Arsenal have announced that midfielder, Katie McCabe will leave the club at the conclusion of 2025-26 season.
McCabe arrived at Arsenal in 2015 and has scored 37 goals in 305 appearances across all competitions, during which she won seven titles;
- 3 x Women’s League Cup
- 1 x Women’s Super League
- 1 x Women’s FA Cup
- 1 x UEFA Women’s Champions League
- 1 x FIFA Women’s Champions Cup
In an open letter on arsenal.com, McCabe reflected on her journey throughout her time in North London which included a loan stint at Glasgow City in 2017.
“I’ve gone back and forth on how to write this because honestly, it’s huge chapter of my life closing and there are so many people and moments that mean so much to me.
“I arrived at Arsenal as a young girl from Dublin in 2015, not really knowing what to expect – just knowing I wanted to be here. Over time, it became so much more than football. It became home.
“I grew up here. I built something to be proud of here. I’ve achieved every major trophy here, and it’s shaped me as a player and as a person.
“We’ve been through everything together. The early days trying to find my place, the loan spell that changed a lot for me, and then coming back and finally feeling like I belonged here.”
McCabe proceeded to pay tribute to ex manager, Joe Montemurro for his belief in her potential which has allowed her to achieve seven trophies at Arsenal.
“I owe so much to Joe Montemurro. He saw something in me and gave me the belief and confidence to become the player I always believed I could be. From there, it’s been an amazing journey.
“Winning the league in 2019. The FA Cup win in 2016. The Conti Cups. Fighting for every point, every minute.
“And then, winning the Champions League is something I genuinely don’t think anything will ever top. If 10-year-old me could see what this journey became, she’d be so proud. To say I’ve won it all here means everything to me. And I want to be an example to girls everywhere that if I can win it all, no dream is too big for you.
“One of the happiest days of my life was bringing that trophy home and seeing thousands of you there celebrating with us. The scenes, the noise, the love from everyone who came out to celebrate us – that’s something I’ll never forget. We fought for that and we earned it and we enjoyed every minute. Even if some of you probably won’t let me near a microphone again after it… 🎤😂”
The 30-year-old proceeded to pay tribute to the supporters for their support through the highs and lows of her time with the club.
“But more than any trophy or achievement, it’s been the connection with all of you supporters that made this place so special for me.
“You’ve seen me at my best and at my worst. You’ve seen the passion, the emotion that I have and how competitive I am, but you’ve always appreciated the different, softer side of me off the pitch and that’s meant the world to me too.
“Every single moment came from a place of caring so deeply about wanting to give absolutely everything to help this team win.
“Hearing my name sung by you all, celebrating big wins together at the Emirates, cheering a tackle like it was a goal – those are the moments I’ll carry with me forever. The interactions after games, seeing you around the city, feeling your love and support through every stage of my career… it’s meant more to me than I could ever properly put into words.
“I’m incredibly proud of how far we’ve come together, and Women’s football as a whole. We represent something far greater than our individual objectives. To have been part of that journey is something I’ll always cherish.
“After more than a decade, it’s time for a new chapter to begin this summer for me.
“Thank you for the memories, the belief, the support, and the love you’ve shown me from day one. Thank you for allowing me to live out my dream here for so many years.
“I’ll carry these memories with me forever.”
Arsenal’s Director of Women’s Football, Clare Wheatley thanked McCabe for her impact on the club’s history and work ethic.
“Over more than a decade at Arsenal, Katie has made a significant and lasting contribution to the history and success of our football club. Katie has led with passion and commitment, giving everything for the badge and forging a special bond with our supporters. She departs as a club legend and we are so proud of our shared journey together.”
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