Kevin Long Bio
Kevin Finbarr Long, born on 18 August 1990 in Cork, Ireland, is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a defender for the Republic of Ireland national team. He began his career with Cork City in 2008 before joining Burnley in January 2010 as a 19-year-old, eventually spending time on loan at several English clubs. Long left Burnley in 2023 to sign for Birmingham City, then moved on to Toronto FC in February 2024. Standing at 188 cm, the centre-back is known for his aerial strength and durability across multiple competitions.
Early Life and Background
Kevin Finbarr Long was born and raised in Cork, Ireland, on 18 August 1990. He came through the Cork City youth structure, developing his game in the underage ranks at one of Ireland’s most respected football academies. In 2009, he was part of Cork City youth teams that won the FAI Youth Cup, the Munster Youth Cup, and the FAI Futsal Cup, achievements that signaled his potential as a future senior professional.
Shortly after those youth honours, Long made his senior debut for Cork City away to St Patrick’s Athletic, entering the match as a second-half substitute. He signed professional terms with the club in January 2008 and quickly established himself as a promising central defender. These formative experiences at Cork City laid the groundwork for a career that would eventually take him across England and North America.
Path to Professional Soccer
Long’s performances at Cork City attracted attention from English clubs even before his contract expired. With his deal due to end in November 2009, sides such as Charlton Athletic, Millwall, Preston North End, Leeds United, and Wolverhampton Wanderers were reported to be interested in signing him. On 26 November 2009, Premier League club Burnley confirmed they had paid a six-figure fee, beating competition from Celtic and Everton, to engage Long on a three-and-a-half-year contract starting in the January 2010 transfer window.
The move to Burnley represented a significant step up from Irish domestic football to one of Europe’s top leagues. Joining at 19 years old, Long was tasked with developing his game among more experienced professionals. His transition was not immediate, as he would later spend multiple loan spells at lower-division English clubs to accumulate first-team minutes. That steady progression through the English football pyramid helped him refine the defensive skills that have defined his career.
Kevin Long Career
Early Career (2008–2010)
Long signed professional terms with Cork City in January 2008 and remained there until the end of 2009. During his time with the club’s senior squad, he gained valuable experience in the League of Ireland, contributing as a young centre-back. His displays earned him recognition and ultimately a high-profile transfer to Premier League side Burnley in January 2010.
His first months at Burnley were spent adjusting to a new country, league, and level of competition. With first-team opportunities limited at Turf Moor, the club arranged a series of loan moves to help his development. Those spells would prove crucial in shaping the defender he would later become.
Accrington Stanley Loan Spell (2010–2012)
On 15 October 2010, Long joined League Two club Accrington Stanley on an initial one-month loan. He made his debut in a 3–2 defeat to Rotherham United but was shown a red card after 17 minutes for a foul on Adam Le Fondre. Despite that difficult start, his loan was extended twice before he returned to Burnley on 18 January 2011 after cracking a bone in his foot during a match against Cheltenham Town. He rejoined Stanley later that month for the rest of the season, making 17 appearances in total.
Long returned to Accrington on 5 August 2011 on loan until January 2012. He maintained his first-team status and scored the first goal of his English career in a 2–2 draw with Plymouth Argyle on 8 October. He added goals against Bristol Rovers, Torquay United, and Macclesfield Town, finishing the spell with 26 appearances. He rejoined Burnley on 5 January 2012.
Rochdale and Portsmouth Loans (2012)
His former Accrington manager John Coleman signed Long for League One club Rochdale on 27 January 2012 on a one-month loan. He played four matches with two clean sheets during a run that included two wins and a draw, prompting an extension until the end of April. Long continued in the first team, though Rochdale were unable to avoid relegation that season.
On 18 August 2012, Long joined EFL League One side Portsmouth on a one-month emergency loan. He made his debut the same day in a 1–1 draw against AFC Bournemouth, was sent off for a second bookable offence in his third appearance, and suffered a back injury in his fifth and final outing. The injury meant his loan was not renewed.
Return to Burnley (2012–2015)
Back at Burnley, Long scored his first goal for the club in a 4–3 FA Cup defeat at Southampton on 4 January 2014. He made his Premier League debut a year later, on 1 January 2015, in a 3–3 draw away to Newcastle United. Replacing the injured Jason Shackell in the 17th minute, Long was himself substituted 20 minutes later after rupturing his cruciate knee ligaments. A few days later, he signed an extended contract with Burnley to run until 2017.
Long spent the next several months recovering from that serious knee injury. His resilience during rehabilitation earned praise from the Burnley coaching staff, and he eventually returned to first-team action in late 2015.
