Toni Duggan, a trailblazer for the women’s game and one of the most high-profile players of her generation, has today announced her retirement from professional football. After a stellar career spanning almost 20 years, Duggan retires on her own terms, having left an indelible mark on both club and international football.
A true legend of the Women’s Super League (WSL) and Lionesses, Duggan’s legacy is cemented not only in her exceptional performances but also in her groundbreaking career moves. The Liverpudlian broke onto the scene as a teenager at Everton in 2007, scoring the winning extra-time goal to put the blues into that season’s FA Women’s Premier League Cup Final. Duggan was one of the first cohort of professional players to join Manchester City Women ahead of their inaugural WSL campaign in 2014, going on to win every domestic trophy available [WSL, FA Cup, League Cup x2], before joining FC Barcelona in 2017 – a pathway later followed by former England and Manchester City team-mates Lucy Bronze, Keira Walsh and Ellie Roebuck.
Duggan was instrumental in helping raise the profile of English women’s football on the global stage. Having represented England at U17, U19, U20 and U23 level, Duggan’s Senior England debut came in 2012 during England’s 3-0 win against Croatia. She went on to make 79 England caps, scoring 22 international goals (including two hat-tricks).
She played a key role in England’s third-place finish at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, 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 and 2017 UEFA Women’s Euros.
Duggan’s retirement comes following a return to her first club, Everton, in 2021 where she continued to showcase her skills at the highest domestic level, whilst 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 WSL fixture at Manchester City.
With 10 major trophies to her name, including league titles, domestic cups, and international honors, 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, by team-mates, 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.
“A special thank you also to the Triple S Sports Management family, in particular to Paul and Calum who have represented me from day one. You have been an outstanding support system to me throughout my career.
“To the fans reading this—many of you have been with me since I made my first-team debut for Everton at sixteen. Thank you for being a part of this journey with me and I am forever grateful for your support.
“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.”
As a respected figure in the game, Toni Duggan’s next steps are eagerly anticipated. Known for her insightful football knowledge and infectious personality, she is poised to transition seamlessly into roles within the media and commercial worlds, where her authority on the game will continue to inspire the next generation. Duggan’s family life is also a crucial part of her journey, adding depth to her appeal as a partner, blending the values of football, family, and future growth.
Her journey is far from over, and the football world will watch closely as Toni Duggan enters this exciting new phase.
Toni Duggan Major Honours x10
Everton – FA Women’s League Cup x1 (2007/08), FA Women’s Cup x1 (2009/10)
Manchester City – FA WSL x1 (2016), FA Women’s Cup x1 (2016/17), FA Women’s League Cup x2 (2014, 2016)
FC Barcelona – Copa de la Reina (2018), Copa Catalunya x2 (2017, 2018), UEFA Champions League runner-up x1 (2018/19)
Atletico Madrid – Supercopa de Espana Femenina (2020/21)
England – SheBelieves Cup (2019), FIFA Women’s World Cup third-place (2015)
Individual Honours:
FA Women’s Young Player of the Year 2009
England Under-23 Player of the Year 2012
North West Female Player of the Year 2013
England Women’s Player of the Year 2014
