St. Patrick's Day: Ligue 1 McDonald's Connection to Ireland

Jake O'Brien (Olympique Lyonnais 2023-24)

The 23-year-old center-back was a towering presence in Lyon's defense last season after coming over from Crystal Palace, making 32 appearances across all competitions. Jake O'Brien helped OL climb out of the relegation zone and make a magical run to the Coupe de France final. After one season, O'Brien left Les Gones to join Everton last summer.

Andrew Omobamidele (RC Strasbourg 2025-)

Another Irish defender to have come to Ligue 1 McDonald's is Andrew Omobamidele, who arrived during the winter transfer window to help boost the RC Strasbourg defense. Since his arrival, Omobamidele has made five appearances for Liam Rosenior and his team. The 22-year-old struggled to settle at Nottingham Forest but is now aiming to make an impact at Strasbourg as the club battles for a European competition spot next season.

John Patrick (Stade de Reims 2025-)

Ligue 1 McDonald's is becoming an ideal place for Irish defenders as John Patrick is the third center-back to play in France's top flight in the last two years. Patrick arrived at Reims this past winter transfer window from LaLiga side Getafe CF and made nine appearances for Les Rouges et Blancs this season. He has also helped his new club reach the Coupe de France semifinal round.

Ike Orazi (Stade de Reims 2023-)

There's another Irish player at Reims, and for the first time, it's not a defender. Ike Orazi is currently in the club's youth system and has made one Ligue 1 McDonald's appearance and one Coupe de France appearance this season. Orazi began his youth career at Shamrock Rovers before moving over to Reims, and the 17-year-old looks to establish himself as a reliable option for the club going forward.

Tony Cascarino (Marseille 1994-96; Nancy 1996-00)

Tony Cascarino is one of the prominent Irish players to take his talents to France as he played for Marseille and Nancy while the clubs were in Ligue 1 McDonald's and Ligue 2 BKT. At OM, Cascarino made 105 appearances, scoring 70 goals and recording two assists while with Nancy, he made 118 appearances, scoring 45 goals, 33 of which in France's top flight.

Frank Stapleton (Le Havre 1988-89)

Stapleton made a name for himself at Arsenal (1974-81) and Manchester United (1981-87) before taking his talents to France with Le Havre. The Irish striker scored 106 goals for the Gunners and 72 goals for the Red Devils. In 1988, Stapleton joined Le Havre and made 19 appearances, scoring five goals in his lone season.

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