The Daily Star Ireland
Republic of Ireland international Callum O’Dowda has completed a transfer to Ferencvaros, the reigning champions of Hungary’s top football division. The switch sees the versatile left-sided player link up once again with former teammate and current Ferencvaros head coach Robbie Keane.
The move was confirmed by Cardiff City on their official channels, though the financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed. O’Dowda departs the Welsh side after two seasons, during which he played a key role across 42 matches in the 2024–25 Championship season.
Transition from Cardiff City to Continental Football
O’Dowda joined Cardiff City in 2022 and quickly became a regular feature in their lineup. However, the team endured a challenging 2024–25 campaign, ultimately resulting in relegation from the Championship to League One. In response to the club’s declining fortunes, management changes were made, with Cork-born Brian Barry-Murphy stepping in as head coach to lead the rebuilding effort for the upcoming 2025–26 season.
Despite Cardiff’s struggles, O’Dowda’s individual performances remained consistent, earning him continued recognition at the international level. The 29-year-old has earned 32 senior caps for the Republic of Ireland and previously worked under Keane during Mick McCarthy’s second managerial tenure with the national side in 2019, when Keane served on the coaching staff.
Robbie Keane’s Continued Success in Management
Ferencvaros appointed Keane as manager in January 2025 when the club was in pursuit of another league title. The Dubliner successfully led the Budapest-based team to their seventh consecutive championship, further cementing the club’s dominance in Hungarian football. This marks the second league title in Keane’s managerial career following his previous success with Maccabi Tel Aviv in the 2023–24 Israeli Premier League.
The acquisition of O’Dowda adds depth and experience to Keane’s squad as Ferencvaros prepares for domestic title defense and potential European competition in the coming season. The Irish connection between manager and player is expected to facilitate a smooth transition, as O’Dowda takes his first steps into continental club football.
