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Houghton Announces Retirement at End of 2023-24 Season

James Gregory

(Image credit: @ManCityWomen)

England defender, Steph Houghton MBE has announced her retirement from football at end of 2023-24 season.

Houghton had been part of England’s senior team between 2007 – 2021 during which she scored 13 goals in 121 appearances, and was part of the team which finished third at 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, plus won three Cyprus Cup titles and 2019 SheBelieves Cup title.

Current manager, Sarina Wiegman however has snubbed Houghton from her squad selections when fit and available to be called up, which meant that Houghton wasn’t part of England’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 success.

Wiegman however has paid tribute to Houghton for her achievements and inspiration to younger generations.

“Steph deserves all the praise she will rightly receive for her remarkable career. I know she has been inspiring so many young girls to follow in her footsteps.

“I wish her the very best with whatever comes next and look forward to being able to celebrate her achievements at one of our games later this year.”

At club level, Houghton has played for Sunderland, Leeds Carnegie, Arsenal and Manchester City in which she has scored 67 goals in 420 appearances across all competitions.

Houghton also won the Women’s Super League with Arsenal (2011 & 12) and Man City (2016), whilst she also amassed five FA Women’s Cup honours and seven Women’s League Cups title in total across both clubs.

The 35 year-old also won the 2009-10 FA Women’s Premier League Cup with Leeds, who beat Everton 2-1 in the Final.

Houghton announced her decision to retire in a post on Social Media’s X, where she described her career as a “honour and a privilege” to fulfil, whilst inspiring young girls to enjoy a better future in the sport.

Man City’s Women’s manager, Gareth Taylor issued the following tribute to Houghton as he spoke of her impact within the sport.

“Steph is – without question – an icon of the game. Although her professional career on the pitch is now coming to an end, her legacy will be felt for so many years to come. She’s paved the way for so many to thrive in the future.

“Steph has lived and breathed football for such a long time, and she leaves it in the strongest place it has ever been – a true testament to her leadership, hard work, talent, and dedication.

“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, and on behalf of everyone here at Manchester City, I’d like to express our immense gratitude and wish Steph all the very best for the future.”

 

“epitome of a role model”

FA Director of Women’s Football, Baroness Sue Campbell paid tribute to Houghton for her role in the development of the sport over the past 17 years.

“Steph has played a huge part in the growth of the women’s game and her impact transcends not just football but across sport. She has been the epitome of a role model.

“There will be girls who have seen Steph play with talent, determination and integrity and gone home and said: ‘I want to be Steph Houghton.’

“I’d like to personally say ‘thank you Steph’ and also thank her on behalf of the FA for everything she’s done on and off the pitch. We’ve been lucky to have her in the women’s game and I wish her the very best in retirement.”

Ex US international, Carli Lloyd meanwhile praised Houghton on X for her success and having had the chance to play her at various tournaments – including 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals.

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