Glenn Whelan

Manchester City

Whelan started his career with Manchester City joining from Irish feeder club Cherry Orchard in 2001. He made a solitary appearance in the UEFA Cup coming on as a substitute for Paul Bosvelt against Total Network Solutions in August 2003, before joining Bury on a one-month loan the following month. After appearing in the Republic of Ireland's 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship campaign in November and December, he returned to Bury on another one-month loan on 24 December 2003. In total Whelan played 15 times on loan at Bury and caught the attentions of Sheffield Wednesday manager Chris Turner.

Sheffield Wednesday

Whelan joined Sheffield Wednesday on a free transfer in the summer of 2004. He made his debut for Wednesday against Huddersfield Town on 21 August and in his next match, a League Cup tie against Walsall, he provided Lee Peacock with an assist and earned the praise from his manager. He scored his first goal for Wednesday in a 1–1 draw against Walsall in the league. His promising start to his Wednesday career took a knock as he was sent off in a League Cup tie against Coventry City for "violent conduct". However, caretaker manager Mark Smith criticised the referee's decision. Under new manager Paul Sturrock the team managed to finish in 5th position in 2004–05 claiming a play-off place where they defeated Brentford to reach the final. Whelan was voted "man of the match" in the League One play-off final against Hartlepool United at the…

In October 2000, Whelan played for the Republic of Ireland under-16 team in a qualifying tournament in Riga for the 2001 UEFA European Under-16 Championship. He represented the Republic of Ireland under-20 team at the 2003 FIFA World Youth Championship and has been capped 19 times by the Republic of Ireland under-21 team, captaining the side on many of these occasions. His first cap for the Republic of Ireland national B team came on 20 November 2007 against Scotland. Whelan made his debut for the senior team against Serbia in May 2008 and scored his first international goal against Georgia in Mainzon 6 September 2008. Since the appointment of Giovanni Trapattoni, Whelan became a key member of the squad and made 11 straight appearances despite previously being considered an "also-ran". He scored his second goal for Ireland against Italy with a strike from almost 25 yards on 10 October 2009 in a 2–2 draw. Whelan started the matches in both legs against France as Ireland were controversially knocked out 2–1 on aggregate after extra-time. Whelan again was present in Ireland's midfield for the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying and he was also part of the team that secured qualification for UEFA Euro 2012 with an unprecedented 5–1 aggregate play-off win over Estonia. He was named in Trapattoni's 23-man squad for UEFA Euro 2012 in Poland and Ukraine. Ireland had a poor campaign and were eliminated after losing all three of their Group C fixtures. Whelan won his 50th Irish cap on 14 August…

In October 2022, Whelan was a part of the Republic of Ireland Under-16s coaching team at the Victory Shield competition. Having held a coaching role at his last playing club Bristol Rovers, Whelan departed the club in December 2023 following the appointment of new manager Matt Taylor. In September 2024, he was appointed as the new first team coach at EFL League One side Wigan Athletic. Following the sacking of Shaun Maloney on 2 March 2025, Whelan was appointed caretaker manager. He departed the club in February 2026, following the appointment of Gary Caldwell as head coach. Whelan was appointed head coach of Scottish Championship club Livingston in May 2026. He was sacked on 6 September 2026, after nine games in charge.

Whelan was born in Dublin. He grew up in Clondalkin and attended St. Lorcan's Boys' National School.