- Steph Houghton is a former England captain
- She currently captains the Manchester City Women’s Super League
- She has won several trophies as a coach
Steph Houghton is an English professional footballer who is currently the captain of Manchester City’s Women’s Super League. Since she took the captaining role with the club, she has led the team to multiple trophies including the FA Women’s Cup and the Continental Cup.
At a a young age, her passion for football blossomed, leading her to start playing professionally at her hometown club Sunderland Ladies and helped them get promotion before she left for Leeds United ladies.
This move was a breakthrough point in her career as she earned the prestigious FA Women’s Young Player of the Year award the following season and her versatility caught the attention of Arsenal Ladies who signed her.
During her playing time with Arsenal, it was a moment of trophy collecting as she secured two FA WSL titles, two FA Women’s Cups and three FA WSL Cups. Her impact transcended the club level and was ready to go international.
She made her debut for the England national team where she played as a midfielder before playing as a center-back. Unfortunately, her international career was marred by injuries that kept her out of major tournaments but returned stronger and represented her team at the 2001 World Cup and Euro 2013.
She was appointed as the England national team in 2014 and captained the team at two World Cups, one Women’s Euro, the highlight being the 2015 World Cup in Canada, where they won a bronze medal.
She then joined Manchester City and continued her trophy haul, adding FA Women’s Cups and continental Cups to her collection. Her career was not limited to England as she represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Houghton Personal life
The captain was born on April 23 1988 in Durham, England. Here life is marked by both joy and challenge. She got married to Stephen Darby, a former professional footballer who played for teams like Liverpool and Bradford City.
Steph Houghton. Photo/Eurosport
Few months after their wedding, her husband received a life-altering diagnosis of Motor Neurone Disease that affects the nerves that control movement. Steph has been a pillar of strength to her husband supporting him through the difficult journey, and has been a vocal advocate about the condition.
It’s not been easy though balancing her demanding football career with caring for her husband and at times, she even misses out on national team selection.
Steph Houghton playing and coaching career
The 36 year old has had a playing and coaching career journey. At a young age, her passion for football blossomed, leading her to start playing professionally at her hometown club Sunderland Ladies and helping them get a promotion before she left for Leeds United Ladies.
This move was a breakthrough point in her career as she earned the prestigious FA Women’s Young Player of the Year award the following season and her versatility caught the attention of Arsenal Ladies who signed her.
During her playing time with Arsenal, it was a moment of trophy collecting as she secured two FA WSL titles, two FA Women’s Cups and three FA WSL Cups. Her impact transcended the club level and was ready to go international.
Steph Houghton. Photo/Sky Sports
She made her debut for the England national team where she played as a midfielder before playing as a center-back. Unfortunately, her international career was marred by injuries that kept her out of major tournaments but returned stronger and represented her team at the 2001 World Cup and Euro 2013.
Steph’s coaching career
She was appointed as the England national team in 2014 and captained the team at two World Cups, one Women’s Euro, the highlight being the 2015 World Cup in Canada, where they won a bronze medal.
She then joined Manchester City and continued her trophy haul, adding FA Women’s Cups and continental Cups to her collection. Her career was not limited to England as she represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
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