James McClean

McClean grew up in the Creggan area of Derry and attended Holy Family Primary School and St. Peter's High School.{{cite news|url=http://www.derryjournal.com/sport/football/quinn_praise_for_james_mcclean_1_3325339|title=Quinn praise for James McClean|date=9 December 2011|work=Derry Journal|access-date=11 December 2011}}{{cite web |title=Ireland star James McClean's dad says success is down to special Derry touch |url=https://www.irishnews.com/news/2016/06/24/news/ireland-star-mcclean-s-dad-says-success-down-to-magic-of-north-west-577725/ |website=The Irish News |date=24 June 2016 |access-date=26 August 2019}} He played Gaelic football with Seán Dolans GAC before concentrating on association football.{{cite web |title=Ireland star McClean sponsors GAA kit for former club |url=http://www.irishnews.com/news/2015/09/10/news/ireland-star-mcclean-sponsors-gaa-kit-for-former-club-258567/ |website=Irish News |date=11 September 2015 |access-date=26 August 2019}}

McClean began his career at Institute, making one first team appearance as a substitute against Glentoran in the 2007–08 Irish Premier League season. Institute decided not to renew his contract in the summer of 2008.{{cite web|url=http://backpagefootball.com/james-mcclean-the-republic-of-ireland%E2%80%99s-wildcard/32504/|title=James McClean: The Republic of Ireland's Wildcard|work=Back Page Football|date=25 January 2012 }}

McClean made his Derry City first team debut on 1 July 2008 in a League Cup tie at home to Bohemians, opening the scoring in a 4–1 win.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2008/0701/234028-derry_bohemians/|title=Derry City 4-1 Bohemians|date=1 July 2008|via=www.rte.ie}} He made his League of Ireland debut for Derry City as a substitute for Kevin McHugh playing against Cork City at Turner's Cross on 8 September 2008.{{cite web|last1=Smith|first1=Alan|title=Cork City 1 – 1 Derry City|url=http://www.extratime.ie/fixtures/detail/10233/2/|website=www.extratime.ie|access-date=12 October 2014}} In his first full season with Derry in the 2009 season the club suffered serious financial problems and the players went weeks without payment. During this period in November 2009 McClean held talks with English League Two side Lincoln City, but this did not result in a contract, after McClean felt homesick.{{cite web|title=Lincoln chasing Derry's McClean|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/irish/8373859.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=26 August 2019|date=26 November 2009}}{{cite web |title=Lincoln abandon move for McClean|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/teams/l/lincoln_city/8381634.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=26 August 2019|date=26 November 2009}} Derry finished the season in 4th place but were expelled by the FAI due to breaking regulations by holding secondary, unofficial contracts with players.{{cite web|title=Derry axed from League of Ireland|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/irish/8348690.stm|website=BBC Sport|access-date=26 August 2019|date=7 November 2009}} They were invited to join the League of Ireland First Division.{{cite web|title=Derry City invited back to league|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/foyle_and_west/8356761.stm|website=BBC News|access-date=26 August 2019|date=12 November 2009}}

In December 2009 McClean was one of the first four players to sign for the new Derry City, along with David McDaid, and the McEleney brothers — Shane and Patrick.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/irish/8406521.stm|title=Derry sign up first four players|date=10 December 2009|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|access-date=11 December 2011}} McClean scored eight goals in 33 appearances in the 2010 season helping Derry return to the top-flight.{{cite web|title=Derry City promoted to Premier Division|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2010/1030/272540-derrycity_first|website=RTÉ|date=30 October 2010 |access-date=26 August 2019}} McClean began to attract more interest from English clubs in the 2011 season with Peterborough United making some unsuccessful bids.{{cite web|title=Peterborough make further bid for Derry's James McClean|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14156421|website=BBC Sport|access-date=26 August 2019|date=14 July 2011}} He also attracted interest from Everton.{{cite news|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/everton-fc/everton-fc-player-profiles/seamus-coleman/2011/07/06/everton-fc-eyeing-move-for-talented-young-irishman-james-mcclean-100252-29001946|title=Everton FC eyeing move for talented young Irishman James McClean|author=Nick Hilton|date=6 July 2011|work=Liverpool Echo|access-date=11 December 2011}} In August 2011 Derry accepted an offer from Sunderland for McClean.{{cite news|title=Derry winger James McClean set for Sunderland move|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/14423770|access-date=26 August 2019}}

File:Sunderland Warm Up 1 cropped McClean.jpg

McClean joined Sunderland on 9 August 2011 for a fee of £350,000, signing a three-year contract.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14466317.stm|title=Derry winger James McClean completes Sunderland move|date=9 August 2011|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|access-date=11 December 2011}} Upon signing McClean, manager Steve Bruce indicated that he was "one for the future",{{cite news|url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/sunderland-afc/safc-news/2011/08/10/steve-bruce-james-mcclean-is-worth-a-risk-72703-29209401/|title=Steve Bruce: James McClean is worth a risk|date=10 August 2011|first=Matthew|last=Leslie|work=Evening Chronicle|access-date=11 December 2011}} and also hinted that he would be in the reserve team until Christmas.{{cite news|url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/sunderland-afc/safc-news/2011/08/13/james-mcclean-could-rise-like-meyler-bruce-72703-29226734/|title=James McClean could rise like Meyler – Bruce|date=13 August 2011|first=Matthew|last=Leslie|work=Evening Chronicle|access-date=11 December 2011}} His form in the development squad was capped by a reserve-debut goal in a 4–3 win over Tyne–Wear derby rivals Newcastle United, earning him a place on the Sunderland bench.{{cite news|url=http://www.nufc.co.uk/page/Match/Report/ReservesReport/0,,10278~2443996,00.html|title=Sunderland Res 4 Newcastle Res 3|date=7 September 2011|first=Dan|last=King|work=Newcastle United Football Club|access-date=11 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104092018/http://www.nufc.co.uk/page/Match/Report/ReservesReport/0,,10278~2443996,00.html|archive-date=4 January 2012}} Despite never making an appearance under Bruce, he made his debut for the first team in Martin O'Neill's first game in charge on 11 December, a 2–1 win over Blackburn Rovers and was credited for the comeback which saw his side overturn a 1–0 deficit, after coming on as a substitute for Jack Colback in the second half.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16021619.stm|title=Sunderland 2–1 Blackburn|date=11 December 2011|first=Phil|last=McNulty|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|access-date=11 December 2011}}

McClean made his first start for Sunderland in their 1–0 victory over Manchester City on 1 January 2012, and scored his first senior goal for the Black Cats in a 4–1 win against Wigan Athletic two days later;{{cite news|title=Goal capped off Sunderland win at Wigan – James McClean (Interview)|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16409272.stm|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|access-date=7 January 2012}} on 8 January, he scored and assisted Sebastian Larsson in a 2–0 win at Peterborough United in the third round of the FA Cup.{{cite news|title=Peterborough 0 – 2 Sunderland|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/fa_cup/16376754.stm|first=Sam|last=Sheringham|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|access-date=8 January 2012|date=8 January 2012}} McClean provided the assist for Stéphane Sessègnon's opening goal in Sunderland's 2–0 victory over Swansea City on 21 January, and got another assist in the equalising goal for Fraizer Campbell in the next round of the cup against Middlesbrough on 29 January. Ahead of the replay for that fixture, Middlesbrough manager Tony Mowbray used McClean as an example for young players to follow.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/feb/07/tony-mowbray-middlesbrough-james-mcclean|title=Tony Mowbray urges Middlesbrough players to be like James McClean|date=7 February 2012|work=The Guardian|access-date=7 February 2012|location=London}} McClean turned provider again in Sunderland's 3–0 victory over Norwich City, assisting Sessègnon's goal, then scored the only goal in a win over Stoke City on 4 February in snowy conditions at the Britannia Stadium.{{cite news|title=Stoke 0 – 1 Sunderland|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16778874|first=Chris|last=Osborne|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|access-date=4 February 2012}} A week later, he opened the scoring in Sunderland's 2–1 home loss to Arsenal after Per Mertesacker injured himself.{{cite news|title=Sunderland 1 -2 Arsenal|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/16884594|first=John|last=Sinnott|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|access-date=11 February 2012}} On 23 March, Sunderland announced that McClean had signed a new contract intended to force him to stay at the club until the summer of 2015.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/english/2012/0323/313301-mcclean-agrees-new-sunderland-deal|title=Irish winger signs contract until summer 2015|work=RTÉ Sport|publisher=RTÉ|date=23 March 2012|access-date=23 March 2012}} A day later, he helped them to a 3–1 victory over relegation-threatened Queens Park Rangers by assisting the opening goal for Nicklas Bendtner and later scoring by himself. McClean won Sunderland's Young Player of the Year Award, at the end of the 2011–12 season.{{cite news|title=James McClean can dazzle Euros says Colback|url=http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/sport/sunderland-afc/safc-news/2012/05/25/james-mcclean-can-dazzle-euros-says-colback-72703-31042224|work=Evening Chronicle|publisher=Trinity Mirror|date=25 May 2012|access-date=25 May 2012}}

In August 2012, McClean scored his first two goals of the 2012–13 in the second round of the League Cup against Morecambe. He also scored in the third round as well, scoring in the 82nd minute away at Milton Keynes Dons. He scored his first Premier League goal of the season in a 3–0 home defeat of Reading on 11 December, exactly twelve months to the day that he made his Sunderland debut.{{cite web|url=http://espnfc.com/us/en/repor/345867/report.html?soccernet=true&cc=5901|title= Sunderland 3–0 Reading|publisher=ESPNFC|date=11 December 2012 }} McClean fell out of favour with the Sunderland supporters after he refused to wear a poppy in the run-up to Remembrance Day, which led to his departure in August 2013. Speaking in 2015 McClean says he was 'hung out to dry' by Sunderland.{{cite web|title=James McClean says he was 'hung out to dry' by Sunderland over poppy stance|url=https://www.sportsjoe.ie/football/james-mcclean-poppy-stance-sunderland-19185|website=Joe|date=28 March 2015 |access-date=26 August 2019}}

McClean signed for Championship club Wigan Athletic on a three-year contract on 8 August 2013.{{cite news|title=James McClean: Sunderland winger joins Wigan Athletic|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23602654|access-date=26 August 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wiganlatics.co.uk/news/article/13-08-07-mcclean-becomes-tenth-summer-signing-976944.aspx|title=McCLEAN BECOMES TENTH SUMMER SIGNING|publisher=Wigan Athletic FC|date=8 August 2013|access-date=9 August 2013}} Three days later he made his debut in the 2013 FA Community Shield at Wembley Stadium, starting in a 2–0 loss to Manchester United.{{cite news|last1=Rostance|first1=Tom|title=Man Utd 2–0 Wigan|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/23565298|work=BBC Sport|date=11 August 2013}}

He scored his first goal for Wigan on 26 January 2014 in the FA Cup fourth round, a winner in a 2–1 victory against Crystal Palace.{{cite news|title=FA Cup: James McClean's winner sees Wigan through after 2–1 win over Crystal Palace|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/live/match/307270/report|access-date=9 November 2014|work=Sky Sports|date=26 January 2014}} He had scored on 18 December against Sheffield Wednesday, but that match was abandoned in heavy rain and his goal was struck from the records; it was the only goal of the game by the 59th minute in which it was called off.{{cite news|last1=McMath|first1=James|title=Sheffield Wednesday 0 Wigan Athletic 1 (abandoned after 59 minutes, bad weather): match report|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/competitions/championship/10527022/Sheffield-Wednesday-0-Wigan-Athletic-1-abandoned-after-59-minutes-bad-weather-match-report.html|access-date=9 November 2014|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=18 December 2013}} McClean played in 49 matches in 2013–14, scoring four goals as Wigan reached the Championship play-offs where they lost 2–1 to Queens Park Rangers.{{cite news|title=QPR 2–1 Wigan|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/27280896|access-date=26 August 2019}} In 2014–15, Wigan finished in 23rd place and were relegated to League One.{{cite web|last1=Wilson|first1=Paul|title=Wigan's fall from FA Cup winners to League One: where did it all go wrong?|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/apr/29/wigan-athletic-fa-cup-to-league-one|website=The Guardian|date=29 April 2015 |access-date=26 August 2019}}

File:2017-12-02 WestBrom23 (38774549002).jpg, 2017]]

Turning down a move to New York Red Bulls,{{cite podcast|access-date=19 June 2017|author-link=Jarlath Regan|url=https://soundcloud.com/an-irishman-abroad/james-mcclean-episode-196|author=Jarlath Regan|edition=196|title=James McClean|work=An Irishman Abroad|publisher=SoundCloud|date=17 June 2017}} on 22 June 2015 McClean signed for West Bromwich Albion on a three-year deal for a fee believed to be around £1.5 million.{{Cite news|title=Albion capture James McClean|url=http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/mcclean-signs-for-albion-2502850.aspx|publisher=West Bromwich Albion F.C.|date=22 June 2015}} In July, on the team's tour of the United States, he turned his back on the Flag of England while the British national anthem "God Save the Queen" was played before a match against the Charleston Battery, which resulted in a verbal warning from manager Tony Pulis.{{cite news|title=West Brom boss Tony Pulis 'warned James McClean over his national anthem snub'|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/west-brom-boss-tony-pulis-warned-james-mcclean-over-his-national-anthem-snub-31390854.html|access-date=10 August 2015|work=Belfast Telegraph|date=21 July 2015}}

