Published 18 September 2024 5 min read
England Women's Senior Team
Former Lioness Toni Duggan retires from football
The former England striker has announced her retirement from professional football
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Former England women’s international Toni Duggan has called time on her playing career, after over 20 years of starring on both the domestic and international stage.
A trailblazer for the women’s game and one of the most high-profile players of her generation, Duggan retires on her own terms, having left an indelible mark on both club and international football.
The Liverpool-born striker represented the Lionesses at WU17, WU19, WU20 and WU23 level while coming through the ranks with Everton, before going on to win 79 caps for the senior team and bag 22 goals along the way.
She made her senior debut in a 3-0 win against Croatia at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium in September 2012, becoming the 179th player to represent England women.
And she went on to play a key role in England’s third-place finish at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada, the tournament credited with putting the Lionesses on the map, underlining her impact on the sport.
A trailblazer for the women’s game and one of the most high-profile players of her generation, Duggan retires on her own terms, having left an indelible mark on both club and international football.
The Liverpool-born striker represented the Lionesses at WU17, WU19, WU20 and WU23 level while coming through the ranks with Everton, before going on to win 79 caps for the senior team and bag 22 goals along the way.
She made her senior debut in a 3-0 win against Croatia at Walsall’s Bescot Stadium in September 2012, becoming the 179th player to represent England women.
And she went on to play a key role in England’s third-place finish at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada, the tournament credited with putting the Lionesses on the map, underlining her impact on the sport.
She was also part of the Lionesses team that reached the semi-finals of both the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France and 2017 UEFA Women’s EUROs in the Netherlands.
On a domestic level, following her breakthrough at Everton and move to Manchester City, Duggan became a true legend of the Barclays WSL and went on to win every title available in English football such as the BWSL, Women’s FA Cup and two League Cups.
She then made a move to Spain in 2017 where she played for FC Barcelona, creating a pathway later followed by former England and Manchester City team-mates Lucy Bronze, Keira Walsh and Ellie Roebuck, and Atletico Madrid.
Duggan’s retirement comes following a return to Everton in 2021, where she continued to showcase her skills at the highest domestic level while also becoming a mother for the first time, giving birth to her daughter, Luella in March 2023.
Her final appearance, somewhat fittingly, came in March 2024 in Everton’s BWSL fixture at Manchester City.
On a domestic level, following her breakthrough at Everton and move to Manchester City, Duggan became a true legend of the Barclays WSL and went on to win every title available in English football such as the BWSL, Women’s FA Cup and two League Cups.
She then made a move to Spain in 2017 where she played for FC Barcelona, creating a pathway later followed by former England and Manchester City team-mates Lucy Bronze, Keira Walsh and Ellie Roebuck, and Atletico Madrid.
Duggan’s retirement comes following a return to Everton in 2021, where she continued to showcase her skills at the highest domestic level while also becoming a mother for the first time, giving birth to her daughter, Luella in March 2023.
Her final appearance, somewhat fittingly, came in March 2024 in Everton’s BWSL fixture at Manchester City.
18 Sep 2024
5:18
Room-mates: Toni Duggan and Mary Earps
A look back in the archive at Toni featuring in our Room-mates series
With ten major trophies to her name, including league titles, domestic cups and international honours, Toni has become synonymous with success, determination, and leadership in the game.
Reflecting on her career, Toni Duggan said: “Football. Where do I begin? Toni Duggan was a little girl with two plaits playing shooties on the streets of Everton with a dream.
“An impossible dream that became possible. This is thanks to the women that came before, my teammates, coaches, support staff, media, fans and every single person that has been on this journey to make women’s football what it is now.
“As I announce my retirement from professional football today, I am immensely proud of the part that I have played alongside those people; the passion, dedication, sacrifices and determination to provide more opportunities for girls and prove that football is a sport for everyone.
“I gave it my everything, on and off the pitch. From Everton Park to Wembley Stadium and everywhere in between, I sit here today looking back on my club career with satisfaction and pride.
