Sean Desmond McLoughlin (born 13 November 1996) is an Irish professional footballer who plays as a defender for club Blackburn Rovers.
Club career Early career Born in Cork, McLoughlin signed for Cork City in 2013 after previously playing for Springfield Ramblers. He moved to College Corinthians in 2015, returning to Cork City in 2017 after a spell with UCC. He made his debut for Cork City in October 2017. He signed a new 18 month contract in July 2018.
Hull City
McLoughlin signed for Hull City in July 2019. He moved on loan to Scottish club St Mirren later that month. McLoughlin was an ever-present for St Mirren in the first part of the 2019–20 Scottish Premiership season, and returned to Hull at the end of the loan on 31 December 2019.
He made his first start for Hull on 8 February 2020 in a 1–1 draw away to Reading.
On 5 March 2021, McLoughlin signed a new three-year contract with Hull City.
In March 2023, McLoughlin was named Hull City Player of the Month for February.
On 18 April 2023, McLoughlin signed a new three-year contract with the club.
Blackburn Rovers
On 19 July 2025, McLoughlin signed for fellow Championship club Blackburn Rovers on an initial two-year deal for an undisclosed fee.
McLoughlin scored his first goal for the club and his first in English football in the opening round of the 2026–27 season, equalising against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux Stadium in a 2–2 draw.
International career McLoughlin has represented Ireland at under-21 level.
Playing style Primarily a central defender, McLoughlin made his debut in October 2017 as a left-back.
Career statistics
ClubSeasonLeagueNational CupLeague CupEuropeOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsCork City2017League of Ireland Premier Division10000000—102018273301040303832019202—202020262Total48530306050655Hull City2019–20EFL Championship7000———702020–21EFL League One301020—601202021–22EFL Championship3201000—003302022–23EFL Championship2601010—002802023–24EFL Championship2302010—002602024–25EFL Championship3601010—00380Total1290605000601460St Mirren (loan)2019–20Scottish Premiership211————211Blackburn Rovers2025–26EFL Championship4401000——4502026–27EFL Championship810020——101Total52110200000551Career Total2507100100601102877
References