Rowan McDonald

Rowan Alexander McDonald (born 20 October 2001) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for NIFL Premiership club Coleraine.

Club career Youth career Born in Oldham, McDonald came through the Academy of Manchester City, where he won the U18 Premier League and U18 Premier League Cup twice each, the FA Youth Cup in 2020, as well as the Premier League 2 three times. He featured 5 times for the club's U21 side in the 2019–20 EFL Trophy, On 8 July 2022, he signed his first professional contract with the club, despite having missed most of the 2 years previous due to injury. In January 2023, he went on trial with League of Ireland Premier Division club Derry City during their pre-season training camp in Spain, but ultimately did not sign for the club despite appearing in friendly fixtures with them. In June 2023, he was released by Manchester City following the end of his contract.

Waterford On 23 August 2023, McDonald signed for League of Ireland First Division club Waterford until the end of their season in November. On 10 November 2023, he helped the club to promotion by beating Cork City in the Final of the 2023 League of Ireland First Division Play-offs at Tallaght Stadium. After gaining promotion, he signed a new contract with the club ahead of their 2024 League of Ireland Premier Division campaign. On 9 August 2024, McDonald scored his first goal for the club, with his side's first goal of the game, helping them back from a 2 goal deficit to win 3–2 away to Bohemians at Dalymount Park. On 21 November 2024, he signed a new one year contract with the club. On 15 February 2025, he scored in the opening game of the season, scoring the first goal of the game in a 3–2 win away to Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds. He departed the club in September 2025, having scored 2 goals in 66 appearances during his time there.

Coleraine On 1 September 2025, McDonald signed for NIFL Premiership club Coleraine on a long-term contract for an undisclosed fee.

International career McDonald made his international debut on 20 May 2019, playing the full 90 minutes in England U18's 1–0 win over Russia U18 in a friendly in Slovakia. 3 days later he again played the full game in a 2–0 win over Mexico U18 in what turned out to be his final appearance at international level.

Career statistics

Honours Waterford Munster Senior Cup (1): 2023–24

Manchester City Academy Premier League 2 (3): 2020–21, 2021–22, 2022–23 U18 Premier League (2): 2020–21, 2021–22 FA Youth Cup (1): 2019–20 U18 Premier League Cup (2): 2018–19, 2019–20