Vinnie Leonard

Dundalk Leonard made his senior debut for Dundalk on 6 February 2024 in a 0–0 draw with Bohemians in the Leinster Senior Cup, becoming the youngest ever player to play for the club at 15 years, 10 months and 16 days old. On 27 October 2024, he made his League of Ireland Premier Division debut for the club in their final home game of the season in a 1–0 defeat at home to Shamrock Rovers, after his side had already been relegated to the League of Ireland First Division by finishing bottom of the table. On 22 December 2024, Leonard signed his first professional contract with the club. On 14 February 2025, in his first league start for the club, he scored the only goal of the game in a 1–0 victory over Athlone Town at Oriel Park in the first game of the season, making him the youngest ever league goalscorer at 16 years, 10 months and 24 days old. During the summer of 2025, Leonard was subject to reported interest from several clubs including Scottish Premiership Champions Celtic. On 10 October 2025, he scored in a 3–0 win over Finn Harps at Oriel Park to help his side secure the 2025 League of Ireland First Division title and promotion back to the Premier Division. He was named the club's Young Player of the Year for 2025. In November 2025, he was named in the PFAI First Division Team of the Year as voted by his fellow players in the league. In December 2025, he reportedly drew interest from Celtic, Genoa, Olympique Lyonnais, Norwich City, Crystal Palace and Brighton & Hove Albion.

Norwich City On 16 February 2026, it was announced that an agreement had been reached between Dundalk and Norwich City for Leonard to join the EFL Championship club on 1 July 2026 when the transfer window re-opened, following his 18th birthday.

International career On 9 May 2024, Leonard made his international debut, coming off the bench for the Republic of Ireland U16s in a 3–2 defeat to Switzerland in Portugal. Leonard was named in the squad for the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar in November 2025.

Career statistics

Honours Dundalk League of Ireland First Division: 2025

Individuals Dundalk Young Player of the Year: 2025 PFAI First Division Team of the Year: 2025