O'Brien was born in Dublin, but moved to the United States at ten weeks old due to a change in his father's job.[1] O'Brien's father is Irish and his mother, Nicole, is German.[1] O'Brien has four brothers; Aran represented Santa Clara University and Ethan played for the University of Notre Dame.[1] O'Brien was educated at Eastside Catholic in Washington state and Archbishop Mitty in California.[1]
Career
Youth career
O'Brien began his career with the Crossfire academy, though moved to Northern California to join developmental team De Anza Force in 2020.[1] He attended the University of Washington, but in 2021 put his studies on hold to join English Premier League club Watford on a one-year contract (with the option of a further year) following a successful trial.[1] O'Brien had been recommended to the club by the brother of Northern Ireland international George Saville.[1] O'Brien was released by Watford in the summer of 2022 and joined the development squad at Salford City of EFL League Two.[2]
Professional career
O'Brien made his senior debut for Salford on 30 August 2022, playing the full ninety minutes of a 2–1 win over Liverpool U21 at Moor Lane,[3] and his first league start came against Northampton Town, keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 win at Sixfields.[4] On 12 December he joined Telford United on loan.[5]
On 1 February 2024, Indianapolis-based club Indy Eleven announced the signing of O'Brien ahead of the 2024 USL Championship season.[7] The USL Championship club's owners had been interested in signing O'Brien since he joined Watford's development squad in 2021.[8] O'Brien made his first appearance with the Eleven in their 2–1 season opening defeat against Oakland Roots as a substitute in the 75th minute, replacing Younes Boudadi.[9] O'Brien scored his first goal for the Eleven on 1 June in a 2–1 away win against Pittsburgh Riverhounds.[10]
Personal
O'Brien's brother, Ethan O'Brien, is also a professional footballer. Ethan joined his brother at Indy Eleven in 2024.[11]
Career statistics
As of match played 2 August 2024.
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition