirmed vs Colchester: Parrott, Skipp and Tanganga start". football.london. Retrieved 24 September 2019.
- ^ "Son Heung-min's wonder-goal steals show in Spurs' 5–0 thrashing of Burnley". The Guardian. 7 December 2019.
- ^ "Troy Parrott extends Tottenham stay until 2023". ExtraTime.ie.
- ^ Clarke, Harry (1 August 2020). "Confirmed: Troy Parrott completes loan move to Millwall". Irish Independent. Retrieved 1 August 2020.
- ^ Cawley, Richard (21 October 2020). "Millwall's injury list increases – but Troy Parrott's return is a positive development for Den chief Rowett". London News Online. Archived from the original on 21 November 2020. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
- ^ a b c d e "Games played by Troy Parrott in 2020/2021". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ^ "Parrott's loan at Millwall ends". Millwall F.C. 1 February 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
- ^ "Parrot joins Ipswich on loan". Tottenham Hotspur F.C. 1 February 2021. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
- ^ "Ipswich Town 2–0 Blackpool". BBC Sport. 6 February 2021. Retrieved 6 February 2021.
- ^ "Ipswich Town 1–0 Plymouth Argyle". BBC Sport. 13 March 2021. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
- ^ "Troy Parrott Joins On Loan". Milton Keynes Dons. 29 July 2021. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
- ^ "Bolton Wanderers 3-3 Milton Keynes Dons". BBC Sport. 7 August 2021. Retrieved 8 August 2021.
- ^ "Milton Keynes Dons 1-2 Sunderland". BBC Sport. 14 August 2021. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
- ^ "Milton Keynes Dons 3-1 Cheltenham Town". BBC Sport. 8 March 2022. Retrieved 8 March 2022.
- ^ a b c "Games played by Troy Parrott in 2021/2022". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 29 July 2021.
- ^ "Huddersfield 1-4 Preston". BBC Sport. 9 August 2022. Retrieved 10 August 2022.
- ^ "Norwich City 2-3 Preston North End: Emil Riis' double helps Preston to shock win over Canaries". BBC Sport. 8 October 2022. Retrieved 13 October 2022.
- ^ "Excelsior loan for Parrott". Tottenham Hotspur. 24 August 2023. Retrieved 24 August 2023.
- ^ "Troy Parrott bags second hat trick in quick succession ahead of international friendlies". 3 June 2024. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
- ^ a b "Troy Parrott: Republic of Ireland forward leaves Tottenham for AZ Alkmaar". BBC Sport. 13 July 2024. Retrieved 13 July 2024.
- ^ "Ireland striker Troy Parrott scores four goals for AZ Alkmaar in rout of SC Heerenveen". RTÉ Sport. 15 September 2024. Retrieved 15 September 2024.
- ^ Fitzmaurice, Aidan (9 January 2025). "Troy Parrott gets boost for new year after being named December's Eredivisie Player of the Month". Independent.ie. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
- ^ "Go Ahead Eagles Win The KNVB Cup". Football-Oranje. 21 April 2025. Retrieved 21 April 2025.
- ^ Cummiskey, Gavin. "Troy Parrott set for lengthy spell on sidelines with knee injury". The Irish Times.
- ^ "Troy Parrott nets hat-trick in AZ Alkmaar demolition of Ajax". The Irish Times.
- ^ a b "Parrott helps AZ Alkmaar to Dutch Cup glory". 19 April 2026 – via www.rte.ie.
- ^ Winters, Paul (19 April 2026). "AZ soar to win fifth KNVB Beker as NEC extend record with sixth lost final". Flash Score. Retrieved 19 April 2026.
- ^ "Parrott and Connolly combine brilliantly as Spurs star scores debut Ireland U21 goal". The42. 6 September 2019.
- ^ Brosnan, Maurice (10 September 2019). "Watch: Sensational Troy Parrott Scores Twice As Ireland U21s Secure Win In Sweden". Balls.ie.
- ^ Fallon, John (10 October 2019). "Parrott sees red as Ireland Under-21s draw" – via www.rte.ie.