He made his competitive debut on 10 August as West Brom began the season against Manchester City at The Hawthorns.{{cite news|title=West Brom 0-3 Man City|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/33754829|access-date=26 August 2019}} Booed by his team's own fans whenever he touched the ball, he was replaced by Claudio Yacob at half-time, as his team lost 3–0.{{cite news|title=James McClean: Sky Sports commentator Alan Parry accused of 'trolling' West Brom's new signing|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/james-mcclean-sky-sports-commentator-alan-parry-accused-of-trolling-west-broms-new-signing-31441617.html|access-date=10 August 2015|work=Belfast Telegraph|date=10 August 2015}} On 17 October, after a 1–0 home win over his former team Sunderland, he taunted the visiting fans, leading to confrontations between both sets of players; he was given a warning by the FA over his conduct.{{cite news|title=James McClean given FA warning over celebration|url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11698/10035414/james-mcclean-given-fa-warning-over-celebration|access-date=20 October 2015|publisher=Sky Sports|date=19 October 2015}} He scored his first goal for the Baggies on 5 December, a 39th-minute headed equaliser in a 1–1 home draw against Tottenham Hotspur.{{cite news|last1=Winton|first1=Richard|title=West Brom 1–1 Tottenham|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/34951747|access-date=5 December 2015|date=5 December 2015}} Two weeks later, he was sent off in the first half of a 2–1 home loss to Bournemouth for a challenge on Adam Smith; teammate Salomón Rondón was also dismissed in added time.{{cite news|last1=Chowdhury|first1=Saj|title=West Brom 1–2 Bournemouth|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/35078556|access-date=19 December 2015|publisher=BBC Sport|date=19 December 2015}} He played in 42 matches in 2015–16 as West Brom finished in 14th position.

He scored his first goal of the 2016–17 season in the EFL Cup against Northampton Town.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37091095|title=Northampton 2–2 West Brom (4–3 pens)|date=23 August 2016|newspaper=BBC Sport|language=en-GB|access-date=4 January 2017}} His first league goal of the season came in a 4–2 win over West Ham United on 17 September 2016.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/37325836|title=West Bromwich Albion 4–2 West Ham United|date=17 September 2016|newspaper=BBC Sport|language=en-GB|access-date=4 January 2017}} He was given an improved contract extension until 2019, with the option of a further year. Tony Pulis said: "James thoroughly deserves this and has worked hard to achieve it."{{Cite news|url=http://www.wba.co.uk/news/article/2016-17/west-brom-wba-james-mcclean-contract-deal-sign-baggies-3490982.aspx|title=James McClean signs new contract with West Bromwich Albion|access-date=4 January 2017}} He angered Watford captain Troy Deeney with his tackling in a 3–1 win on 3 December 2016.{{cite news|title=West Brom 3-1 Watford|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/38113785|access-date=26 August 2019}} He played 42 times as the Baggies finished in 10th. The 2017–18 season was an unsettled one for West Brom as they went through four managers Tony Pulis, Gary Megson, Alan Pardew and Darren Moore.{{cite news|title=West Brom 'pulling in same direction' for Darren Moore - James McClean|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/43778752|access-date=26 August 2019}} Albion were rock bottom of the Premier League nearly all season and despite a late resurgence they were relegated to the Championship.{{cite news|title=Crystal Palace 2–0 West Brom|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44020153|access-date=26 August 2019}}

McClean joined Stoke City in July 2018 on a four-year contract for a fee of £5 million.{{cite web|title=Irish winger is fourth summer signing|url=https://www.stokecityfc.com/news/mcclean-becomes-a-potter|website=Stoke City|access-date=22 July 2018}} McClean made his Stoke debut on 5 August 2018 against Leeds United.{{cite news|title=Leeds 3-1 Stoke|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/44995752|access-date=21 August 2018}} He scored his first goal for Stoke on 25 August 2018 in a 2–0 win against Hull City.{{cite news|title=Stoke 2-0 Hull City|work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45229933|access-date=5 September 2018}} In September 2018 McClean suffered a broken arm whilst on international duty with Ireland.{{cite web|title=James McClean likely to be out for weeks after breaking arm|url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-james-mcclean-injury-1975223|website=Stoke Sentinel|date=5 September 2018 |access-date=5 September 2018}} McClean played 45 times in 2018–19, scoring three goals as Stoke finished in 16th place. McClean began the 2019–20 season playing as a makeshift left-back as Nathan Jones attempted to implement his preferred diamond formation.{{cite news |title=Three top priorities for Nathan Jones and Stoke City to get right immediately |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-transfers-deadline-striker-3173245 |newspaper=Stokeontrentlive |date=4 August 2019 |access-date=26 July 2020|last1=Smith |first1=Peter }} It did not work as Stoke had a poor start to the season, failing to win any of their first ten matches and Jones was replaced by Michael O'Neill in November who played McClean in his natural left-wing position.{{cite web |title=Michael O'Neill's verdict on what it's like to manage James McClean |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-james-mcclean-oneill-4039265 |website=Stoke Sentinel |date=10 April 2020 |access-date=26 July 2020}} McClean became a key player under O'Neill and his form helped the team pick up results to move out of the relegation zone.{{cite web |title=Bravery, form, that Glasgow Rangers advice and other reasons why James McClean has surged in popularity with Stoke City fans |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-fans-james-mcclean-3963569 |website=Stoke Sentinel |date=21 March 2020 |access-date=26 July 2020}} He ended the campaign with seven goals from 37 appearances as Stoke avoided relegation and finished in 15th position.{{cite news |title=Nottingham Forest 1–4 Stoke City |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/53412704 |access-date=23 July 2020}} Following the end of the season he was voted Player of the Year by supporters.{{cite web |title=James McClean makes Stoke City vow after being named player of the year |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-player-year-james-mcclean-4397748 |website=Stoke Sentinel |date=5 August 2020 |access-date=5 August 2020}}

In March 2020, McClean uploaded an Instagram post in which he said he was giving his children a history lesson, while wearing a balaclava, which some viewers believed to be in reference to the Irish Republican Army (IRA). McClean was fined two weeks' wages by Stoke, apologised, and agreed to delete his account.{{cite news |last1=Fisher |first1=Ben |title=James McClean fined by Stoke over balaclava 'history lesson' post |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/mar/27/james-mcclean-fined-by-stoke-balaclava-history-lesson-post-instagram |access-date=12 November 2024 |work=The Guardian |date=27 March 2020}} McClean said in 2023 that he regretted the upload.{{cite news |last1=Fullerton |first1=Gareth |last2=Doherty |first2=Oisin |title=James McClean admits to balaclava photo 'regret' and 'naive' poppy stance belief |url=https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/james-mcclean-admits-balaclava-photo-27743507 |access-date=12 November 2024 |work=Belfast Live |date=19 September 2023}}

