Nathan Collins
Centre-back · Brentford · Republic of Ireland
About Nathan Collins
Nathan Collins is an Irish international centre-back who captains both Brentford (ENG) and the Republic of Ireland national team. A product of the Stoke City academy, he has risen rapidly through the football pyramid with moves to Burnley (ENG), Wolverhampton Wanderers and Brentford (ENG), with each transfer commanding a higher fee. He earned 40 senior Ireland caps and scored 3 international goals.
Nathan Collins's story
Stoke City & Ireland Debut
Born in Leixlip on 30 April 2001, Collins came through Cherry Orchard FC in Dublin (IRL) before joining Stoke City's academy in 2016. He made his senior debut in a League Cup win over Fleetwood in September 2020 aged 19, and quickly progressed to earn his Republic of Ireland senior debut in October 2021.
Burnley & Wolves
Burnley (ENG) paid £12m for Collins in June 2021 and he featured in their relegated Premier League side. Wolves then spent £22m in July 2022, where Collins established himself as a top-flight defender. Brentford (ENG) signed him in 2023 for £23m as they sought to add quality to their backline.
Brentford Captain
Named Brentford (ENG)'s captain on 2 August 2025, Collins also took on the Ireland captaincy. He is widely regarded as one of the best ball-playing centre-backs in the Premier League, excelling in Brentford (ENG)'s high defensive line. In 2025-26 he made 29 appearances and scored one Premier League goal.
Did you know?
- 🏴 Collins captains both Brentford and the Republic of Ireland national team, one of very few players in the Premier League to hold dual captaincies at club and country level.
- 💰 Collins has commanded a higher transfer fee at every club — from Stoke (free), to Burnley (£12m), to Wolves (£22m), to Brentford (£23m) — reflecting his consistent upward trajectory.
- ⚽ He scored his first international goal in a 1-1 Nations League draw with Ukraine in June 2022 — a poignant moment given the backdrop of the conflict in Ukraine.
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