Manchester City and England striker Ellen White has announced her retirement from football aged 33 after helping the Lionesses win Euro 2022 this summer.
White shared the news on social media and said it had been “one of the hardest decisions” of his life, but insisted it was “time to see the next generation shine”. She retires as the Lions’ all-time top scorer with 52 goals.
“This has been one of the hardest decisions of my life, but I know it’s the right decision for me,” White said.
“This decision has always been one I wanted to make on my own terms. And this is my time to say goodbye to football and watch the next generation shine.
“It has been my greatest honor and privilege to play this game. In particular, playing for England has been and always will be the greatest gift.
“My dreams came true on July 31, to win the European Championship and become European champion.
“I’ve been very lucky to have played for a number of teams throughout my career. It’s been a great honor to represent some of the biggest clubs in England and to pull on the shirt and create some incredible memories.
‘Thank you to all the clubs that have given me the opportunity to be part of your football club.
England’s Ellen White has announced her retirement from football after winning Euro 2022
White thanked “football” in an extended message shared with his Twitter followers
White’s statement ended with a call for greater provision and inclusion in English football
‘Thanks to the managers I have worked for.
“Your guidance, patience, knowledge and belief in me have helped give me the confidence to achieve my wildest dreams.
“The hours on and off the pitch do not go unnoticed and I am incredibly grateful and will always remember the good times.”
He also managed 18 goals in 43 games for Manchester City in the WSL over three years
Finished as WSL runners-up with City in 2020-21 finishing the campaign with 10 goals.
England manager Sarina Wiegman said: “Ellen has done so much for England and we’re all very proud of her. I’ve only had the pleasure of working with her over the last year, but her professionalism, work rate and finishing ability are world class.
“This summer, she did an amazing job for the team, she is the perfect team player and helped the younger players find their way in international football.
“I already knew she was a great player, but I found an even better person. She will be missed, but I completely understand her decision to take a new direction.”
White retires just one goal shy of Wayne Rooney’s all-time England record of 53
Meanwhile, former England manager Hope Powell said: “Ellen has had such a wonderful career and I’m proud of the small part I played in giving Ellen her first England cap in 2010 when she scored in our victory against Austria.
“I have worked with few players as selfless and dedicated as Ellen.
“These qualities and many others helped her to give so much to the game both internationally and domestically and maintain such high standards.
“I was delighted like the rest of the country when the Lionesses won the Euros last month, but especially for Ellen, it was a fitting way for her to sign off by helping England make history.
“I hope she continues to play a role in the development of the women’s game.
“He has a lot to offer because of his experience and his qualities as a person. Whatever he does, I’m sure it will be a success and I wish him all the best for the future.”
After spending time in Arsenal’s youth team, White joined Chelsea at the age of 16 and played for the club for three seasons before joining Leeds United, where he won the Premier Cup League in 2010.
White ends his England career with two hat-tricks, including one in a 20-goal raid in Latvia
Later that year he rejoined Arsenal and won two WSL league titles, two FA Cups and three Continental League Cups. He spent three years with Notts County between 2013 and 2016 before joining Birmingham City in 2017. White eventually signed for Manchester City after the 2019 World Cup and won the 2019-20 FA Cup and last season’s Continental League Cup.
The striker made her England debut in March 2010 and scored a last-minute goal to help England beat Austria 3-0. She was selected for the 2011 World Cup and played in six major tournaments for the Lionesses.
Baroness Sue Campbell, the FA’s director of women’s football, hailed White as a “legend of the modern game”.
The 33-year-old’s two WSL titles came at Arsenal, winning back-to-back in 2011 and 2012.
She said: “Ellen White will long be remembered as a role model for others to follow.” It’s not just about his record 52 goals and performances on the pitch, it’s about the standards he set and the way he carried himself.
“A true leader of women, it’s never been about Ellen White for her – even when she scored crucial goals or gave everything she had, she always put the team first. She’s a legend of the modern game.
The FA plans to recognize White’s career at one of England’s autumn home games. They play in Luxembourg on September 6 and in the United States on October 8.