- ^ "Bright prospects and lesser lights impress as Ireland see off New Zealand in Aviva friendly". The 42. 14 November 2019. Retrieved 15 November 2019.
- ^ "Kenny promotes duo as Byrne and Whelan miss out". RTÉ.ie. 24 August 2020.
- ^ "Republic of Ireland 0 – 0 Bulgaria – Match summary". 18 November 2020.
- ^ "Parrott saves Irish blushes in Andorra as Kenny finally records a win as Ireland manager". RTE Sport. 3 June 2021. Retrieved 4 June 2021.
- ^ Sportstar, Team (13 November 2025). "Ireland vs Portugal Highlights: Cristiano Ronaldo sent off, Parrott scores in 2-0 win for Ireland". Sportstar. Retrieved 16 November 2025.
- ^ Fitzmaurice, Aidan (16 November 2025). "Troy Parrott hat-trick sends Ireland into World Cup play-offs after dramatic victory over Hungary". www.independent.ie. Retrieved 26 January 2026.
- ^ Cummiskey, Gavin (16 November 2025). "Hungary v Ireland: Troy Parrott completes hat-trick at the death to keep World Cup dream alive". The Irish Times. Retrieved 26 January 2026.
- ^ "Spurs Academy player". Attain. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
- ^ "Games played by Troy Parrott in 2018/2019". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
- ^ "Games played by Troy Parrott in 2019/2020". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 22 July 2019.
- ^ a b "Games played by Troy Parrott in 2022/2023". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 9 August 2022.
- ^ "Games played by Troy Parrott in 2023/2024". Soccerbase. Centurycomm. Retrieved 27 August 2023.
- ^ a b c d e "T. Parrott". Soccerway. Archived from the original on 25 July 2021. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
- ^ Malone, Emmet (18 March 2018). "Shane Duffy picks up top FAI award; McClean recognised for Wales goal". The Irish Times. Irish Times Trust. Retrieved 18 March 2018.
- ^ Malone, Emmet (17 March 2019). "Shane Duffy named Republic of Ireland Player of the Year". The Irish Times. Irish Times Trust. Retrieved 17 March 2019.
- ^ "International Goal of the Year". Football Association of Ireland. Retrieved 31 May 2021.
- ^ "32nd FAI International Award Winners announced | Football Association of Ireland".
- ^ "Ajax main supplier of Eredivisie Team of the Month for September". Eredivisie. 4 October 2024. Retrieved 4 October 2024.
- ^ "Troy Parrott has been named Eredivisie Player of the Month for December". Eredivisie. 9 January 2025. Retrieved 9 January 2025.
External links
[edit]- Profile at the AZ Alkmaar website
- Troy Parrott – UEFA competition record (archive)
- Troyy Parrott at Instagram
Troy Parrott
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life and youth career
Background and early development
Troy Parrott was born on 4 February 2002 in Dublin, Ireland, into a football-oriented family in the city's north inner city area.[2] As the middle child of five siblings, he grew up in Mary's Mansions flats before the family moved to Buckingham Street, a neighborhood known for producing notable footballers such as Wes Hoolahan, who lived nearby.[10][11] His mother, Jennifer, played a pivotal role in his early development, encouraging his passion for the game while ensuring he stayed engaged in structured activities amid the area's challenges, including underinvestment and limited opportunities.[12][10] Parrott's initial exposure to football came through street games, where he began playing at around five or six years old, often with older children on the roads and in local parks near his home.[10][11] His mother later recalled struggling to coax him indoors each day due to his relentless enthusiasm for kicking a ball, which honed his natural skills in an unstructured environment.[11] This early play fostered his goal-scoring instinct and confidence, setting the foundation for his progression into organized youth setups. At around age eight, Parrott joined Belvedere FC, a renowned Dublin schoolboy club established in 1971, where he entered the under-9 team and quickly demonstrated exceptional talent.[10][12] By age 12, he was competing with older age groups, starring in local leagues and tournaments with prolific scoring, including standout performances that drew attention from professional scouts.[11] Belvedere's emphasis on high standards and community support, combined with his family's encouragement, helped shape his technical abilities and maturity, leading to trials with clubs like Everton by age 13.[12][11]Academy progression at Tottenham Hotspur
Parrott joined Tottenham Hotspur's academy from Irish club Belvedere FC in July 2017 at the age of 15, beginning his integration into the U18 squad after impressing in youth international tournaments.[13][2] He quickly adapted to the professional environment at Hotspur Way, featuring regularly in U18 matches and contributing to the team's competitive performances in the Premier League South.[14] In the 2018–19 season, Parrott established himself as a standout talent, becoming the top scorer for Tottenham's U18 side with 14 goals in just 9 league appearances, showcasing his clinical finishing and positioning. The following campaign, he continued his scoring form in the UEFA Youth League, netting his first goal for the U19s in a 2–0 win over PSV Eindhoven in November 2018 before exploding with four goals—including a hat-trick completed via penalty—in a 9–2 thrashing of Red Star Belgrade in October 2019.[15][16] These performances helped him finish the 2019–20 UEFA Youth League as Tottenham's leading scorer with 6 goals, tying for among the tournament's top marksmen.[17] On 4 February 2019, coinciding with his 17th birthday, Parrott signed his first professional contract with Tottenham, a significant milestone recognizing his rapid development.[18] By early 2019, he had progressed to the U23 level, making his Premier League 2 debut with a brace against Swansea City in April and continuing to feature there through 2020, which honed his physicality against older opponents.[19] In February 2020, he further committed to the club by signing a three-year contract extension until summer 2023.[20] Academy reports highlighted his improved finishing under pressure and notable physical growth, transforming him from a promising prospect into a more robust forward ready for senior consideration.[21]Club career
Tottenham Hotspur first team
Parrott made his competitive senior debut for Tottenham Hotspur on 24 September 2019, starting as a forward in the EFL Cup third-round tie against Colchester United, which finished 0–0 before Tottenham were eliminated on penalties. At 17 years and seven months old, he became the youngest Tottenham player to start a competitive match since Harry Kane in 2009, but the game highlighted the challenges of breaking into the first team amid a squad featuring established stars. Over the course of the 2019–20 season, Parrott accumulated three additional first-team appearances, all as a substitute: in the Premier League against Burnley on 7 December 2019 during a 5–0 victory, in the Europa League round of 32 first leg versus Olympiacos on 19 February 2020, and in the FA Cup fifth round against Norwich City on 4 March 2020, where Tottenham again exited on penalties. These brief cameos—totaling just 45 minutes across competitions—underscored his peripheral role, as he failed to register a goal or assist in any of his four senior outings for the club between 2019 and 2022. Positioned primarily as a backup striker behind Harry Kane, Parrott's pathway to regular minutes was obstructed by the England captain's dominance and the depth of Tottenham's forward options, including Son Heung-min and Dele Alli adapting to central roles.[22] Injuries, though more prominent in his subsequent loan spells, contributed to stalled first-team integration, limiting him to training and youth fixtures after the 2019–20 campaign. In July 2022, amid ongoing development concerns, he signed a contract extension with Tottenham until 2025, signaling the club's continued investment despite his lack of further senior exposure.[23] This deal preceded loan moves designed to address his limited playtime at the north London club.Loan spells
Parrott's first senior loan came in August 2020 when he joined EFL Championship side Millwall on a season-long deal from Tottenham Hotspur.[24] His time at The Den proved challenging, as an ankle injury sustained shortly after arrival sidelined him for the initial months, limiting his integration into the squad.[25] Over the half-season, Parrott made 14 appearances across all competitions without registering a goal, though he provided one assist in league play; his spell was cut short in January 2021 as Tottenham recalled him to facilitate a new move.[26] This debut Championship experience served as a steep learning curve for the young forward, exposing him to the physical demands of second-tier English football.[27] In February 2021, Parrott moved to EFL League One club Ipswich Town for the remainder of the 2020-21 campaign.[28] He featured in 18 matches, scoring two goals, but encountered injury setbacks that disrupted his rhythm and contributed to a modest overall contribution.[26] Despite the challenges, the loan offered valuable minutes in a competitive third-tier environment, helping Parrott adapt to regular senior football amid Ipswich's push for promotion.