Millwall are the most famous club to have never played in the Premier League and the South London outfit have played a huge part in the careers of many World Cup stars.
One of those is USA legend Kasey Keller, who joined Millwall at the age of 22 in 1992, just 10 games into his professional career. Keller came through the US college system before playing for Portland Timbers, and even making his senior international cap in 1990.
Keller played 201 times for Millwall across four seasons in the First Division, then England’s second tier, under Bruce Rioch and Mick McCarthy. The Lions missed out on promotion to the top-flight in 1993/94, losing in the play-off semi-final – the closest they’ve come to reaching the Premier League.
Kasey Keller
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Keller played over 200 games across four years at Millwall
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The US stopper left Millwall in 1996 when they were relegated to the third-tier, joining Premier League Leicester City and becoming their first-choice goalkeeper for three years.
Keller went on to play for Rayo Vallecano in La Liga before returning to the Premier League with Tottenham, becoming the Lilywhites’ No.1 between 2002 and 2004. He also played for Southampton, Borussia Monchengladbach and Fulham before returning to the MLS with Seattle Sounders.
Speaking exclusively to the Daily Star Sport, via William Hill’s 2026 World Cup winner prediction, Keller recalled how crucial his time at Millwall was in his career as he made his way in European football despite already being a full US international.
Kasey Keller
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Kasey Keller played 102 times for the USA
Kasey Keller
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Keller went on to play for Tottenham
He said: “Millwall was tremendous. I played 202 matches in four seasons. I couldn't have asked for a better foundation to my career.
“We had good teams, we had playoffs, we had relegation fights. If you can make it at Millwall, you can make it anywhere.
“I have nothing but fond memories of my time at The Den and of the fans. Reg Burr, the chairman, and obviously, Bruce Rioch for signing me and Mick McCarthy for really giving me the chance to show myself.
“I was crushed when they weren't able to finish off such a great season this year in the play-offs.”
Despite stiff competition in the era from Brad Friedel, Tony Meola and later Tim Howard, Keller racked up the second most caps in US history with 102, and remains the team’s all-time leader in clean sheets with 47.
Keller was the US’ first-choice keeper at the 1998 and 2006 World Cup, but found himself playing backup to Friedel in the 2002 edition.