Arsenal striker and England legend Jodie Taylor has announced her retirement from football.
The 37-year-old is bringing down the curtain on a career that has spanned more than two decades, having won the Champions League with Lyon in 2019/20 and the FA Cup with Birmingham in 2012.
But Taylor will perhaps be best remembered as a key part of the pioneering group of England players who won bronze at the 2015 World Cup. She went on to win the Golden Boot at Euro 2017.
Taylor told Sky Sports News: “I signed for Arsenal earlier this year for the second half of the season and even before I got on the flight back to Britain I knew I would end my career at Arsenal.
“It’s in the works and I’m finally ready to officially announce that I’m retiring from playing. It feels really weird to say it out loud. I’ve had many discussions about it with friends, family and loved ones.
“It’s hard to walk away from something that has been your passion, love and everything you’ve ever known, but I’m at peace with where I am now. I still walk away feeling fit and healthy and doing it on my terms and in my control, which is very important to me. Not everyone has the privilege of leaving the game on his or her terms.
“It’s a bit sad and emotional, but I’m excited for what’s next. I’ll definitely stay in the game even if I don’t kick a ball around on the pitch.
“Over the last few years I have been thinking about the future. I have completed my coaching licenses. I completed my UEFA A license earlier this year and I am also completing a Masters in Sports Directorship. Whether it is coaching or more from I know I will definitely play in the game because I love it so much and it is my passion.”
Taylor was part of the England squad that won the SheBelieves Cup in 2019, and played for then manager Phil Neville at the World Cup in France that same year.
The striker ends her career with 51 England caps and 19 goals, and is 187th on the FA’s list of honors for Lionesses past and present.
“At club level, winning the Champions League with Lyon was a career highlight,” said Taylor. “When I wore the national team shirt and got that opportunity, I didn’t get my first England cap until I was 28 years old, so it took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to get to that point. That was a lot of pride moment for me.
“The 2015 World Cup, when we won a bronze medal, was a big moment in women’s football and football in England. It was great to be part of that and contribute. I have been really lucky with the experiences that I’ve had, things I’ve won and the people I’ve met. I’m very happy with where my career has been and I’m at peace with it now that I’m stepping into a role off the field.”
Taylor played for a number of clubs throughout her career, starting at Tranmere Rovers before playing college football for the Oregon State Beavers.
She went on to play for multiple teams in the US – including a recent stint with her former England teammate Casey Stoney at San Diego Wave – Canada and Australia, as well as in Europe.
Taylor had two spells at Arsenal, the most recent of which was rejoining the club in March, having also played for the Gunners between 2016 and 2017.
Her retirement comes ahead of the new WSL season, which starts on Sunday, October 1.
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