Barnsley Loan (2015–2016)
In November 2015, after regaining full fitness, Long joined League One club Barnsley on a one-month loan. He scored a late winner against Oldham Athletic on his debut, but was sent off in his second match against Peterborough United. He helped Barnsley reach the Football League Trophy final, successfully converting his penalty in the shootout that decided the northern area final. That kick was his last touch for the club before his loan expired.
Milton Keynes Dons Loan (2016)
On 24 March 2016, Long joined Championship club Milton Keynes Dons on loan for the remainder of the 2015–16 season. The move provided him with another chance to test himself at a higher level as he continued his recovery and pushed for more consistent first-team football.
Birmingham City Era (2023–2024)
In January 2023, Long signed for Championship club Birmingham City until the end of the season. Lack of match fitness marred his early appearances, as he had not played first-team football for eight months prior to joining. Head coach John Eustace continued to select him, and Long started 20 of a possible 23 matches. He was one of six senior professionals listed for release but signed a new one-year contract on 25 June.
Long played every minute of Birmingham’s Championship campaign under Eustace, demonstrating aerial strength alongside centre-back partner Dion Sanderson. He lost his place to Emanuel Aiwu when Wayne Rooney took over as manager in October, and a calf injury kept him out until January 2024. Tony Mowbray restored him to the team, and he started four Championship matches before leaving the club for an undisclosed fee on 20 February 2024.
Toronto FC Era (2024–Present)
Long signed for Major League Soccer club Toronto FC on 20 February 2024 on a contract covering 2024 with an option for 2025. He made his MLS debut five days later, playing the full match in a goalless opening-day visit to FC Cincinnati. He scored his first goal for the club against Simcoe County Rovers in a 5–0 victory at the Canadian Championship on 24 April 2024. Following the 2025 season, Toronto declined their contract option on Long.
Driving Style and Strengths
Long is widely regarded as a physically imposing centre-back whose 188 cm frame gives him a clear edge in aerial duels. He complements that height with strong positional awareness and a willingness to put his body on the line for his team. Coaches have frequently praised his leadership qualities and his ability to organise defensive lines, traits that have made him a dependable option throughout his journeyman career.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among the defining moments of Long’s career was his Premier League debut against Newcastle United on 1 January 2015, which ended in injury but demonstrated his readiness for top-flight football. His first Burnley goal in the FA Cup against Southampton in January 2014 marked his arrival as a goal threat from defence. His move to Toronto FC in February 2024 represented a fresh chapter abroad, while his Republic of Ireland debut against Mexico in June 2017 remains a career highlight at international level.
Kevin Long Career Wins
Kevin Long has built a reputation as a reliable defender whose team accomplishments include several cup successes at youth level with Cork City in 2009. Across his various loan spells and permanent moves, he has contributed to promotion pushes, playoff runs, and trophy pursuits, though verified senior-team trophy wins remain limited. His most celebrated individual moments have come in cup competitions and on the international stage.
Club Highlights
Long was part of Cork City’s FAI Youth Cup, Munster Youth Cup, and FAI Futsal Cup triumphs in 2009. At Barnsley, he helped the club reach the Football League Trophy final during the 2015–16 season, successfully converting his penalty in the northern area final shootout. His arrival at Toronto FC in 2024 was followed by a Canadian Championship victory over Simcoe County Rovers in which he scored.
International Highlights
Long received his first senior call-up to the Republic of Ireland squad in May 2017 for a training camp at Fota Island. He made the final squad for the friendlies against Mexico and Uruguay and debuted on 1 June 2017 in a 3–1 defeat to Mexico at MetLife Stadium, replacing John Egan as a second-half substitute.
Kevin Long Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Kevin Finbarr Long was born and raised in Cork, Ireland. Specific details about his parents and siblings are not publicly documented in available sources.
Personal Life
Long has maintained a relatively private personal life away from football. Information about his marital status, spouse, and children is not publicly confirmed.
2025 Season Performance
Long entered the 2025 Major League Soccer season as part of the Toronto FC squad, having signed a contract in February 2024 that included an option for 2025. His role within the team continued to centre on providing defensive stability and aerial presence at the back. He remained a senior figure in a squad looking to rebuild and improve on previous campaigns.
Throughout 2025, Long featured for Toronto FC in MLS matches and Canadian Championship fixtures, drawing on his experience from English football. Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, the club opted to decline their contract option on the Irish defender, bringing an end to his time in Toronto. His performances during the year reflected the consistency and professionalism that have characterised his career across multiple leagues.