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Casey Stoney
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Casey Jean Stoney MBE[5][6] (born 13 May 1982) is an English professional football manager and former player who currently serves as the head coach of the Canada women's national soccer team.
Key Information
A versatile defender, she was capped more than 100 times for the England women's national football team since making her debut in 2000. After being a non-playing squad member at UEFA Women's Euro 2005, she was an integral part of the England teams which reached the UEFA Women's Euro 2009 final and the quarter finals of the FIFA Women's World Cup in 2007 and 2011. In 2012, Stoney succeeded Faye White as the England captain and also became captain of the newly formed Great Britain squad for the 2012 Summer Olympics.[7] She ended her playing career at Liverpool Ladies.
She was the first head coach of the newly formed Manchester United Women from June 2018 to May 2021. In the inaugural season, United won the FA Women's Championship title and promotion to the FA WSL. On 14 July 2021, Stoney was announced as the head coach of San Diego Wave FC of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).[8][9] The Wave fired Stoney in 2024 following a seven-game winless streak.
Club career
[edit]Chelsea and Arsenal
[edit]Stoney joined Chelsea Ladies, aged 12,[10] before moving to Arsenal Ladies in 1999.
Charlton Athletic
[edit]Already an England international, Stoney joined Charlton Athletic Ladies in the summer of 2002 in search of regular first-team football. She also took up a scholarship at The Football Association's National Player Development Centre at Loughborough University.[11] In a successful first season Stoney captained Charlton to their first FA Women's Cup final.[12]
She led Charlton to success in the FA Women's Premier League Cup in 2004,[13] the FA Women's Cup in 2005 as Charlton beat Everton 1–0,[2] and the 2–1 victory over Arsenal in the 2006 Premier League Cup.[14] When Charlton disbanded their entire women's section following the relegation of Charlton Athletic men's team in 2007, Stoney said:[15]
I'm disgusted with the club – the men get relegated and we get punished. The club's only trophies in recent years have been won by the women's team – and in the last four seasons we were the only side apart from Arsenal to win major honours. Seven weeks ago we played in front of a record crowd at the FA Cup final – that's now our last match and I'm totally gutted for everyone involved on the women's side. I just hope that what has happened to us doesn't reverberate around the women's game – otherwise it will be in serious trouble.
Return to Chelsea
[edit]In July 2007, she signed for Chelsea Ladies along with Charlton and England teammate Eniola Aluko.[10] In February 2009, she became player-manager until the end of the season, following the resignation of Steve Jones.[16] At Stoney's recommendation, Matt Beard took over as manager for 2009–10.[17]
Lincoln
[edit]On 13 March 2010, Stoney announced on Twitter that she had signed for FA WSL rivals Lincoln Ladies to play alongside England stars such as Sue Smith and Jess Clarke. Stoney stated that Lincoln offered the prospect of full-time training, which Chelsea were unable to match.[18] Keith Boanas, her manager at Charlton, revealed that Stoney is a Chelsea supporter so found the decision extremely difficult.[19]
Return to Arsenal
[edit]
Stoney re-joined Arsenal on a two-year deal for the 2014 season, citing her desire to win more trophies.[20]
Liverpool
[edit]On 13 December 2016, Liverpool confirmed that Stoney had signed with the club.[21] She played her last match at the club on 21 February 2018. She subsequently retired to take a role in Phil Neville's backroom team in the England women's national team.[22]
International career
[edit]England
[edit]Stoney came through England's under-age squads, making her debut for the senior team in August 2000 as a substitute against France. She was named in the provisional 30-player squad for Euro 2001 but did not make the final list of 20 and remained on the standby list. She made her first start in March 2002 against Norway,[23] and, after spells in central defence[12] and at right back,[24] went on to become England's first choice left back.[25] In February 2003 Stoney wore the captain's armband when regular skipper Karen Walker was substituted in a 1–0 friendly defeat by Italy.[12] Her first senior international goal came as England beat Portugal 4–0 in the Algarve Cup in March 2005.[2]