[29] Parrott's development continued in July 2021 with a season-long loan to EFL League One's Milton Keynes Dons.[30] This proved his most productive spell to date, as he made 47 appearances across all competitions, netting 10 goals and providing 7 assists.[26] His form was instrumental in MK Dons' strong campaign, which culminated in a playoff semi-final appearance, where Parrott showcased improved finishing and movement in League One's fast-paced style. Returning to the EFL Championship in July 2022, Parrott signed for Preston North End on a season-long loan, extending his Tottenham contract in the process.[31] However, injuries, including a knee issue that sidelined him for around three months, restricted his influence; he recorded 34 appearances and 4 goals overall.[26] The loan highlighted ongoing physical resilience challenges but allowed adaptation to Championship defending.[32] Despite the limitations, Parrott gained experience in a mid-table side's tactical setup. Seeking opportunities abroad, Parrott joined Eredivisie club Excelsior Rotterdam on loan in August 2023.[33] This move marked a breakthrough, with 32 appearances yielding 17 goals and 5 assists, including two hat-tricks during the relegation playoffs.[26] His prolific output demonstrated enhanced clinical finishing and aerial presence suited to Dutch football's technical demands, though Excelsior ultimately suffered relegation; the performance paved the way for a permanent transfer.[34] Across his five loans, Parrott amassed 145 appearances, 33 goals, and 13 assists, transitioning from goal droughts in the English Championship to consistent scoring in lower divisions and abroad.[26] These moves fostered tactical versatility, from physical battles in England to fluid positioning in the Netherlands, underscoring his growth despite injury interruptions totaling over 150 days missed.[35] The experiences emphasized resilience and adaptation across leagues, setting the stage for his senior career progression.[36]AZ Alkmaar
On 13 July 2024, Troy Parrott completed a permanent transfer from Tottenham Hotspur to AZ Alkmaar for a reported fee of €8 million, signing a five-year contract that runs until June 2029.[13][37][38] The move followed his productive loan at Excelsior in the preceding season, where his goalscoring form highlighted his readiness for a top-flight role in the Eredivisie. During the 2024–25 season, Parrott made an immediate impact upon his Eredivisie debut, adapting swiftly to the demands of Dutch football with his physical presence and finishing ability. He scored crucial goals that supported AZ Alkmaar's push in the title race early in the campaign, including a remarkable four-goal haul in a 9–1 thrashing of Heerenveen on 14 September 2024. His form earned him the Eredivisie Player of the Month award for December 2024, recognizing his consistent contributions. In the Europa Conference League, Parrott added to his tally with important goals and assists, aiding AZ's progression through the group stage and knockout rounds. As of November 2025, Parrott has continued his upward trajectory in the 2025–26 season, scoring 10 goals in his first seven league matches before suffering a knee injury in September 2025 that sidelined him for several weeks; he returned in late October and has since resumed contributing to the team.[6] On 14 January 2026, Parrott scored a hat-trick with goals in the 3rd, 33rd, and 80th minutes, and provided an assist for the final goal by Ibrahim Sadiq in the 88th minute, as AZ Alkmaar defeated Ajax 6–0 in the KNVB Cup round of 16, eliminating Ajax from the competition and extending AZ Alkmaar's unbeaten streak against Ajax to ten games; the other goals were scored by Koopmeiners, Smit, and Sadiq. Republic of Ireland national team manager Heimir Hallgrímsson attended the match in Alkmaar.[7][39][40] This hot streak has propelled his market value to an estimated €16–18 million, reflecting his growing reputation as a reliable striker.[41][42] Established as AZ Alkmaar's primary centre-forward, Parrott has thrived under head coach Maarten Martens, who has lauded his aerial dominance—winning key duels in the box—and his intelligent link-up play that enhances the team's attacking fluidity.[43] Martens' tactical setup, emphasizing quick transitions and pressing, has allowed Parrott to leverage his strengths, making him integral to AZ's current third-place standing in the Eredivisie.[44]International career
Youth international career
Parrott began his international youth career with the Republic of Ireland at the under-16 level, making his debut on 23 May 2017 during the UEFA Under-16 Development Tournament.[45] He quickly progressed to the under-17 team, featuring prominently in the 2018 UEFA European Under-17 Championship qualifiers with five appearances and one goal, before contributing to the finals in England where he played four matches and scored three goals, including a stunning free-kick against Norway that helped secure advancement to the knockout stages.[46][47] At the under-19 level, Parrott earned seven caps and scored four goals between 2018 and 2020, with standout performances in the UEFA European Under-19 Championship qualifiers, including a hat-trick in a 3-0 victory over the Faroe Islands on 13 October 2018 and a Panenka penalty goal in a 3-1 win against Bosnia and Herzegovina three days earlier.[48][49] Parrott's under-21 career commenced in September 2019, when he scored on his debut in a 1-0 qualifier win over Armenia for the 2021 UEFA European Under-21 Championship, followed by a brace in the subsequent 3-1 victory against Sweden four days later.[50][51] Since then, he has amassed 15 caps and six goals for the U21s, including notable contributions during the 2023 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifiers. Overall, Parrott has recorded over 30 youth international appearances with more than 15 goals across all levels, highlighted by multiple hat-tricks in competitive fixtures and his role in advancing Ireland's youth teams in major tournaments. This strong youth record paved the way for his transition to senior international duties.Senior international career
Parrott made his senior international debut for the Republic of Ireland on 14 November 2019, starting in a 3–1 friendly victory over New Zealand at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, where he provided an assist for Alan Judge's opening goal.[52] At 17 years and 283 days old, he became one of Ireland's youngest debutants since the late 1990s, marking the start of his progression from youth levels to the senior setup under interim manager Mick McCarthy.[53] His first senior goals arrived on 4 June 2021 during a 4–1 friendly win against Andorra at the Estadi Nacional in Andorra la Vella, where he scored twice as a starter, contributing to Ireland's dominant performance. Parrott featured in several 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, including starts against Portugal in October 2021 and appearances off the bench versus Armenia and Luxembourg, helping Ireland secure draws and narrow defeats in a challenging Group F campaign.[54] In the 2024–25 UEFA Nations League, he earned starts against Greece (a 0–2 loss in October 2024) and Bulgaria (a 2–1 play-off win in March 2025), showcasing his role in Ireland's competitive efforts while coming close to scoring in the latter fixture.[55][56] In the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Parrott scored a brace in Ireland's 2–0 victory over Portugal on 13 November 2025 at the Aviva Stadium, before netting a hat-trick, including a dramatic 96th-minute winner, in a 3–2 comeback win against Hungary on 16 November 2025, securing the Republic of Ireland's place in the play-offs.[57][58] Parrott has benefited from consistent selection across managerial changes, debuting under McCarthy before becoming a regular under Stephen Kenny from 2020 to 2023 and continuing as a key forward under Heimir Hallgrímsson since 2024, even amid multiple club loan moves that occasionally disrupted his momentum.[59] As an emerging striker in the post-Roy Keane generation of Irish forwards, he has developed into a reliable option up top, blending physical presence with clinical finishing. As of November 2025, Parrott has accumulated 33 caps and 10 international goals for Ireland.[60]Personal life
Family and background
Troy Parrott was born on 4 February 2002 in Dublin, Ireland, as the middle child in a family of five siblings. His parents, both from Dublin, raised him in the city's north inner-city area, a working-class neighborhood known for its close-knit community ties. Public details about his family remain limited, with no specific information on his parents' professions or his siblings' names disclosed, reflecting a deliberate emphasis on privacy and his emerging football career over personal matters. Parrott spent his early years in St Mary's Mansions, a set of flats in Dublin's gritty inner city, before the family relocated to nearby Buckingham Street during his childhood. This environment, near landmarks like Croke Park, immersed him in a vibrant Irish cultural landscape from a