Barack Obama Claimed To Be 'Cousins' With Premier League Legend During White House Presentation

Former United States president Barack Obama once left Robbie Keane stunned after claiming the duo were 'cousins'.

Keane played for LA Galaxy at the time and was invited to the White House with the rest of his teammates after winning the 2012 MLS Cup.

Obama congratulated the side, which included huge Stateside names such as David Beckham and Landon Donovan.

It wasn't those two who Obama paid special attention to, however. He instead pointed out Keane and left the room in a fit of laughter.

"Congratulations to the LA Galaxy on your third MLS Cup," Obama said. "Together they represent one of the most talented line-ups the MLS has ever seen. You've got Robbie Keane, all-time leading goalscorer of the Irish national team, cousin of mine."

Keane himself wasn't laughing and actually looked shocked at the comment.

He'd joined Galaxy the year prior from Tottenham Hotspur all of a sudden been told he's related to the president. It's not a typical career trajectory.

The former Ireland international addressed the saga during an episode of Goals On Sunday years later.

"We're first cousins, we Skype each other as well!" Keane joked.

He then went on to admit he had no idea what Obama, who does have Irish ancestry, was talking about.

The 41-year-old added: "I haven't got a clue. I think he has family - I didn't really have a chance [to ask him]. We didn't have a one on one. He came to Ireland and I think he has family in a village. Everyone in Ireland is family."

Keane scored 19 goals and registered nine assists in his first season at Galaxy and would eventually take his tally to 105 goals in 170 appearances.

He started his top-flight career with Coventry City and impressed, earning a move to Serie A side Inter Milan.

It didn't work out abroad, with Keane joining Leeds United in 2001.

From there, he signed for Tottenham Hotspur and then boyhood side Liverpool in 2008.

Alamy

Keane returned to Spurs a year later before being loaned out to Celtic and West Ham United.

While at Galaxy, he spent a few months on loan at Aston Villa.

During his time in the Premier League, he scored 126 goals between six different clubs making him the 15th highest scorer in league history.