Steph Houghton, the former England captain and Manchester City defender, has announced her retirement from professional football at the end of the current Women’s Super League season. The 35-year-old is City’s record appearance holder and is part of the squad in contention to win the WSL title this season. With 121 England caps to her name, Houghton has been an influential figure in women’s football.
Houghton began her career at Sunderland in 2002 before moving on to Leeds and Arsenal. She joined Manchester City in 2014 and has since made 241 appearances for the club. Throughout her career, she has represented England at two World Cups, two European Championships, and also played for Team GB at the 2012 and 2020 Olympics.
However, Houghton has not played for England since 2021 and missed out on a place in the Euro 2022 squad due to an Achilles injury. Despite these setbacks, she leaves behind a remarkable legacy in women’s football. Houghton was awarded an MBE in 2016 for her contributions to the sport and has been praised for being a trailblazer for future generations of female footballers.
During her time with Manchester City, Houghton has won eight major trophies, including four Continental Cups, three Women’s FA Cups, and the FA Women’s Super League title in 2016. She also won two WSL titles with Arsenal in 2011 and 2012, along with five cup victories.
City head coach Gareth Taylor described Houghton as an “icon of the game” and acknowledged her significant impact on women’s football. Despite her retirement from playing, Houghton’s legacy will continue to inspire young players for years to come.
Houghton signed a new one-year deal with Manchester City in June 2023, which will take her into her 10th year at the club. She remains focused on giving her all for the team in the remaining matches of the season. City is currently level with leaders Chelsea, and the WSL title race is heating up with just five matches left to play.
Looking ahead, Houghton expressed her excitement for whatever comes next in her career. She has been actively involved in charitable causes, including supporting her husband, former Liverpool defender Stephen Darby, in completing a 178-mile march for ex-players with motor neurone disease. Houghton’s passion for the game and commitment to making a positive impact extend beyond the football pitch.
As Houghton prepares to hang up her boots, her name will undoubtedly be written into the history books as one of the greats of women’s football. Her achievements, leadership, and dedication to the sport have made her an inspiration for aspiring players and a role model for the girls of tomorrow.