young age. He attended O'Connell School, a local institution in the north inner city, from 2013 until 2017, when he departed at age 15 to pursue professional opportunities abroad; during his time there, he excelled in schoolboy sports but left formal education to focus on football. Parrott's strong Irish heritage is evident in his upbringing, which included exposure to traditional Gaelic sports alongside soccer, showcasing his versatility in local games during youth. His family's support underpinned his initial forays into street football in Dublin's tough urban setting, though they have largely stayed out of the public eye to allow him to concentrate on his professional development.Off-field activities and interests
Parrott has maintained a relatively low-profile presence on social media, with his Instagram account (@troyparrott9) amassing 257,000 followers as of November 2025, where he shares occasional updates on his professional life and personal endorsements.[61] In interviews, Parrott has openly discussed the mental challenges he faced during his early career, particularly the pressure of living up to media expectations following his breakthrough at Tottenham Hotspur, which he described as having a significant emotional impact.[62] He has also spoken about managing pressure in competitive environments, emphasizing resilience developed through his loan experiences abroad. Parrott's interest in fitness extends beyond club training, as evidenced by his endorsement as an athlete for Montirex, a performance gear brand, in March 2025, where he expressed enthusiasm for the challenge.[61] Parrott has been in a relationship with Lauren Bowry since April 2022; the couple lives together in the Netherlands, and she frequently attends his matches for AZ Alkmaar and the Republic of Ireland.[63] Following his permanent transfer to AZ Alkmaar in July 2024, Parrott has adapted well to life in the Netherlands, describing his time in Alkmaar as enjoyable and conducive to his professional growth, though he noted the adjustment to a new cultural environment required focus amid his on-pitch commitments.[64]Playing style and reception
Tactical attributes
Troy Parrott stands at 185 cm tall and is naturally right-footed, attributes that contribute to his effectiveness as a centre-forward in modern football systems.[2] His physical profile includes a sturdy build weighing around 78 kg, enabling him to compete robustly in physical duels.[65] Parrott exhibits a strong aerial presence, with notable success in winning headers during matches.[66] Among his key skills, Parrott demonstrates clinical finishing, evidenced by his 14 goals in the Eredivisie during the 2024-25 season.[67] His hold-up play is a particular strength, allowing him to retain possession under pressure and link effectively with midfield runners, as highlighted in analyses of his adaptation to AZ Alkmaar's high-pressing style.[66] Additionally, Parrott's off-ball movement is intelligent, often exploiting spaces behind defenses through timed runs that enhance his role as a focal point in attacking transitions.[68] Despite these assets, Parrott has shown occasional vulnerability to injuries, including a significant knee issue in September 2025 that sidelined him for several weeks after a strong start to the 2025-26 season; he has since recovered and continued scoring.[69][70] During his Championship loan spells, particularly at Preston North End in 2022-2023, he occasionally struggled with decision-making under pressure, leading to inconsistent performances in high-stakes moments.[71] Parrott's tactical evolution has been marked by a transition from a primarily poacher-like profile in his youth and early loans to a more complete forward at AZ Alkmaar, where 2024-25 metrics reflect improved involvement in build-up play and aerial contributions alongside his goal-scoring prowess. In the 2025-26 season, he has maintained strong form with 13 goals in 14 appearances across all competitions as of November 2025.[68][70] This development aligns with his deployment as Ireland's primary striker archetype in senior internationals, emphasizing versatility in forward roles.[72]Expert opinions and career assessments