In the 2020–21 season, McClean made 29 appearances, scoring two goals as Stoke finished in 14th position.{{cite news |title=AFC Bournemouth 0–2 Stoke City |work=BBC Sport |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/56953367 |access-date=18 May 2021}} During the season McClean had disciplinary problems as he breached COVID-19 protocols by going to a gym during lockdown.{{cite web |title=Bad timing for James McClean after 'kamikaze' Instagram post |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/stoke-city-james-mcclean-suspended-4890906 |website=Stoke Sentinel |date=15 January 2021 |access-date=20 May 2021}} He also angered O'Neill in March 2021 after he played for Ireland despite recovering from a foot injury.{{cite web |title=Michael O'Neill furious as 'injured' James McClean plays three times for Ireland |url=https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/james-mcclean-stoke-city-ireland-5251879 |website=Stoke Sentinel |date=31 March 2021 |access-date=20 May 2021}}

On 17 August 2021 McClean re-joined Wigan Athletic on a one-year contract.{{cite web |title=JAMES MCCLEAN RETURNS TO WIGAN ATHLETIC |url=https://wiganathletic.com/news/2021/august/James-McClean-returns-to-Wigan-Athletic/ |website=Wigan Athletic |date=17 August 2021 |access-date=17 August 2021}} McClean claimed he turned down Bolton Wanderers in order to sign for Wigan. However, Bolton Manager Ian Evatt stated this was false; Bolton had no interest in signing McClean, and McClean's agent had rung daily for three weeks begging Bolton to give him a contract.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theboltonnews.co.uk/sport/19529416.bolton-wanderers-boss-puts-record-straight-wigan-ex-stoke-winger-james-mcclean/|title='We were never interested in James McClean' - Ian Evatt sets record straight|website=The Bolton News|date=21 August 2021 }} On 16 October he scored twice in a 4–0 win against Bolton with the match nearly being abandoned after he scored when Bolton fans threw bottles and other objects at him, followed by Wigan fans ripping down advertising boards, the match stopping for more than 10 minutes as police dealt with the situation.{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/crowd-launch-missiles-at-james-mcclean-after-he-bags-brace-in-wigan-rout-over-local-rivals-bolton-40955276.html|title=Crowd launch missiles at James McClean after he bags brace in Wigan rout over local rivals Bolton|website=independent|date=16 October 2021 }}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/58853258|title=Trouble overshadows Bolton-Wigan derby|work=BBC Sport }} Having been promoted as Champions,{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61198355|title=Shrewsbury Town 0–3 Wigan Athletic: Latics promoted as League One Champions|publisher=BBC Sport|date=30 April 2022|accessdate=27 May 2022}} McClean signed a new one-year contract extension at the end of the 2021–22 season.{{cite web|url=https://wiganathletic.com/news/2022/may/26/james-mcclean-and-scott-smith-extend-latics-contracts/|title=James McClean and Scott Smith extend Latics contracts|website=wiganathletic.com|date=26 May 2022|accessdate=27 May 2022}} His first goal of the new season came on 6 August 2022, in a 1–1 draw away to Norwich City at Carrow Road.{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/james-mcclean-on-mark-for-wigan-but-max-aarons-equaliser-ensures-share-of-spoils-for-norwich-at-carrow-road-41893988.html|title=James McClean on mark for Wigan but Max Aarons equaliser ensures share of spoils for Norwich at Carrow Road|website=independent|date=6 August 2022 }}

On 4 August 2023, it was announced that McClean had signed for EFL League Two side Wrexham for an undisclosed fee.{{cite news|url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2023/august2/signed--wrexham-sign-james-mcclean-from-wigan-athletic/|title=SIGNED Wrexham sign James McClean from Wigan Athletic|date=4 August 2023|work=Wrexham AFC|access-date=4 August 2023}} McClean's first season with the club saw him make 44 appearances in all competitions, scoring 3 goals as his side were promoted to EFL League One following their second placed season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.balls.ie/football/james-mcclean-wrexham-irish-contingent-promotion-rivals-594593|title=James McClean Aims Dig At Rivals As Wrexham's Irish Contingent Celebrate Promotion|first=James|last=Fenton|date=14 April 2024|website=Balls.ie}} He signed a new contract with Wrexham to the end of the 2025–26 season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2024/august/07/contract-news---james-mcclean-/ |title=CONTRACT NEWS James McClean signs new Wrexham AFC contract |date=7 August 2024 |work=Wrexham AFC |access-date=7 August 2024}}

McClean was named club captain for Wrexham for the 2024–25 season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/articles/c24pdn8230ro |title=Parkinson lauds Wrexham captain McClean |date=29 August 2024 |work=BBC Sport |access-date=3 September 2024}} On 16 January 2025, in a 2–1 loss away to local rivals Shrewsbury Town, stewards made a human wall between home fans and McClean when he went to take a throw-in, and objects were launched in his direction.{{cite news |title=EFL investigating Shrewsbury v Wrexham crowd incidents |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c9vmyxjwelvo |access-date=25 January 2025 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=19 January 2025}} The English Football League began an investigation into the incidents, and several Shrewsbury fans were banned from the club and charged with criminal offences.{{cite news |last1=Headley |first1=Shannen |title=Two charged after trouble at football game |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5yvggzl7kjo |access-date=25 January 2025 |publisher=BBC News |date=22 January 2025}} McClean called the town of Shrewsbury a "cesspit full of inbreds" in online comments that he later deleted.{{cite news |title=James McClean brands Shrewsbury a 'cesspit full of inbreds' after fan abuse |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2025/01/18/james-mcclean-shrewsbury-cesspit-inbred-fan-abuse-wrexham/ |access-date=25 January 2025 |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=18 January 2025}}

