Troy Parrott's Stellar Performance Propels Ireland Toward World Cup Play-Offs
Troy Parrott has had a remarkable international window, scoring five goals in two significant victories that have propelled the Republic of Ireland into the World Cup play-offs.
The 23-year-old striker followed up his two-goal performance against Portugal on Thursday with a hat-trick in a thrilling 3-2 comeback win against Hungary in Budapest on Sunday. This victory has reignited hopes for Ireland's first World Cup appearance since 2002.
Parrott's dramatic 96th-minute winner not only secured second place in Group F but also led Dublin Airport to humorously suggest on social media that they might be renamed 'Troy Parrott Airport.'
This playful suggestion is fitting, considering how often Parrott departs from home, having built a career abroad with AZ Alkmaar in the Netherlands.
The Big Move to Spurs
Parrott began his youth career in Dublin's north inner city with local club Belvedere at the age of eight. By 2017, his talent had attracted interest from top clubs, including Tottenham Hotspur, Manchester United, Manchester City, and Chelsea. Ultimately, he chose to join Spurs, leaving his hometown for north London for an undisclosed fee.
Two years later, he signed his first professional contract and began training with the first team, working alongside stars like Harry Kane and Son Heung-min under manager Mauricio Pochettino. Parrott made his professional debut in a League Cup match against Colchester United in September 2019, followed by his Premier League debut two months later under Jose Mourinho in a 5-0 victory over Burnley.
In between, he earned his first cap for Ireland in a friendly against New Zealand, where he provided an assist. Despite his impressive youth performances, particularly in the UEFA Youth League, Parrott struggled to secure a consistent spot in the senior squad, as he was unable to displace Kane from the starting lineup. Mourinho once remarked, "Don't think that Parrott is the second Harry Kane because he's just a young kid that needs to work."
Successful Loan Spells
Parrott showed his willingness to develop by undertaking loan spells at Millwall, Ipswich, MK Dons, and Preston, but none yielded the desired results. Seeking regular game time, he moved abroad to join Dutch club Excelsior Rotterdam for the 2023-24 season, where he had a breakout campaign, scoring 17 goals in 32 matches.
Despite his success in the Netherlands, he opted for a permanent transfer to AZ Alkmaar, who signed him for £6.7 million (8 million euros) on a five-year deal. Parrott expressed no resentment towards Spurs, reflecting positively on his time there as a crucial part of his development. "It just didn’t happen [with Spurs]. I’m OK with that. I look back with a smile. It’s a place where I grew up," he stated.
Settling in the Netherlands
Parrott has found a home in the Netherlands, particularly in Alkmaar. Last season, he netted 20 goals in 47 appearances, including four in a stunning 9-1 victory over Heerenveen, helping AZ finish fifth in the Eredivisie. He began the current season in outstanding form, scoring 10 goals in his first seven matches before a knee ligament injury interrupted his momentum, causing him to miss the September international window.
Upon his return, he quickly resumed scoring, adding three more league goals to help AZ secure third place in the table. With his prolific scoring rate, larger clubs may soon take notice, but Parrott seems content in the Netherlands and may consider a move within Europe rather than returning to England.
On the international front, November 2025 has marked a turning point for him after a few frustrating years. Since his debut in 2019, Parrott had scored five goals for the Republic of Ireland, often missing key opportunities. However, he has recently found his form, netting five goals in just two games since November.
With his confidence at an all-time high, Irish fans are hopeful that he can maintain his fitness and form leading up to March as he aims to help the Republic of Ireland secure their first World Cup appearance in 24 years. If he succeeds, Dublin Airport may indeed consider a rebranding for the frequent flyer from the north side of the city.