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Former England’ Women’s Football Captain Is Set To Retire
Former England’ women’s captain Steph Houghton recently announced her retirement from football at the end of the current Women’s Super League season. With a career spanning over two decades, Houghton has left an indelible mark on the sport, both on & off the pitch.
Houghton, won 121 caps for the Lionesses, began her journey with northeast club Sunderland in 2002 before representing Leeds Carnegie & Arsenal. She then moved to Manchester City a decade ago, where she has been dependable in defense & a true leader on the field.
Houghton featured in five major international tournaments after making her international debut in 2007 but last appeared for England in 2021, before being left out of the Lionesses’ victorious Euro 2022 squad after failing to recover in time from Achilles surgery.
In her retirement statement, Houghton expressed the bittersweet nature of this decision, saying, “Deciding to retire is such a difficult thing to do. Whilst age comes to every player, it makes it no easier having to say the words out loud. Football has been my life, my passion, & I have loved the career I have had.”
Despite facing challenges towards the latter stages of her career, including injuries that kept her out of major tournaments, Houghton’s impact on the game remains undeniable. City head coach Gareth Taylor hailed her as an icon, stating, “Her legacy will be felt for so many years to come. She’s paved the way for so many to thrive in the future.”
Izzy Christiansen, a teammate at both City & England’, praised Houghton’s dedication, saying, “I feel incredibly privileged to have been able to work with her since 2020 and know her name will be written into the history books as a true footballing great. “Steph will excel in whatever she puts her mind to, &, on behalf of everyone here at Manchester City, I’d like to express our immense gratitude & wish Steph all the very best for the future.”
Reflecting on her career, Houghton expressed gratitude towards her teammates, coaches, & staff who have supported her along the way. She acknowledged the importance of the relationships forged in the world of football & the continuous learning that each experience brought.
Houghton’s retirement marks the end of an era in women’s football, but her influence will continue to resonate within the sport. As she looks ahead to the next chapter in her life, there is no doubt that Houghton’s impact will endure, inspiring future generations of players & fans.