“League titles, domestic cups and a Champions League final - I was fortunate enough to win silverware with all four clubs I represented – Everton, Manchester City, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid.
“The greatest honour came representing my country. Wearing the England shirt meant more to me than anything else, and to have worn it 79 times, competing in two World Cups and two European Championships, is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
Reflecting on her career, Toni Duggan said: “Football. Where do I begin? Toni Duggan was a little girl with two plaits playing shooties on the streets of Everton with a dream.
“An impossible dream that became possible. This is thanks to the women that came before, my teammates, coaches, support staff, media, fans and every single person that has been on this journey to make women’s football what it is now.
“As I announce my retirement from professional football today, I am immensely proud of the part that I have played alongside those people; the passion, dedication, sacrifices and determination to provide more opportunities for girls and prove that football is a sport for everyone.
“I gave it my everything, on and off the pitch. From Everton Park to Wembley Stadium and everywhere in between, I sit here today looking back on my club career with satisfaction and pride.
“League titles, domestic cups and a Champions League final - I was fortunate enough to win silverware with all four clubs I represented – Everton, Manchester City, Barcelona and Atlético Madrid.
“The greatest honour came representing my country. Wearing the England shirt meant more to me than anything else, and to have worn it 79 times, competing in two World Cups and two European Championships, is something that will stay with me for the rest of my life.
“Football has given me a life I could never have imagined, and I am truly thankful to everybody that played their part in making it all possible. I was lucky enough to share many dressing rooms with incredibly talented players but also amazing people, some have become not only friends but family. The memories we’ve created are endless.
“I’ve been privileged to work with so many remarkable people—too many to mention individually—but a special thank you goes to all the coaches and support staff who helped shape me into the player and person I am today. In particular, Mo Marley and John Dumbell, who had such a huge influence on me from a young age.
“I have been blessed with the unwavering support of my family and friends throughout this journey, especially my mum, Joanne and grandad, Ken. I hope that I made you proud and I will cherish every memory that we’ve made together for the rest of my life.
“The decision to retire wasn’t an easy one. Football has given me some of the best days of my life, and I had opportunities to continue playing all over the world. However, for me, now feels like the right time to step away, a decision made easier with a special little girl by my side—my daughter, Luella.
“I always thought playing football was the best job in the world until I became a mum. To Luella, and to all the little girls out there, I hope one day you’ll enjoy the benefits of the powerful women I was lucky enough to share my journey with—whether that’s in football, another sport, or life in general. I know for sure there will be far fewer barriers standing in the way of your dreams, however wild they may seem.
“I now move into the next phase of my life – a little scary but also exciting. Whilst my main priority is supporting Luella, I am open to the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I hope I can still be involved in the game in some capacity, and I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of women’s football.”
“I’ve been privileged to work with so many remarkable people—too many to mention individually—but a special thank you goes to all the coaches and support staff who helped shape me into the player and person I am today. In particular, Mo Marley and John Dumbell, who had such a huge influence on me from a young age.
“I have been blessed with the unwavering support of my family and friends throughout this journey, especially my mum, Joanne and grandad, Ken. I hope that I made you proud and I will cherish every memory that we’ve made together for the rest of my life.
“The decision to retire wasn’t an easy one. Football has given me some of the best days of my life, and I had opportunities to continue playing all over the world. However, for me, now feels like the right time to step away, a decision made easier with a special little girl by my side—my daughter, Luella.
“I always thought playing football was the best job in the world until I became a mum. To Luella, and to all the little girls out there, I hope one day you’ll enjoy the benefits of the powerful women I was lucky enough to share my journey with—whether that’s in football, another sport, or life in general. I know for sure there will be far fewer barriers standing in the way of your dreams, however wild they may seem.
“I now move into the next phase of my life – a little scary but also exciting. Whilst my main priority is supporting Luella, I am open to the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. I hope I can still be involved in the game in some capacity, and I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of women’s football.”