Jose Mourinho, then-manager of Tottenham Hotspur, praised Parrott following his Premier League debut in December 2019, describing the 17-year-old as "a kid with great potential."[73] This assessment came after Mourinho's gesture of giving Parrott the match ball from the game against Burnley, highlighting the young striker's promise during a brief substitute appearance.[74] At AZ Alkmaar, head coach Maarten Martens has commended Parrott's versatility and development in the 2024-25 season, noting his ability to adapt seamlessly to the team's high-pressing style and contribute significantly to their title challenge.[68] Martens emphasized Parrott's completeness as a forward, stating that he possesses the attributes to elevate his game further and become a pivotal player in AZ's push for domestic success.[75] Analysts have drawn parallels between Parrott and previous Irish strikers known for their physicality and goal-scoring instincts in top leagues, with some likening his breakthrough to the career path of Shane Long, who transitioned successfully from lower divisions to the Premier League.[76] Following his permanent transfer to AZ Alkmaar in July 2024, Parrott's market value surged from around €4 million to between €16.4 million and €20.1 million by late 2025, reflecting his rapid integration and scoring output in the Eredivisie.[77] Parrott's early career at Tottenham was marked by multiple loan spells to EFL clubs such as Millwall, Ipswich Town, and Portsmouth, which some assessments described as periods of limited development and "wastage" due to inconsistent playing time and adaptation challenges.[78] However, his 2024 move to AZ represented a breakthrough, where he scored prolifically and established himself as a first-team regular, prompting discussions of a potential return to the Premier League amid interest from clubs like Leeds United.[79] Experts view this trajectory as evidence of Parrott's resilience, with his Eredivisie success positioning him for a higher-profile move back to England.[80] In 2025, Parrott's international performances drew positive reviews, particularly during Republic of Ireland's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches, where he shone with a brace in a 2-0 victory over Portugal and a hat-trick in a 3-2 win against Hungary that secured a playoff spot, bolstering the team's attacking options under coach Heimir Hallgrímsson.[81][82] Media outlets projected his market value to exceed €20 million by the end of the 2025-26 season, citing his form in both club and international fixtures as a factor in attracting interest from Premier League sides.[77] The Irish Times highlighted his role in Ireland's improved cohesion during these games, suggesting Parrott's emergence as a reliable senior international could accelerate his career progression.[83]Career statistics
Club statistics
Troy Parrott's club career statistics encompass his appearances, goals, and assists across all competitions for Tottenham Hotspur and his subsequent loan spells, as well as his time at AZ Alkmaar. The data below provides a season-by-season breakdown, aggregated for each club and period, including domestic leagues, cups, and European competitions where applicable. Statistics are current as of November 19, 2025.[26][84]| Season | Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | Tottenham Hotspur | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020–21 | Ipswich Town (loan) | 20 | 2 | 0 |
| 2020–21 | Millwall (loan) | 16 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021–22 | Milton Keynes Dons (loan) | 47 | 10 | 7 |
| 2022–23 | Preston North End (loan) | 34 | 4 | 0 |
| 2023–24 | Excelsior (loan) | 33 | 17 | 5 |
| 2024–25 | AZ Alkmaar | 47 | 20 | 5 |
| 2025–26 | AZ Alkmaar | 14 | 8 | 2 |
| Total | 215 | 61 | 19 |
International statistics
Troy Parrott has earned 33 caps for the Republic of Ireland senior team since his debut in 2019, scoring 8 goals across friendlies and competitive fixtures as of November 19, 2025.[42] He has not yet featured in major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup or UEFA European Championship, with Ireland failing to qualify for recent editions. His contributions include notable goals in friendlies and qualifiers, such as a brace against Andorra in 2021, a late winner versus Hungary in 2024, and a hat-trick against Hungary in a World Cup qualifier on November 16, 2025. Latest appearances came in the 2025/26 World Cup qualifiers.[86]Senior International Statistics
| Competition | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Friendlies | 10 | 5 |
| UEFA Nations League | 8 | 1 |
| World Cup Qualifiers | 8 | 2 |
| European Championship Qualifiers | 7 | 0 |
| Total | 33 | 8 |
Youth International Statistics
Parrott represented Ireland at youth levels from U15 to U21, accumulating 12 appearances and 11 goals prior to his senior debut.[87]| Level | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| U15-U16 | 4 | 3 |
| U17 | 3 | 4 |
| U19 | 3 | 2 |
| U21 | 2 | 2 |
| Total | 12 | 11 |