Stoney was named in the squad for Euro 2005, hosted in England, but remained unused as the hosts made a group stage exit. Her disappointment was such that she considered retiring from international football.[26] But by the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup in China, Stoney, preferred to Rachel Unitt at left back, was one of four England players to play every minute of every match as they lost a quarter final 3–0 to the United States.[27] Stoney won the Nationwide International Player of the Year award for the 2007–08 season, ahead of Anita Asante and Alex Scott.[28] In May 2009, Stoney was one of the first 17 female players to be given central contracts by The Football Association (FA).[29]
At the Euro 2009 final tournament in Finland, Stoney recovered from a red card in a 2–1 opening match defeat by Italy[30] to help England reach the final. Stoney explained that for many players this was not only the best moment of their careers, but possibly the happiest moment in their lives.[31]

Stoney started all four of England's games at the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, and converted her kick in the quarter-final penalty shoot-out defeat to France.[32] When pregnant Faye White retired from international football in 2012, Hope Powell appointed Stoney as the new England captain. "It's an absolute honour, the biggest privilege I've ever been given," was Stoney's response.[26]
In 2013, Stoney became the first female member of the Professional Footballers' Association's management committee.[33] She led England into their Euro 2013 campaign but the team performed poorly and finished in last place, to her "bitter disappointment".[34] When England's longstanding manager Hope Powell was sacked, Stoney was left out of new boss Mark Sampson's first squad due to a foot injury. Sampson informed Stoney that her captaincy was under review, a decision she understood.[35] Steph Houghton was then named as her successor as captain.[36]
After being called for her third straight World Cup, Stoney said the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada would be her last.[37] Mostly coming out of the bench, Stoney was part of the first English team to qualify for the semi-finals.[38] She was part of the England squad which reached the semi-finals of UEFA Women's Euro 2017. She played her last international match against Denmark on 1 July 2017.
She was allotted 134 when the FA announced their legacy numbers scheme to honour the 50th anniversary of England's inaugural international.[39][40]
Great Britain
[edit]In June 2012, Stoney was named in the 18-player Great Britain squad formed for the 2012 Summer Olympics.[41] The group was selected by England manager Hope Powell and comprised 16 English players plus Scots Kim Little and Ifeoma Dieke. Stoney was confirmed in her role as captain.[42] Stoney scored in the team's second group stage match, a 3–0 win over Cameroon.[43] After winning all three matches and finishing at the top of the table for Group E, Great Britain advanced to the quarter finals where they faced Canada in front of 28,828 spectators at City of Coventry Stadium. Stoney was disappointed when Great Britain lost 2–0 and were knocked out. She argued for the continued participation of Great Britain at future Olympic football tournaments.[44] England's third-place finish at the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup secured Great Britain's qualification for the 2016 Summer Olympics, but the team were blocked from competing due to political infighting among the "Home Nations". A 2016 UEFA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament was convened instead.[45]
Managerial career
[edit]
Chelsea
[edit]In February 2009, she became Chelsea Ladies' player-manager until June 2009 following the resignation of Steve Jones.[16][17]
England
[edit]Following her retirement in 2018, Stoney joined Phil Neville's backroom team in the England women's national team.[22]
Manchester United
