Find out more about her career ahead of her taking part in Soccer Aid 2024 alongside a host of former pro-footballers and celebs.
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Who is Karen Carney?
Karen was born August 1st, 1987, to parents Michael and Marie in Solihull, England.
She is a sports journalist and former professional footballer.
As a child she was often out playing with her friends, leading to her interest in sports.
Karen can remember playing football at the age of six but it wasn’t until she was 11 that her Mum saw her play for the first time.
By the time she was 14, she was playing football full time.
At the age of 16, she decided to move in order to focus on football.
She was named in the 2017 New Year Honours List and received the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for her services to football.
She was later inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame in 2021.
In the autumn of 2022, Karen was announced as the Chair of the Future of Women’s Football Review for the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.
Her role includes looking into ways that the UK Government can nurture and expand the game.
When did Karen Carney retire from women’s football?
Karen is one of England‘s most capped players of all time and achieved success playing for three different clubs.
She retired in 2019 after England finished fourth during the Women’s World Cup.
Over her career, Karen has earned 144 caps for England and scored 32 times.
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She debuted at senior level when she was 14.
In 2005, she won the FA’s Young Player of the Year Award a year before she turned 18.
In 2005, she made her senior debut for England at 17 when they played against Italy.
Only four months later, she secured victory for England against Finland during the opening game for the European Championships.
In 2006, Karen was signed to Arsenal.
She enjoyed success at Arsenal but later transferred to the Chicago Red Stars before she returned to Birmingham City in 2011.
At Wembley that season, Carney put in a “woman of the match” performance against Chelsea that saw her score the winning spot-kick to secure Birmingham’s first FA Women’s Cup triumph.
She also represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Karen transferred to Chelsea in 2015 after topping the league’s scoring charts in 2014.
She also won more honours with Chelsea including a Spring Series, league title and FA Cup.
After retiring, Karen pursued a career in broadcasting.
She worked with the BBC and BT, covering all football for their platforms.
What position will Karen Carney play in Soccer Aid 2024?
Karen Carney will be joining a host of famous names taking part in Soccer Aid 2024.
So excited for this one! 🙌 Soccer Aid for UNICEF is back at Stamford Bridge and so am I! 💪 It’s on Sunday 9 June – get your tickets today! 🎟
Karen Carney
She’ll be joining the England side, hoping to turn around the side’s fortunes after a disappointing run of results.
The World XI side has won the last five years.
Soccer Aid line-up 2024
Fans can’t wait for soccer aid to kick off on Sunday, June 9, 2024.
Throughout her professional football career, Karen played as a winger and a midfielder.
She’s expected to return to the midfield for the 2024 charity clash.
How to watch Soccer Aid 2024
Hosts Dermot O’Leary and Alex Scott will be introducing the 2024 match live on ITV1, ITVX and STV.
It takes place on Sunday, June 9th 2024.
The build-up to the game starts at 6pm, with the kick-off expected at 7.30pm.