After an impressive 17-year career, culminating in the Lionesses’ epic win at the 2022 Euros, footballer Ellen White has officially retired. The 33-year-old England and Manchester City player took to Instagram on 22 Aug. to explain the reasons behind her decision and to thank her loved ones for their continued support.
“This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life but one that I know is the right decision for me. The decision has always been one I have wanted to make on my terms. And this is my time to say goodbye to football and watch the next generation shine,” she wrote. “It has been my greatest honour and privilege to play this game.” The footballer has decided to bow out gracefully just weeks after the highlight of her career with the England squad. “Playing for England has and always will be the greatest gift. My dreams came true on 31 July, winning The Euros and becoming a European champion,” she added.
White has played for Chelsea, Leeds Carnegie, Arsenal, Notts County, Birmingham City, and Manchester City, and gave all of the teammates, managers, medical teams, and backroom staff she met along the way a thoughtful shoutout in her statement, as well as those closest to her. She joked: “To the love of my life, my husband, what do you fancy doing next weekend? I’m pretty free :)”
Perhaps most significantly, White signed off the letter with a message to all young aspiring female footballers. “This is for the next generation and potentially the next Lioness. You don’t have to be the best at something to make your dreams come true, just look at me. Hard work, dedication, passion, and love for what you do are a great recipe.”
Although White managed to rise above the additional hurdles girls face on the mission to becoming a professional footballer, it wasn’t all plain sailing. Amidst the commotion of the Euros in July, a viral tweet showed an article on the front page of The Bucks Herald newspaper from 1998. White was the subject of the story, after being banned from playing football for boys’ teams in her local area, despite being the captain of Arsenal girls under-11s at the time. The headline read: “Soccer girl banned by the league for boys: Ellen is only nine and can’t fathom why she can’t play football.” In her retirement statement, White refers to this incident. “Don’t ever let someone tell you you can’t do something or achieve your dreams. I was once told I couldn’t play in the boys’ team and I would never play for England. Now, I am retiring having made 113 caps with 52 goals for England and a European Champion. Go out there and be the very best version of you.”
Echoing the sentiment of the Lionesses’ letter calling on the Government for equal access for football for all girls, she added: “Finally, let’s use the momentum from the Euro’s win to make sure that every person in all communities has the opportunity to play and feel connected to all England football teams. Enjoy every moment! Thank you football. . .”
Fans flocked to the comments to thank White for her commitment to the sport. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge wrote: “Congratulations on your record-breaking, history-making career @ellsbells90”, while fellow Lioness Alessia Russo said: “An absolute legend on the pitch and an even better person off it! One of the best players to ever do it! Thank you for all you have done for this game ❤️”
It’s safe to say that White has made a phenomenal impact and can sign off knowing she’s inspired a whole generation of young girls to follow in her footsteps. We salute you, White!
