England striker Ellen White announced her retirement from football Monday, ending her prolific career.
The 33-year-old capped off her tenure with the Lionesses on a high note, helping England to its first Euros title in July.
“This decision has always been one I have wanted to make on my terms. And this is my time to say goodbye to football and watch the next generation shine,” White said in a statement. “It has been my greatest honour and privilege to play this game. In particular playing for England has and always will be the greatest gift. My dreams came true on July 31, winning the Euros and becoming a European champion.”
Thank You Football… pic.twitter.com/WmeDGeX9zT— Ellen White (@ellsbells89) August 22, 2022
Thank You Football… pic.twitter.com/WmeDGeX9zT
White retires with 113 caps and 52 goals for England, with only Wayne Rooney scoring more goals (53) in an England uniform.
“Ellen has given so much for England and we are all so proud of her,” England coach Sarina Wiegman said. “I have only had the pleasure of working with her for this past year, but her professionalism, work rate and finishing ability is world-class.”
White also leaves behind an impressive club career, as she took home plenty of hardware during her time in the Women’s Super League. The forward won the WSL and FA Cup with Arsenal before logging another FA Cup victory with Manchester City in 2020, and she also hoisted the Continental Cup trophy in March 2022.
White, who signed with Manchester City in 2019, will retire before finishing out her contract with the club.
“Ellen is without doubt an icon of the game, and although her career is now at its end, her efforts have paved the way for so many to flourish in the future,” Manchester City manager Gareth Taylor said in a statement. “She has given so much over the years to the game that she adores, and she leaves it in the strongest place it has ever been, which is testament to her hard work and sacrifices.”