[edit]On 8 June 2018, Stoney was appointed as the first head coach of the newly formed Manchester United Women.[46] Stoney's first game in charge of United was a North West derby victory in the League Cup.[47] In the inaugural season, United won the FA Women's Championship title and promotion to the FA WSL; winning 18 of 20 games and losing only once.[48][49][50] In addition to the division title, Stoney guided United to an FA Cup quarter-final and League Cup semi-final, beating four WSL teams in the process.[51][52]
On the opening weekend of the 2019–20 FA WSL season, Stoney managed United in the team's first Manchester derby in front of a crowd of 31,213, an English domestic women's league record. Manchester United lost 1–0,[53] but prevailed six weeks later in the League Cup to earn her and the club's first Manchester derby win, beating Manchester City 2–0.[54] On 8 November 2019, Stoney signed a contract extension with Manchester United, keeping her at the club until 2022.[55] During the season, Stoney was a vocal critic of the quality of refereeing within the WSL, calling it "substandard" following United's 1–0 loss to Chelsea on 17 November 2019.[56][57] Stoney's United, again, drew considerable media attention in February 2020 following a controversial phantom handball penalty decision against Katie Zelem in United's 1–1 draw with Reading.[58][59] On 12 May 2021, it was announced Stoney would be stepping down as Manchester United manager at the end of the season having secured a second successive fourth-place league finish, one point behind Arsenal in the final Champions League qualification spot.[60][61]
San Diego
[edit]
On 14 July 2021, Stoney was announced as the inaugural head coach of National Women's Soccer League club San Diego Wave FC, which began play in 2022.[8][9] The Wave completed its first competition under Stoney, the 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup, with a third-place group stage finish in the West Division on a 1–3–2 record.[62] The Wave completed its first season under Stoney in third place on the league table with a 10–6–6 record. Stoney was named the league's coach of the year, Wave goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan was named the league's goalkeeper of the year,[63] and Wave striker Alex Morgan won the league's golden boot.[64] The Wave advanced to the NWSL Playoffs and defeated Chicago Red Stars 2–1 in extra time to advance to the semifinals,[65] where they lost to eventual champions Portland Thorns.[63]
In 2023, Stoney's Wave FC were the NWSL regular season champions after defeating Racing Louisville FC on the last day of the 2023 regular season, winning the NWSL 2023 Shield. Winning the shield earned them a bye to the semi-finals of the post-season, where they fell to the OL Reign on the Wave's home field of Snapdragon Stadium.[66]
The Wave started the 2024 season by winning the one-off 2024 NWSL Challenge Cup but sat in ninth place of 14 teams midway through the season. Winless over their last seven games, the Wave fired Stoney on 24 June 2024.[67]
Canada Women
[edit]Stoney was named head coach of the Canada women's national soccer team in January 2025, signing a contract through 2027 with an optional one-year extension;[68] she became the permanent replacement for Bev Priestman, who departed following a drone spying scandal.[69]
Stoney coached the team to win the 2025 Pinatar Cup. She used the tournament to assess various players in the national team pool, including in her squad selection two players from the Northern Super League, Canada's domestic professional league in its inaugural season, and giving game time to all but two players named to the roster for the competition.[70][71]
Personal life
[edit]In November 2012, Stoney was named 50th on The Independent newspaper's Pink List of influential lesbian and gay people in the United Kingdom.[72] On 10 February 2014, Stoney first publicly acknowledged that she was a lesbian.[73] She is in a relationship with her former Lincoln team mate Megan Harris.[74] On 16 July 2014, she announced that Harris was pregnant with twins,[75] who were born on 8 November 2014.[76] Stoney's third child was born on 12 December 2017.
In May 2015, the University of Essex awarded Stoney an honorary degree.[77]
Stoney was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2015 Birthday Honours for services to football.[78]
Career statistics
[edit]- Scores and results list England's and Great Britain's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Stoney goal.
