Steph Houghton, who proudly boasts 121 caps for the England national team, has made an indelible mark on women’s football during her illustrious career. Serving as captain from 2014 to 2021, Houghton has not only excelled on the pitch but also emerged as a vital voice in advocating for gender equality in sports.
Houghton’s journey began back in 2010 when she joined Arsenal, a club known for its success in women’s football. At that time, her salary was a mere £4,000 per year, which later increased to £9,000 through bonuses and additional responsibilities like coaching. Reflecting on her financial struggles living in London, she remarked that despite the club covering her housing costs, making ends meet was challenging.
Houghton acknowledged that her upbringing in a working-class family from South Hetton shaped her perspective on money. She was motivated by the desire to win trophies and establish herself within the England squad rather than seeking financial gain.
Over the years, Houghton transformed into an influential figure who fought for better pay and conditions for female athletes. Her autobiography Leading From The Back highlights these struggles and the significant changes that have occurred since her early days in the sport. Many of today’s top players earn substantial salaries—some reportedly reaching into the hundreds of thousands annually.
Under Houghton’s captaincy, England reached remarkable milestones, including semi-final appearances in the 2015 World Cup, 2017 European Championship, and 2019 World Cup. However, her career faced setbacks due to injuries that kept her out of significant tournaments like Euro 2022 and the subsequent World Cup. Watching from home as her teammates competed brought mixed emotions, but Houghton remained proud of their achievements.
As she prepared to retire at the end of the 2023-24 season at age 35, she reflected on a conversation with head coach Sarina Wiegman that marked a poignant moment in her career. Accepting her exclusion from the national squad was not easy but necessary as she considered her future beyond football.
Since stepping away from competitive play, Houghton has embraced roles as a pundit while prioritizing family life with her husband Stephen Darby, who is battling motor neurone disease (MND). The couple is contemplating starting their own family, drawing strength from their supportive network during challenging times.
In discussing their plans for the future, Houghton emphasized the importance of taking life one day at a time amidst adversity.
As women’s football continues to gain momentum and recognition globally, Houghton’s legacy serves as both an inspiration and a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality within sports. Her journey illustrates how personal challenges can fuel professional growth and advocacy for future generations.
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