Rob Slevin

Rob Slevin (born 14 July 1998) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a defender for NIFL Premiership side Coleraine on loan from League of Ireland Premier Division club Derry City. A left-sided centre-back who can also play at left-back, he has previously played in the League of Ireland for Waterford, Cork City, Finn Harps and Galway United, having begun his senior career with University College Cork in the Munster Senior League.

Club career Early life and UCC Slevin grew up in Carrigaline, County Cork, and joined local club Carrigaline United at the age of six, playing there throughout his youth. He later spent time with Cobh Ramblers at under-17 level before moving into senior football with UCC in the Munster Senior League. In May 2019 he completed the double as UCC won the Munster Senior League Premier Division. He was nominated for the FAI Intermediate Player of the Year award and was later named FAI Colleges and Universities International Player of the Year for 2019.

Cork City In January 2020, Slevin returned to his native city to sign for fellow Premier Division side Cork City under Neale Fenn. A serious back injury suffered early in 2021 required surgery and ruled him out for the entire season. He was released by Cork City at the end of the 2021 campaign. Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan travelled to Carrigaline during the off-season to persuade him to join the club, with Slevin later recalling that he "nearly took his hand off" for the chance to return to the top flight. Despite his performances, Finn Harps were relegated at the end of the season.

Galway United In November 2022, Slevin signed for League of Ireland First Division club Galway United.

Slevin played in 37 of Galway's 40 league and cup games in 2023 as the club won the First Division title, their first major trophy in 27 years, and secured promotion back to the Premier Division.

He remained a key part of Galway United's defence on their return to the Premier Division in 2024. Slevin made 29 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and providing one assist, as the club finished the season with the second-best defensive record in the division, conceding only 29 goals in 36 league matches.

Career statistics

International career While at UCC, Slevin was selected for the Irish Colleges and Universities national team for the 2019 Summer Universiade in Naples, Italy. He played against South Korea, Uruguay, Russia, Ukraine and France at the tournament, and later described the experience as "very professional" and beneficial for his development.

Style of play Slevin is primarily a left-sided centre-back but is also comfortable playing at left-back. Standing at 1.88m tall, he has been noted for his aerial ability and versatility, as well as his defensive work-rate and willingness to put team needs ahead of personal recognition.

Personal life Slevin studied for a commerce degree at University College Cork, balancing full-time studies with his commitments to UCC and later Cork City. He has spoken about the challenges of managing training, gym work and matches alongside academic work, describing the need to find "a happy medium" between the two.

A boyhood supporter of Manchester United, Slevin has cited Cristiano Ronaldo as a player he idolised growing up.

Honours UCC

Collingwood Cup: 2019 Munster Senior League Premier Division: 2018–19

Galway United

League of Ireland First Division: 2023

Individual

FAI Colleges and Universities International Player of the Year: 2019 PFAI First Division Team of the Year: 2023