Irish Hero Parrott Says Goal Brought First Tears in Years

Published: 18 November 2025 Tuesday. The English Chronicle Desk. The English Chronicle Online

Troy Parrott, the rising star of Irish football, has opened up about the overwhelming emotions he felt after scoring a stunning injury-time goal against Hungary, a strike that sent the Republic of Ireland into a state of national jubilation. When asked if he planned to commemorate the goal with a tattoo, Parrott laughed, explaining that he intended to mark the occasion only if Ireland qualifies for the World Cup.

Ironically, tattoos have always been part of Parrott’s personality, but this particular goal has already earned its place in Irish football folklore, alongside legendary moments such as Ray Houghton’s strike against Italy in the 1994 World Cup and Robbie Brady’s winner against the same team at Euro 2016. Parrott’s decisive strike in Budapest in November 2025 now completes a trilogy of iconic Irish moments.

In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, less than a day after the historic match, Parrott struggled to capture in words the magnitude of the experience. “How many times I have watched it back? Probably around 500 times. Every time I open my phone, it’s there,” he revealed. “Even when I went to bed last night, I couldn’t sleep—I kept seeing it over and over again.”

The 23-year-old striker admitted he is not typically emotional, but the impact of the goal brought him to tears for the first time in years. “I’ve scored goals before, but none have carried the meaning of this one against Hungary. As a country, we’ve endured so many disappointing results. This goal was pure joy.”

The match in Hungary was the climax of an unforgettable week for Parrott and the Irish squad. Just days prior, he had scored twice in a 2-0 victory over Portugal, giving Heimir Hallgrimsson’s team hope of qualifying for the World Cup through the upcoming March play-offs. Following that triumph, Parrott’s hat-trick against Hungary exceeded even his own expectations.

“I think what happened against Portugal and then in Hungary means this week has to be written down,” he said. “We all work incredibly hard to be here, but the last week unfolded in ways I couldn’t even imagine. Everything aligned perfectly—good karma, if you will, for our team and our country after so many years of bad luck.”

Parrott’s heroics immediately made him the toast of Dublin. Social media platforms were flooded with footage of ecstatic celebrations, and Dublin Airport even humorously renamed itself the “Troy Parrott Airport” on its official X account. “Yes, I saw that—I love it. The Irish support each other like no one else,” Parrott said. “Just seeing how happy it’s made everyone… it’s beautiful. I love being Irish. This is something I will carry with me forever.”

For Parrott, the journey to this pinnacle has not been smooth. Having come through Tottenham’s youth system, he was considered one of the most promising talents in British football. However, loan spells at Ipswich, Millwall, MK Dons, and Preston were mixed experiences, and it wasn’t until his permanent move to AZ Alkmaar in the summer of 2024 that he felt truly appreciated and valued.

“Part of the celebration last night was that up to this point, my career hasn’t been easy. I’ve taken risks, faced setbacks, failed, and kept going,” he explained. “Moving to the Netherlands gave me a sense of being wanted. Sometimes, that’s all a player needs. Playing in England didn’t go as well as I hoped, and I beat myself up over it at the time. Moving abroad felt like a risk, but it’s one I don’t regret. I feel appreciated and out of the spotlight, which is something I never had for a few years.”

Parrott’s current success, he admits, has heightened the sense of responsibility and expectation. His newfound recognition means the spotlight will be harder to evade, particularly in Ireland, where his heroics have captured the national imagination. Yet he remains grounded, aware that consistency and dedication will be key to sustaining his growth as a player.

“The last week has been a dream, but I know it’s just one step in a long journey,” he said. “I’ll enjoy it, but I won’t lose sight of what’s next. The support I’ve received, the joy I’ve brought to fans, that’s something I’ll never forget.”

Parrott’s remarkable week in international football has already secured him a place among the legends of Irish sport. As he reflects on the emotional high of his career-defining goal, he also acknowledges the personal challenges that shaped him, the sacrifices he has made, and the resilience that brought him to this unforgettable moment.

As Ireland prepares for the crucial play-offs, the nation will be looking to Parrott to deliver on the promise he has shown. For now, he can savor the extraordinary joy he has provided his country and take pride in having etched his name permanently into the annals of Irish football history.