Manchester City’s Steph Houghton has announced that she will retire from playing football at the end of the season. The Sunderland-born defender started her career with her home town club before moving to Leeds, Arsenal and then Manchester City, winning multiple trophies.
Houghton also played 121 games for her country, captaining the Lionesses to third place in the 2015 World Cup.
England Legend Steph Houghton Set to Retire
Announcing her retirement, the Manchester City star said: “There is no easy way to say it, but I am retiring from football at the end of the current WSL season.
“Taking the decision 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 and I have loved the career I have had.”
City’s head coach Gareth Taylor added: “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.
A Career Filled With Highs and Trophies
Steph Houghton began her career at her home town club Sunderland, playing 65 games, and scoring 24 goals. She helped the club win promotion and was also voted the FA Young Player of the Year Award in 2006–07. A move to Leeds came soon after. Here Houghton would win the FA Women’s Premier League Cup. With her reputation rising and becoming a regular in the England side, giants of the women’s game Arsenal came calling.
In three years with the Gunners, Houghton would win a remarkable seven trophies. Two League titles, two FA Cups and three League Cups. In 2014, new and ambitious WSL team Manchester City signed the defender along with other England internationals such as fellow Sunderland-born player Jill Scott. In 10 years, Houghton and City have won eight major trophies with the possibility of more to come the end of the current season.
England and Great Britain
Making her Lionesses debut in 2007, Houghton was named as captain in 2014 and in 2015 she led England to their first-ever World Cup semifinals. In 2019, Houghton would captain the side to their first She Believes Cup win. The World Cup later in the year ended in a semifinal defeat once again; however, the Lionesses could hold their heads high.
In 2021 Houghton played her final game for England. She played 121 games and scored 13 goals.
At London 2012 Houghton scored in all three group games as Great Britain eased through their group with a 100% record; however, their dream would end at the quarter-final stage. Houghton would also feature three times at the 2020 Olympics.
A Legend of the Game
Manchester City’s Managing Director Charlotte O’Neill said: “Players like Steph are incredibly special. What she has done – and continues to do – for women’s football both on and off the pitch, has been incredible.
“Steph is truly someone who deserves to be remembered as a legend of the game, and I have no doubt she will continue making her mark as she embarks on this new chapter of her life and career. She will always have the support of her City family, wherever that takes her.”
