Former England captain and Manchester City star Steph Houghton will retire from professional football at the end of this current season.
The Lionesses legend Steph Houghton announced on Wednesday that she is retiring from football at the end of the season.
The 35-year-old defender won 16 domestic trophies including three WSL titles with Manchester City, Sunderland, Leeds United, and Arsenal during the last 20 years. Houghton is Manchester City’s record appearance holder with 241 appearances in all competitions and the most decorated player.
“There is no easy way to say it, but I am retiring from football at the end of the current WSL season,” Houghton said in a statement.
“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.“
Houghton also played in 121 matches for England and led them to third place at the 2015 World Cup. She missed the chance to be part of the squad that won the Euro 2022 due to injury.
“Steph deserves all the praise she will rightly receive for her remarkable career,” England manager Sarina Wiegman said. “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.”