McClean had represented Northern Ireland at a number of junior levels, but ultimately opted to represent the Republic of Ireland at senior level.{{cite news|url=http://www.joe.ie/football/football-news/james-mcclean-hey-colin-murray-dont-call-me-northern-irish-0020541-1|title=James McClean: Hey Colin Murray, don't call me Northern Irish|date=6 February 2012|first=Conor|last=Heneghan|work=JOE.ie|access-date=6 February 2012|quote=That sure told him and besides, it is not the first battle McClean has had to fight on Twitter of late, with the left winger having to remind everybody that although his name is spelt McClean, it is actually pronounced McClane – just think of John McClane from Die Hard and you'll get the picture.}}{{cite news|url=http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/sport/football/international/colin-murray-get-it-right-james-mcclean-reveals-why-he-snubbed-northern-ireland-16116053.html|title='Colin Murray, get it right' – James McClean reveals why he turned down Northern Ireland|date=10 February 2012|first=Stuart|last=McKinley|work=The Belfast Telegraph|publisher=Independent News & Media|access-date=10 February 2012|quote=The strike was one of the highlights of Match of the Day 2's weekend round-up, with the Belfast-born presenter proudly reminding viewers that this was a fellow countryman scoring in the Premier League — not something that happens too often nowadays — as he described McClean as 'Northern Irish'. Not me was McClean's response as he replied via his Twitter account: "Colin Murray get it right will you, it's #irish"}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2012/feb/17/james-mcclean-martin-oneill-sunderland|title=James McClean sweeps into Martin O'Neill's good books at Sunderland|date=17 February 2012|first=Louise|last=Taylor|work=The Guardian|access-date=17 February 2012|quote=When Murray, who is from Belfast, commented that it was good to see a Northern Irishman scoring Sunderland's winner against Stoke, McClean's riposte, via Twitter, was unequivocal: "Colin Murray get it right will you, it's #irish."|location=London}}

McClean was part of the Northern Ireland team that won the 2008 Milk Cup and scored in the opening game in a 3–1 win against the US.{{cite news|url=http://www.irishfa.com/news/item/4099/ni-boys-beat-usa-in-milk-cup/|title=NI BOYS BEAT USA IN MILK CUP|date=29 July 2008|work=Northern Irish Football Association|access-date=11 December 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120402193827/http://www.irishfa.com/news/item/4099/ni-boys-beat-usa-in-milk-cup/|archive-date=2 April 2012}} He has also represented Northern Ireland seven times at Under 21 level. On 26 July 2011 he was called up to the Northern Ireland senior squad for the match against the Faroe Islands on 10 August 2011.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2011/jul/26/northern-ireland-rangers-david-healy|title=Northern Ireland recall Rangers' David Healy for Faroe Islands game|date=26 July 2011|work=The Guardian|access-date=11 December 2011|location=London}} McClean decided to wait for selection by the Republic of Ireland and therefore pulled out of the Northern Ireland squad.{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/14436621.stm|title=James McClean switches from N Ireland to Republic|date=8 August 2011|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|access-date=11 December 2011}} In January 2012 he again confirmed he would not be reconsidering his decision although Northern Ireland manager Michael O'Neill had been in contact with him.{{cite news|title=Sunderland's James McClean rules out Northern Ireland rethink|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/football/16440941.stm|work=BBC Sport|publisher=BBC|access-date=7 January 2012}}

File:FIFA WC-qualification 2014 - Austria vs Ireland 2013-09-10 - James McClean 21.JPG

McClean's success in the Premier League saw increasing calls for Giovanni Trapattoni to select him for the Republic of Ireland, with Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill saying after McClean's winning goal at Stoke: "I think he's more than capable of going to Euro 2012 ... Hopefully he's making such an impact he'll be watched by someone in the Ireland camp, even if it's not Trapattoni. They couldn't fail to be impressed."{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/sunderland/9060648/Take-winger-James-McClean-to-Euro-2012-says-Sunderland-manager-Martin-ONeill.html|title=Take winger James McClean to Euro 2012, says Sunderland manager Martin O'Neill|date=3 February 2012|first=Luke|last=Edwards|work=The Daily Telegraph|access-date=3 February 2012|location=London}} McClean received international clearance to play for the Republic of Ireland on 9 February.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2012/0209/mccleanj.html|title=McClean gets green light for Republic|date=9 February 2012|work=RTÉ Sport|publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann|access-date=9 February 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211035951/http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2012/0209/mccleanj.html|archive-date=11 February 2012}} However, he was not included in the squad for the match against the Czech Republic which was announced the next day,{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2012/0210/ireland.html|title=McClean is omitted from Republic squad|date=10 February 2012|work=RTÉ Sport|publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann|access-date=10 February 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120211041028/http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2012/0210/ireland.html|archive-date=11 February 2012}} though he was added to the squad on 20 February after success against Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round proper.{{cite news|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/12020/7533706/McClean-Green-earn-call-ups|title=McClean & Green earn call-ups|work=Sky Sports}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2012/feb/18/sunderland-arsenal-fa-cup-match-report|title=Sunderland 2–0 Arsenal|last=Taylor|first=Louise|date=18 February 2012|work=The Guardian|location=London}}

McClean made his international debut on 29 February 2012, coming on in the 78th minute for Aiden McGeady in a friendly against the Czech Republic at the Aviva Stadium.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2012/0229/ireland_czech.html|title=As it happened: Rep Ireland 1–1 Czech Rep|date=29 February 2012|first=Rob|last=Wright|work=RTÉ Sport|publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann|access-date=29 February 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120302175907/http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2012/0229/ireland_czech.html|archive-date=2 March 2012}} On 7 May 2012, manager Giovanni Trapattoni confirmed that McClean was part of the Republic of Ireland UEFA Euro 2012 squad.{{cite news|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/mcclean-in-euros-squad-mccarthy-withdraws-due-to-family-illness-550539.html|title=McClean in Euros squad; McCarthy withdraws due to family illness|work=Irish Examiner|publisher=Thomas Crosbie Holdings|date=7 May 2012|access-date=7 May 2012}}{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2012/0507/319937-mccarthy-out-as-mcclean-makes-the-plane|title=McCarthy out as McClean makes the plane|work=RTÉ|date=7 May 2012|access-date=7 May 2012}} He then received sectarian abuse and death threats via Twitter.{{cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/james-mcclean-gets-twitter-death-824603|title=Death threats: Sunderland's McClean targeted on Twitter over Ireland call-up|publisher=MGN Limited|date=8 May 2012|access-date=17 June 2016|author=Armstrong, Jeremy}} McClean was quoted saying, "You are looking around as a Catholic and seeing all the Union Jacks and listening to the fans' songs and I just didn't feel at home at all." On 26 May 2012, McClean made his first senior international start against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final home friendly ahead of UEFA Euro 2012, playing on the left flank.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/international/2012/0525/322407-mcclean-included-in-republic-line-up/|title=McClean included in Republic line-up|work=RTÉ|date=25 May 2012|access-date=25 May 2012}}

