Danny John McNamara (born 27 December 1998) is a professional footballer who plays as a full back for club Charlton Athletic. He is a former Republic of Ireland under-21 international.
Playing career
Early career Born in nearby Sidcup, McNamara began his development at the Charlton Athletic Community Trust Advanced Centre at the age of seven. He then joined the Charlton Athletic Academy where he played until the age of 14. After leaving Charlton, he had a brief spell playing for non-League side Corinthian F.C..
Millwall Millwall scouted McNamara in 2015, and signed him up on a two-year scholarship. He signed his first professional contract with the club in July 2017.
Loan spells McNamara spent time on loan during the 2018–19 season at Welling United, Dover Athletic and Havant & Waterlooville. Upon his return in May 2019, McNamara signed a new one-year contract with Millwall with an option for a further year.
On 31 July 2019, McNamara joined League Two side Newport County on a season long loan. On 3 August 2019, he made his Football League debut for Newport, being named in the starting line-up for a 2–2 draw against Mansfield Town on the opening day of the 2019–20 season. On 6 January 2020, Millwall recalled McNamara from his loan spell at Newport.
On 14 July 2020, McNamara and fellow Lion Isaac Olaofe joined Scottish Premiership side St Johnstone on season-long loans. On 4 January 2021, McNamara was recalled by Millwall, with teammate James Brown being sent on loan to St Johnstone.
Return to Millwall and breakthrough Following his return to Millwall in early January 2021, McNamara made his debut for the club on 9 January 2021 in an FA Cup victory over Boreham Wood and made his league debut three days later in a 1–1 away draw with AFC Bournemouth.
On 9 April 2022, McNamara opened his account for the club with the first two goals in a 4–1 thrashing of Barnsley.
On 6 November 2024, during a 1–0 home win against Leeds, McNamara was headbutted in stoppage time by opposing player, Junior Firpo. Referee Leigh Doughty referred the incident to the Football League and Firpo received a three-game suspension. The incident, and subsequent aftermath led to Leeds manager, Daniel Farke questioning McNamara's conduct, along with the methods and consistency as to how the Football League imposes retrospective sanctions.
McNamara was involved in an altercation with a Charlton Athletic fan in the stands during a 1–1 draw at The Valley on 13 September 2025. McNamara characterised the incident as "just a bit of banter."
On 15 May 2026, it was announced that McNamara would depart the club upon the expiry of his contract.
Charlton Athletic On 23 July 2026, McNamara joined Charlton Athletic on a two-year deal.
International Career On 28 August 2019, McNamara was named in the Republic of Ireland Under-21 squad. He qualifies through his grandparents from Leitrim.
Personal life McNamara was a season ticker holder at Millwall before signing for them, and said playing for them was his "boyhood dream".
Career statistics
+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competitionClubSeasonLeagueNational cupLeague cupOtherTotalDivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsMillwall2018–19Championship00000000002019–20Championship00000000002020–21Championship1601000001702021–22Championship3721000003822022–23Championship4201010004402023–24Championship3301010003502024–25Championship1300020001502025–26Championship160100000170Total15725040001662Welling United (loan)2018–19National League South9000000090Dover Athletic (loan)2018–19National League8100000081Havant & Waterlooville (loan)2018–19National League4100000041Newport County (loan)2019–20League Two21000101Appearance in the EFL Trophy0230St Johnstone (loan)2020–21Scottish Premiership221000000221Charlton Athletic2026–27Championship7000200090Career total22855070102415
References
External links