| No. | Date | Venue | Opponent | Score | Result | Competition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| England goals | ||||||
| 1 | 9 March 2005 | Estádio de São Luís, Faro, Portugal | 1–0 | 4–0 | 2005 Algarve Cup | |
| 2 | 8 March 2007 | National Hockey Stadium, Milton Keynes, England | 6–0 | Friendly | ||
| 3 | 7 March 2009 | Paralimni Stadium, Paralimni, Cyprus | 2–2 | 2–2 | 2009 Cyprus Cup | |
| 4 | 1 March 2010 | Larnaca, Cyprus | 1–1 | 2–2 | 2010 Cyprus Cup | |
| 5 | 19 September 2012 | Bescot Stadium, Walsall, England | 1–0 | 3–0 | UEFA Euro 2013 qualification | |
| 6 | 19 June 2014 | Arena Lviv, Lviv, Ukraine | 1–0 | 2–1 | 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification | |
| Great Britain goals | ||||||
| 1 | 28 July 2012 | Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Wales | 3–0 | 2012 Olympic Games | ||
Managerial statistics
[edit]- As of 2 December 2025
| Team | From | To | Record | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Win % | |||
| Manchester United W.F.C. | 8 June 2018 | 16 May 2021 | 77 | 52 | 6 | 19 | 213 | 60 | +153 | 67.53 |
| San Diego Wave FC | 14 July 2021 | 24 June 2024 | 74 | 28 | 19 | 27 | 92 | 80 | +12 | 37.84 |
| Canada women | 13 January 2025 | Present | 13 | 6 | 1 | 6 | 24 | 14 | +10 | 46.15 |
| Career totals | 164 | 86 | 26 | 52 | 329 | 154 | +175 | 52.44 | ||
Honours
[edit]Player
[edit]
Arsenal
- FA Women's Premier League National Division: 2000–01, 2001–02[80]
- Women's FA Cup: 2001,[81] 2014, 2016[82]
- FA Women's League Cup: 2015[83]
- FA Women's Premier League Cup: 1999–2000,[84] 2000–01[85]
- Women's FA Community Shield: 2000, 2001[86]
Charlton Athletic
- Women's FA Cup: 2004–05[87]
- FA Women's Premier League Cup: 2003–04,[88] 2005–06[14]
- Women's FA Community Shield: 2004[89]
England
- UEFA Women's Championship runner-up: 2009[90]
- FIFA Women's World Cup third place: 2015[91]
Individual

- FA International Player of the Year Award: 2008,[92] 2012[93]
- FA WSL Team of the Year: 2014–15,[94] 2015–16[95]
Manager
[edit]Manchester United
San Diego Wave
Canada
Individual
References
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- ^ @CaseyStoney (9 November 2014). "Could not be prouder of, or more amazed by @MegsHarris7 after 4 long days we have a beautiful baby boy & girl. Best night of my life! 👶👶" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
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- ^ "Winners revealed". The FA. 23 May 2008. Archived from the original on 15 May 2012. Retrieved 26 June 2018.
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External links
[edit]- Casey Stoney profile Archived 9 January 2014 at the Wayback Machine at the Football Association's website
Casey Stoney
View on GrokipediaEarly life
Childhood
Casey Stoney was born on 13 May 1982 in Basildon, she grew up in nearby Wickford, Essex, England.[12] She grew up in a working-class family as the younger of two children, with her parents separating when she was seven years old.[12] Her mother, Sandra, supported the family by taking on multiple cleaning jobs during the day and working evenings and weekends at a bingo hall, reflecting the economic challenges faced by many households in Essex at the time.[12] During the 1980s and 1990s, women's football remained significantly underrepresented in England, with limited structured opportunities for girls in areas like Essex.[13] Stoney developed an early passion for the sport, inspired by watching men's matches—often taken by her grandfather since her father was busy working—and by playing informally with boys in local parks and streets, where makeshift goalposts were created using coats.[14][12] At age 10, she joined the Tolworth boys' team in Surrey, where she was named players' player of the year, but at 11 she was forced to leave due to Football Association rules prohibiting girls over that age from playing in mixed teams.[12][14] Stoney attended Ricards Lodge High School in Wimbledon, an all-girls institution that unusually supported her football interests by accommodating her training and matches.[13] This encouragement from the school helped nurture her dedication to the game before she transitioned into organized youth football with Chelsea.[13]Youth career
