The Profile
Ray's story, told with respect to the facts.
Ray Houghton scored the goal that beat England at Euro 88, which is one of those moments that remains enshrined in Irish football memory forever. Stuttgart, 1988, and the Republic of Ireland beat England for the first time at a major tournament. Houghton's header from a corner in the sixth minute was the goal that did it.
He also won two league titles with Liverpool in the late 1980s, played in the team alongside John Barnes, Peter Beardsley, Ian Rush and Alan Hansen, and was one of the most effective wide midfielders in English football during a period when wide midfielders were expected to defend as well as attack. His playing style was about the first five yards and the pass that followed, which made him a central part of two successful Liverpool campaigns.
Post-retirement, he has been a broadcaster for talkSPORT Ireland and an after-dinner regular, particularly for Irish football nostalgia events. The Stuttgart goal is still the one everybody wants him to tell the story of.
“That goal against England has followed me for thirty seven years. I am not complaining. If you are going to be famous for six seconds of your career, make sure they are the right six.”
Career highlights
- Two First Division titles with Liverpool
- FA Cup winner with Liverpool, 1989
- 73 Republic of Ireland caps
- Scorer of the Irish winning goal against England at Euro 1988
- Italia 90 quarter finalist with Ireland
First hand
Ray Houghton at Steam
Ray spoke at Steam in March 2024 alongside Peter Beardsley. The Liverpool title stories from both of them were a room favourite.