At UEFA Euro 2012 Poland, McClean was left on the bench for the first game, a 3–1 defeat to Croatia.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/18407214|title=Euro 2012: Trapattoni unlikely to use McClean against Spain|date=10 June 2012|access-date=10 June 2012}} Republic of Ireland manager Trapattoni hinted that McClean would not feature in the next game against world and European champions Spain. After much public urging for him to make use of McClean's talents to recover the Republic's progress in the European Championship, Trapattoni claimed that "His time would come in the future". McClean appeared as a substitute against Spain, coming on in the 76th minute in Gdańsk.{{cite news|url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/euro-2012/2012/0614/325068-stylish-spain-end-irish-hopes|title=Republic of Ireland Euro exit confirmed by Spain|work=RTÉ Sport|publisher=RTÉ|date=14 June 2012|access-date=14 June 2012}}

After being left on the bench during the Republic of Ireland's 2–1 victory over Kazakhstan in a World Cup 2014 qualifier on 7 September 2012, McClean used Twitter to criticise Trapattoni.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/international/mcclean-tweet-highlights-simmering-irish-tension-8120088.html|location=London|work=The Independent|first=Miguel|last=Delaney|title=McClean tweet highlights simmering Irish tension|date=9 September 2012}} The tweet, and McClean's account, were subsequently deleted and the winger was forced to apologise to teammates.{{cite web|url=http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/sorry-mcclean-kept-ireland-squad-203349787.html|title=Sorry McClean kept in Ireland squad|date=8 September 2012|work=Yahoo Sport|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105140304/http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/news/sorry-mcclean-kept-ireland-squad-203349787.html|archive-date=5 January 2013}}

On 11 June 2014, McClean scored his first international goal in the 5–1 defeat by Portugal in the MetLife Stadium during the Republic's US tour.{{cite news|url=http://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/international/brazil-bound-portugal-expose-tired-ireland-in-new-jersey-1.1828185|work=Irish Times|title=Brazil-bound Portugal expose tired Ireland in New Jersey|date= 11 June 2014}} He made his first appearance of the UEFA Euro 2016 qualifying campaign on 11 October against Gibraltar, scoring a brace in a 7–0 win in the Aviva Stadium.{{cite news|url=http://www.goal.com/en-ie/match/republic-of-ireland-vs-gibraltar/1653187/report|title=Republic of Ireland 7–0 Gibraltar|date=11 October 2014|publisher=Goal.com}}

McClean scored his first ever professional penalty on 29 March 2016, helping Ireland to a 2–2 draw in a friendly against Slovakia.{{cite web|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/breakingnews/sport/james-mcclean-ive-never-had-a-penalty-before-so-to-hit-my-first-one-was-a-bit-of-pressure-727315.html|title=James McClean: 'I've never had a penalty before so to hit my first one was a bit of pressure'|publisher=Irish Examiner Ltd|date=29 March 2016|access-date=30 March 2016|author=McCarthy, Ger}} On 9 October 2017, he scored the only goal of a win away to Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium in 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification, putting the Irish into the playoffs.{{cite news|last1=Pritchard|first1=Dafydd|title=Wales 0–1 Republic of Ireland|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/41464154|access-date=9 October 2017|publisher=BBC Sport|date=9 October 2017}}

On 16 November 2020, the Football Association of Ireland announced that McClean had tested positive for COVID-19 after playing a full game against Wales at the Cardiff City Stadium.{{cite news|url=https://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2020/11/17/news/james-mcclean-contracts-covid-19-2131937/|title=James McClean contracts Covid-19|publisher=The Irish News|date=16 November 2020|access-date=16 November 2020}} The announcement also included Matt Doherty's positive result.{{Cite web|title=Coronavirus: Matt Doherty and James McClean test positive|url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/12020/12134005/coronavirus-matt-doherty-and-james-mcclean-test-positive|access-date=16 November 2020|website=Sky Sports|language=en}}

On 14 June 2022, on his 94th cap for the Republic of Ireland, he captained his country for the first time, in a 1–1 draw with Ukraine in a UEFA Nations League game at the LKS Stadium in Poland.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2022/0614/1304857-hogan-leads-the-line-for-ireland-against-ukraine/|title=Hogan leads the line for Ireland against Ukraine|first=Ed|last=Leahy|date=14 June 2022|via=rte.ie}} On 19 June 2023, McClean became the 7th player to make 100 international appearances for the Republic of Ireland in a 3–0 home win against Gibraltar in the Euro 2024 qualification.{{Cite web|title=Republic of Ireland v Gibraltar: James McClean wins 100th cap for Republic of Ireland|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-65950199|date=19 June 2023|access-date=26 June 2023|website=BBC news}}

In October 2023, McClean announced he would retire from the national team following the match against New Zealand on 21 November.{{cite news |title=James McClean set to retire from international football |url=https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/james-mcclean-set-to-retire-from-international-football |access-date=12 October 2023 |publisher=Football Association of Ireland |date=5 October 2023}}

McClean began a relationship with Erin Connor in 2010. They married in 2016, in their hometown of Derry.{{Cite web |title=Meet Erin McClean - James' proud wife and mother of their three children |url=https://www.independent.ie/style/celebrity/celebrity-news/meet-erin-mcclean-james-proud-wife-and-mother-of-their-three-children-36213019.html |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=independent |date=10 October 2017}} As of February 2023, they have three daughters and a son.{{cite news |last1=Mulgrew |first1=Seoirse |title='She's here' – James McClean and wife Erin announce birth of their fourth child |url=https://www.independent.ie/news/shes-here-james-mcclean-and-wife-erin-announce-birth-of-their-fourth-child/42330178.html |access-date=12 November 2024 |work=Irish Independent |date=6 February 2023}} One of McClean's daughters has autism and McClean revealed in a social media post that he had also been diagnosed with autism.{{Cite web |last=Galvin |first=T. J. |date=2023-03-28 |title=James McClean reveals he has been diagnosed with autism |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-41103736.html |access-date=2023-03-28 |website=Irish Examiner}} He highlighted in his statement that he went public with the diagnosis in order to support his daughter during World Autism Acceptance Week.{{cite news | url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65105573 | title=Republic footballer McClean reveals he is autistic | work=BBC Sport }}

In 2013, McClean, then of Sunderland, attracted criticism when he wrote a tweet naming "The Broad Black Brimmer" as his favourite song by the Irish rebel band the Wolfe Tones. The song is associated with physical force Irish republicanism. As a result of his tweet, his club manager, Martin O'Neill, advised him to stop using Twitter.{{Cite news |date=2013-02-27 |title=James McClean closes Twitter account after Wolfe Tones song row|work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-21600688 |access-date=2022-09-24}}

Since his move to English football in 2012, McClean and his family have received anti-Irish abuse, both in person and on social media.{{Cite web |date=2021-02-17 |title=McClean opens up on abuse and sends message: 'Educate yourself on why you hate me' |url=https://talksport.com/football/835788/james-mcclean-stoke-death-threats-social-media-abuse/ |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=talkSPORT}}{{Cite web |title=FAI offers James McClean support over social media threats |url=https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/fai-offers-james-mcclean-support-over-social-media-threats |access-date=2022-09-24 |website=www.fai.ie}}

In November 2018, Chris McGimpsey, a Belfast City Council member from the Ulster Unionist Party, referred to McClean as a "super Provo" during a debate on BBC Radio Ulster; the epithet refers to supporters of the Provisional Irish Republican Army.{{cite news |title=McClean wins damages for 'super Provo' slur |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-47556396 |access-date=25 January 2025 |work=BBC News |date=13 March 2019}} McGimpsey apologised to McClean, admitted what he said was false, and agreed to pay damages in March 2019. In September 2019, the High Court of Northern Ireland ordered McGimpsey to pay McClean £63,000 in damages and legal costs.{{cite news |title=Chris McGimpsey to pay £63K for remark about James McClean |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-49742566 |access-date=25 January 2025 |publisher=BBC News |date=18 September 2019}}

Since his Premier League breakthrough in 2012, McClean has been both condemned and supported for his ongoing refusal to wear football shirts bearing the symbol of the remembrance poppy when playing games on or around Remembrance Day (11 November) or Remembrance Sunday (the nearest Sunday), leading to his being named by the BBC in 2015 as the main example for one of the "Five reasons people don't wear poppies". The special shirts, usually auctioned, are part of the annual Poppy Appeal organised by the Royal British Legion, with all Premier League club shirts displaying poppies in various forms since 2010.[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2016/nov/01/wearing-poppy-meaningful-voluntary-footballers Footballers wearing the poppy], theguardian.com; accessed 21 March 2020.

McClean states his objection derives from his affinity with Derry and to the role of the British Army in the Troubles. He grew up on the Creggan estate, where six of the men shot dead on Bloody Sunday in 1972 came from. He stated he would wear the poppy if it were restricted to honouring only soldiers who died in the World Wars, many of whom, particularly during World War I, were Irish, and has insisted his position is one of peace, and not any kind of wider political, religious or anti-British point.[https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/premier-league/why-james-mcclean-doesnt-wear-poppy-west-brom-remembrance-poppy-appeal-a8037391.html "Why James McClean doesn't wear poppy"], independent.co.uk; accessed 21 March 2020. The Legion opposes compelling people to wear the poppy, seeing such a stance as going against everything the poppy symbolises.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-34720464|title=Five reasons people don't wear poppies|work=BBC News |date=9 November 2015 |access-date=7 March 2016}}

For his stances, McClean has been booed by supporters of opposition clubs as well as some of his own club's supporters.{{cite news|title=James McClean booed by Sunderland fans|url=http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/10055842.Sunderland_winger_endures_poppy_boos|work=The Northern Echo|publisher=Newsquest|date=18 November 2012|access-date=19 November 2012 }} After the first refusal, McClean was subjected to sectarian abuse and loyalist threats,{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2012/nov/18/james-mcclean-sunderland-threats-investigation|title=Threats to Sunderland footballer James McClean prompt police investigation|author=Henry McDonald|work=The Guardian|date=18 November 2012 }}{{cite news|title=Poppy boycott was McClean's decision – Sunderland|url=http://www.emirates247.com/sports/football/poppy-boycott-was-mcclean-s-decision-sunderland-2012-11-11-1.482634|work=Emirates 24/7|publisher=Dubai Media Incorporated|date=11 November 2012|access-date=19 November 2012}}{{cite news|title=James McClean closes Twitter account after sectarian abuse|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-18003874|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|date=9 May 2012|access-date=19 November 2012}} including death threats.{{cite news|title=James McClean: Police investigate reports of 'threats' against footballer|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-20386371|work=BBC News|publisher=BBC|date=19 November 2012|access-date=19 November 2012}}{{cite web|last1=Hedges|first1=John|title=Poppy row: Death threats to James McClean probed|url=http://www.anphoblacht.com/contents/22456|website=www.anphoblacht.com|publisher=An Phoblacht|access-date=12 October 2014|date=16 November 2012}}{{cite news|last=Edwards|first=Luke|title=Sunderland winger James McClean sent death threats for refusing to wear a Remembrance Day Poppy|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/teams/sunderland/9686379/Sunderland-winger-James-McClean-sent-death-threats-for-refusing-to-wear-a-Remembrance-Day-Poppy.html|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=18 November 2012|access-date=19 November 2012|location=London}}{{cite news|last=Jonathan|first=Liew|title=Police to investigate after death threats to James McClean|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/police-to-investigate-after-death-threats-to-james-mcclean-3297124.html|work=Irish Independent|publisher=Independent News & Media|date=19 November 2012|access-date=19 November 2012}}

Various players, such as David Meyler and Jamie Devitt (both Irish citizens){{Cite web|url=https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/fa-investigating-mcclean%27s-response-to-britain%27s-poppy-jingoism|title=FA investigating McClean's response to Britain's poppy jingoism|date=5 November 2018|website=Morning Star}} and managers (including Trapattoni), have voiced support for his decision as a personal issue of conscience.{{cite news|url=http://thescore.thejournal.ie/david-meyler-defends-james-mccleans-poppy-decision-672627-Nov2012|title=David Meyler defends James McClean's poppy decision|date=13 November 2012|work=TheScore.ie|publisher=Distilled Media|access-date=19 November 2012}}{{cite news|url=http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/mccleans-poppyless-shirt-up-for-grabs-3291310.html|title=McClean's 'poppy-less' shirt up for grabs|last=Fitzmaurice|first=Aidan|date=12 November 2012|work=Evening Herald|publisher=Independent News & Media|access-date=19 November 2012}}{{cite news|url=http://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/premier-league/trapattoni-supports-james-mccleans-decision-not-to-wear-poppy-in-wake-of-social-media-outrage-3290948.html|title=Trapattoni supports James McClean's decision not to wear poppy in wake of social media outrage|last=McDonnell|first=Daniel|date=12 November 2012|work=Irish Independent|publisher=Independent News & Media|access-date=19 November 2012}} The first instance occurred on 10 November 2012, with McClean wearing a plain Sunderland shirt during their match against Everton.{{cite news|title=McClean criticised for not wearing poppy|url=http://www.u.tv/Sport/McClean-criticised-for-not-wearing-poppy/b09ffbb3-8046-40af-8f90-272a0e409b00|work=u.tv|publisher=UTV Media|date=11 November 2012|access-date=19 November 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121119020209/http://www.u.tv/sport/McClean-criticised-for-not-wearing-poppy/b09ffbb3-8046-40af-8f90-272a0e409b00|archive-date=19 November 2012}} McClean donated his unadorned shirt, signed, to a charity auction in aid of a Dublin-based children's charity.{{cite news|last=Fitzmaurice|first=Aidan|title=McClean's 'poppy-less' shirt up for grabs|url=http://www.herald.ie/sport/soccer/mccleans-poppyless-shirt-up-for-grabs-3291310.html|work=Evening Herald|publisher=Independent News & Media|date=12 November 2012|access-date=19 November 2012}}{{cite news|last=O'Reilly|first=Morgam|title=Want to own James McClean's poppy-less Sunderland jersey?|url=http://sportsnewsireland.com/soccer/soccer_irish/want-to-own-james-mccleans-poppy-less-sunderland-jersey-12112012|publisher=SportsNewsIreland.com|date=12 November 2012|access-date=19 November 2012|archive-date=3 December 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203001609/http://sportsnewsireland.com/soccer/soccer_irish/want-to-own-james-mccleans-poppy-less-sunderland-jersey-12112012/|url-status=dead}}