Casey Stoney began her organized involvement in women's football at the age of 12, joining Chelsea Ladies in 1994 as part of their setup, where she was immediately integrated into the adult squad after being spotted playing in a local park.[15][12] She faced logistical challenges commuting to London for training sessions twice a week and matches on Sundays, which required significant travel from her hometown.[12] In 1999, at age 17, Stoney moved to Arsenal Ladies, drawn by the club's reputation as one of England's top women's teams, where her defensive abilities as a centre-back were quickly recognized on the training pitch.[3][15] She made her senior debut for Arsenal during the 1999/2000 season, marking her emergence as a promising talent in the position while still balancing commitments with her education at Ricards Lodge High School in Wimbledon, which accommodated her schedule.[15][13] Despite facing bullying at primary school for her dedication to the sport, Stoney's secondary school provided crucial support, enabling her to pursue her passion without major academic disruption.[12][13]Club career
Chelsea and Arsenal
Stoney began her senior club career with Arsenal Ladies in 1999, having progressed through the youth ranks at Chelsea Ladies since joining the club at age 12.[3][15] As a central defender, she made her senior debut that year in the FA Women's Premier League National Division, quickly establishing herself in the team's backline.[3][16] During the 2000–01 season, Stoney played every match for Arsenal, anchoring the defense as the team achieved a domestic treble by winning the FA Women's Premier League, the FA Women's Cup, and the FA Women's Premier League Cup.[3][15] Her contributions were pivotal to Arsenal's unbeaten league campaign and overall dominance, with the side conceding few goals en route to the titles.[3] In the FA Women's Cup final on 6 May 2001 at Selhurst Park, Stoney started as Arsenal defeated Fulham 1–0 before a record crowd of 13,824, securing her first major trophy.[17][18] Seeking a new challenge after her breakthrough successes, Stoney left Arsenal in 2002 to join Charlton Athletic, aiming for greater opportunities in first-team leadership and matches.[15]Charlton Athletic
In the summer of 2002, Stoney transferred to Charlton Athletic from Arsenal, seeking more consistent first-team opportunities in the FA Women's Premier League National Division, where she quickly established herself as a regular starter.[19][15] Stoney was appointed club captain in 2004, a role in which she guided Charlton to several strong league finishes, including runners-up positions in the Premier League National Division.[20] Under her leadership, the team demonstrated resilience and tactical discipline, often challenging the era's dominant sides. As captain, Stoney played a pivotal role in Charlton's 2004 FA Women's Premier League Cup triumph, leading them to a 1–0 victory over Fulham in the final, where her defensive organization was instrumental in maintaining a clean sheet.[21] She also contributed significantly to the 2005 FA Women's Cup win, captaining the side to a 1–0 defeat of Everton at Upton Park, with her commanding presence at the back ensuring a solid defensive performance throughout the match.[22][23] Over her five seasons with Charlton from 2002 to 2007, Stoney made 141 appearances and scored 5 goals, earning a reputation for her defensive solidity and versatility at center-back. Her prior experience at Arsenal honed this style, emphasizing positional awareness and interception skills. Stoney particularly excelled in high-stakes rivalry matches against Arsenal and Chelsea, such as scoring a volley in a 2006 league win over Chelsea that kept Charlton in the title hunt.[24]Return to Chelsea
In July 2007, following the disbandment of Charlton's women's section, Casey Stoney signed a new contract with Chelsea Ladies, seeking a return to her formative club for greater stability after three successful years as captain at Charlton.[25][3] She rejoined alongside England teammate Eniola Aluko, bolstering the defense and bringing international experience from England's 2007 World Cup campaign, where Stoney had played every minute.[3][26] During the 2008–09 season, Stoney's leadership was instrumental in a transitional period for Chelsea, as the club rebuilt its squad amid financial and structural challenges in women's football. Her experience as Charlton captain directly informed her approach to guiding younger players and stabilizing the backline. In February 2009, at age 26, she stepped into an interim player-manager role after manager Steve Jones departed, a position she held until June 2009, overseeing training and tactics while continuing to play.[27][28] Under her influence, Chelsea achieved third-place finishes in the FA Women's Premier League National Division in both 2008–09 and 2009–10, marking the club's best results since 2004 and establishing a foundation for future success. Stoney formed key defensive partnerships with players like Claire Rafferty and Siobhan Chamberlain, providing vocal organization and tactical nous that helped concede fewer goals in competitive matches. Over her second stint from 2007 to 2011, she made 45 appearances and scored 2 goals, contributing to cup runs and consistent top-five finishes while mentoring emerging talents during the squad's rebuild.[29][3]Lincoln
