COYG.

Defender · 1975–1993 · verified

David O'Leary

The club's record appearance holder. A graceful, unflappable centre-half who served Arsenal across three decades, David O'Leary made a record 722 appearances and bridged two great eras — from the late-1970s cup runs to George Graham's title-winning sides.

At a glance
Debut1975
Appearances722 — a club record
HonoursLeague titles 1989 & 1991; FA Cup
LoyaltyEighteen years at the club

A career of service

O'Leary came through the Arsenal ranks and made his debut in 1975 as a teenager, beginning a relationship with the club that would last almost two decades. Elegant and composed for a defender, he read the game beautifully and rarely needed to resort to the rugged. Over eighteen years he became a fixture in the heart of the defence, the dependable constant through changing managers and changing styles.

Records and titles

O'Leary went on to make 722 appearances for Arsenal, a club record that still stands. He won the League title in 1989 and again in 1991 under George Graham, having played in the 1979 FA Cup final win earlier in his career, and added the FA Cup and League Cup Double in 1993 towards the end of his time at the club. Few players have given Arsenal such long and loyal service.

How he played

O'Leary defended with calm and class, an intelligent reader of danger who preferred to intercept rather than dive in. Comfortable in possession and assured under pressure, he was the unhurried presence at the back that allowed others to play, a model of consistency across an exceptionally long career.

Timeline

Connected pages

Verification

Published as verified · checked 25 Jun 2026 · 2 retained source references.

Sources and evidence

  • Arsenal.com (reference recorded; direct URL not retained)
  • the historical record (reference recorded; direct URL not retained)

Links and source labels are shown exactly as retained in the published record.