McClean has made a number of charitable donations. He made a significant donation to homeless people at the Wells and Foyle Valley House in Derry.{{Cite news|url=https://www.joe.co.uk/sport/james-mccleans-act-of-christmas-charity-to-homeless-in-derry-may-be-his-best-yet/33388|title=James McClean makes a 'significant' Christmas donation to help homeless in Derry|newspaper=JOE.co.uk|access-date=14 February 2017}} He donated £1,500 for a custom hand cycle bike to help a child who had spina bifida.{{Cite news|url=https://www.sportsjoe.ie/football/james-mcclean-reaching-legend-status-with-yet-another-brilliant-act-of-charity/41849|title=James McClean reaching 'legend' status with yet another brilliant act of charity|newspaper=SportsJOE.ie|access-date=14 February 2017}} He made another significant donation to the Wells facility in the Bogside, for up to 24 men who have alcohol problems.{{Cite news|url=https://www.derrynow.com/news/big-hearted-james-mcclean-delights-residents-and-staff-with-a-visit-to-the-house-in-the-wells/102861|title=Big-hearted James McClean delights residents and staff with a visit to the House in the Wells|newspaper=Derry Now|access-date=14 February 2017|archive-date=15 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170215031814/https://www.derrynow.com/news/big-hearted-james-mcclean-delights-residents-and-staff-with-a-visit-to-the-house-in-the-wells/102861|url-status=dead}} He paid £1,750 for a new mobile home after hearing about a pregnant homeless woman's struggles on social media.{{Cite web|url=https://extra.ie/2016/12/29/sport/soccernews/james-mcclean-caravan-pregnant-homeless-woman|title=James McClean Offers To Buy Caravan For Homeless Pregnant Woman|date=29 December 2016|website=Extra.ie}} He donated £1,000 to help pay for specialist proton therapy in Florida for a four-year-old child with cancer.{{Cite news|url=https://www.sportsjoe.ie/football/james-mcclean-absolute-gentleman-following-benevolent-act-young-irish-girl-rare-cancer/80763|title=James McClean an "absolute gentleman" following benevolent act for young Irish girl with rare cancer|newspaper=SportsJOE.ie|access-date=14 February 2017}} He donated €1,200 to help pay for the funeral of a two-year-old boy who was struck by a car.{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/james-mcclean-donates-1200-to-help-pay-for-the-funeral-of-toddler-who-was-hit-by-a-car-34896594.html|title=James McClean donates €1,200 to help pay for the funeral of toddler who was hit by a car|website=independent|date=19 July 2016 }} In December 2016 he set up a new clothing line with proceeds going to help homeless residents of his native Derry.{{Cite web|url=http://www.irishnews.com/news/northernirelandnews/2016/12/19/news/james-mcclean-clothing-line-pays-poignant-tribute-to-buncrana-pier-victims-843182/|title=James McClean's clothing line pays tribute to Buncrana Pier victims|last=O'Neill|first=Leona|website=The Irish News|date=18 December 2016 |access-date=14 February 2017}} He donated £500 to an online fund set up to support the family of a missing Derry man.{{Cite web|url=http://www.irishnews.com/news/2017/02/07/news/james-mcclean-joins-efforts-to-support-family-of-missing-derry-man-922452/|title=James McClean joins efforts to support family of missing Derry man Jack Glenn|last=McKinney|first=Gareth McKeown and Seamus|website=The Irish News|date=7 February 2017 |access-date=14 February 2017}}

{{updated|match played 11 March 2025}}

{{notelist}}

{{updated|match played 21 November 2023}}{{cite web|title=James McClean|url=http://eu-football.info/_player.php?id=27653|publisher=EU Football|access-date=12 February 2022}}

:Scores and results list Republic of Ireland's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each McClean goal.{{cite web|url=http://www.national-football-teams.com/player/46776/James_Mcclean.html|title=McClean, James|publisher=National Football Teams|access-date=4 June 2017}}

Derry City

• League of Ireland First Division: 2010

Wigan Athletic

• EFL League One: 2021–22

Wrexham

• EFL League Two runner-up: 2023–24https://www.wrexhamafc.co.uk/news/2024/april/end-of-season-gallery--relive-the-red-dragons-memorable-season/ {{Bare URL inline|date=August 2024}}

Individual

• PFAI First Division Team of the Year: 2010{{cite news|url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2010/1021/272166-pfai|title=Hoops and Sligo dominate PFAI nominations|publisher=RTÉ Sport|date=21 October 2010|access-date=20 November 2018}}
• Sunderland Young Player of the Year: 2011–12
• Wigan Player of the Year: 2014–15, 2022–23
• RTÉ Sports Person of the Year: 2017{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/revealed-here-are-the-nominees-for-rte-sports-personality-of-the-year-36389853.html|title=Revealed: Here are the nominees for RTE Sports Personality of the Year|date=8 December 2017|work=Irish Independent|access-date=8 December 2017}}{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/sport/soccer/international-soccer/ireland-star-james-mcclean-wins-rt-sportsperson-of-the-year-36414175.html|title=Ireland star James McClean wins RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year|date=16 December 2017|work=Irish Independent|access-date=20 December 2017}}
• Stoke City Player of the Year: 2019–20{{cite web |title=McClean lands top honour |url=https://www.stokecityfc.com/news/2020/august/McClean-lands-top-honour/ |website=Stoke City |date=5 August 2020 |access-date=5 August 2020}}
• EFL League One Team of the Year: 2021–22{{cite news|url=https://www.efl.com/news/2022/april/football-manager-efl-team-of-the-season-line-ups-announced/ |title=Football Manager EFL Team of the Season line-ups announced |website=EFL |access-date=11 February 2024}}

• List of Republic of Ireland international footballers born outside the Republic of Ireland

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Category:1989 births

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