*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 19:02, 6 April 2024 (UTC) ‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 22:54, 28 February 2019 (UTC)
Aiden Anthony O'Brien (born 4 October 1993) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for EFL League One club Shrewsbury Town. Born in England, he represented the Republic of Ireland national team. O'Brien began his career with Millwall, who loaned him out to five different clubs. After making 188 league appearances for Millwall, he moved to Sunderland, before moving on to Portsmouth and finally Shrewsbury, where he had two further loan spells.
In May 2014, O'Brien agreed a new two-year deal with Millwall with the 20-year-old being highly regarded by Millwall manager Ian Holloway.[9]
O'Brien made his first appearance of the 2014–15 season coming on as a substitute for Richard Chaplow against Southampton in the League Cup. The game finished 2–0 to Southampton.[10] A month later, in September 2014, he made his first league appearance for Millwall in a 3–1 defeat to Birmingham City. O'Brien spoke of his delight of fulfilling a lifelong ambition when he made his league debut for Millwall and has dedicated the achievement to his father.[11][12]
At the end of the 2017–18 season, his contract was extended by Millwall after the club exercised an option.[13] He left Millwall at the end of 2019–2020 season, after his contract expired.[14]
Sunderland
On 30 July 2020, O’Brien signed for Sunderland, on a two-year deal.[15] On 8 September 2020 he scored his first goal for Sunderland in an EFL Trophy tie against Aston Villa U21s.[16]
On 24 August 2021, O'Brien scored a hat-trick against Blackpool in the second round of the EFL Cup. His third goal came in the first minute of stoppage time to secure a dramatic 3–2 victory, earning him the "Player of the Round" award.[17][18]
On 11 September 2018, O'Brien scored his first senior international goal for Ireland on his debut in a friendly against Poland in Wrocław which finished 1–1.[30] The goal would later be named as the 2018 FAI International Goal of the Year.[31]
Career statistics
Club
As of match played 2 December 2023
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition