Ciaran McKenna

Ciaran Paul McKenna (born 25 March 1998) is a former Scottish professional footballer who now plays part time as a centre back or right back for Zurich City, in Switzerland's 2. Liga Interregional (5th division). McKenna has previously played for Falkirk, Hamilton Academical, Partick Thistle and Queen of the South.

During his playing career in Scotland, McKenna was co-host of the podcast BroPod, alongside college and Hamilton Academical teammate Markus Fjortoft. The podcast centred around conversations with individuals from the realms of sports, media, finance, and politics. Guests included world-renowned journalists, broadcasters, club owners, agents, CEO's and Ballon d'Or winners. Additionally, while playing, McKenna began a master's degree in Economics of Sustainability, which he has now completed.

Early life McKenna was born in Glasgow and was educated at Cardinal Newman High School, Bellshill, and St Ninian's High School, Kirkintilloch. McKenna played in the Celtic Academy, before turning down the offer of a three-year professional contract with the club, to accept the offer of a scholarship with Duke University in North Carolina, where he competed in college soccer in the NCAA Division 1. After three and a half years at Duke University, McKenna graduated in December 2018 with a bachelor's degree in political science.

Club career

Early career McKenna had 42 appearances with the Duke Blue Devils over three seasons and scored two goals. McKenna also spent a spell during 2017 playing for Jacksonville Armada U-23 in the National Premier Soccer League.

Falkirk In January 2019, McKenna joined Falkirk. McKenna had 17 league appearances and scored two goals in his debut season as a professional with the Bairns.

Partick Thistle In August 2020, McKenna joined Partick Thistle on a two-year contract. McKenna had 34 league appearances and scored one goal, as well as 14 cup matches for the Harry Wraggs.

Queen of the South On 24 June 2022, McKenna joined Queen of the South on a one-year contract.

McKenna was released by the Doonhamers at the end of the 2022-23 season.

Alqueries CF In 2023, McKenna signed for Spanish club Alqueries CF.

Zurich City In 2025, McKenna signed for Swiss semi-professional club Zurich City.

Personal life In June 2022, McKenna, married Jamaica Women's national team player Kayla McCoy in Oak Park, Illinois, USA. The pair met in college.

In early 2016, McKenna was accused of sexual assault by a fellow student at Duke University. Initially, the university issued a six-semester suspension, but upon appeal by McKenna, it was concluded that the original panel had not applied the correct standard pursuant to Duke policy. A lawsuit was filed on Mckenna's behalf alleging due process violations, and in February 2017, Durham Judge Orlando Hudson issued a permanent injunction preventing Duke from suspending McKenna. In July 2018, McKenna and Duke settled the case outside of court, and in December 2018 McKenna graduated. Although the terms of the settlement are unknown, it is reported that McKenna made a six-figure donation to the Duke Law Wrongful Convictions Clinic shortly afterwards, as a gesture of gratitude to the co-director of the clinic and Duke Law Professor James E. Coleman, who had vigorously fought on McKenna's behalf.

Career statistics

Honours Club

Partick Thistle Scottish League One: 2020–21