In 2011, with the launch of the inaugural FA Women's Super League (WSL), Casey Stoney transferred from Chelsea to Lincoln Ladies to secure more consistent playing time as a central defender.[15] Her move followed a period of limited opportunities at Chelsea, influenced by prior injury challenges that had affected her availability.[30] As club captain, Stoney brought veteran experience to a squad blending established internationals and emerging talents, emphasizing leadership in a transitional league environment. Over two seasons from 2011 to 2013, Stoney featured in 38 league appearances for Lincoln in the WSL, contributing to the team's efforts amid the league's growing competitiveness.[3] Her defensive presence helped foster squad cohesion, particularly in mentoring younger players like Remi Allen and Sophie Bradley, as Lincoln aimed for stability in mid-table positions during the 2011 campaign. The team finished sixth out of eight in their debut WSL season, reflecting Stoney's role in building defensive resilience despite the challenges of a new professional structure. In cup competitions, Lincoln showed promise, reaching the semi-finals of the 2011 FA WSL Cup before a 3–1 defeat to Arsenal.[3] The 2012 season proved tougher, with Lincoln finishing bottom of the WSL table, though Stoney's leadership remained pivotal in maintaining team morale during a relegation battle.[3] Notable cup performances included advancing to the last 16 of the 2012 FA Women's Cup, where they fell 1–0 to Arsenal, highlighting Stoney's influence in high-stakes matches.[31] Seeking opportunities at a club with greater title aspirations, Stoney departed Lincoln at the end of 2013 to rejoin Arsenal ahead of the 2014 season.[3]Return to Arsenal
Stoney rejoined Arsenal in January 2014 on a two-year deal from Lincoln Ladies, marking a marquee signing for the FA WSL as the England captain returned to the club where she had begun her youth career at age 12.[32][33][3] As a central defender, Stoney anchored Arsenal's backline and provided veteran leadership during her second spell, captaining the side to a 3–0 victory over Notts County in the 2015 Continental Tyres Cup final. Arsenal also secured the FA Women's Cup in 2014 and 2016 with Stoney's defensive contributions key to both triumphs.[34][35][36] Over the 2014 to 2016 period, Stoney made 53 appearances across all competitions for Arsenal, scoring one goal while forming a reliable partnership with Jemma Rose in defense.[36] Her experience proved vital in the 2015 season, where she started every WSL match and helped the team finish third in the league behind champions Chelsea and Manchester City.[37] In the 2015–16 campaign, Stoney continued to lead Arsenal's defense amid a competitive league, guiding the side to another third-place finish while lifting the FA Cup.[38] She departed the club in November 2016 after contributing to three trophies in her homecoming spell.[35][36]Liverpool
Following her second stint at Arsenal, where she contributed to multiple trophies including the 2015 FA Women's Cup, Casey Stoney signed with Liverpool in December 2016.[39] During the 2016–18 FA WSL seasons, Stoney made 14 appearances and scored 1 goal for Liverpool, primarily serving as a defender in a reduced role as she wound down her playing days.[40] As a veteran leader with extensive experience, she provided mentorship and stability to the squad, helping Liverpool secure a fourth-place finish in the 2017 Spring Series.[41][42] Stoney announced her full retirement from playing on 19 February 2018, at age 35, after 18 professional years that began with Arsenal in 1999.[42][16] In reflecting on her career, she expressed pride in her achievements over nearly two decades, noting the "incredible" journey and her optimism for the growth of women's football.[42] Her final match was a 3–1 win over Sunderland on 21 February 2018.[43]International career
England
Stoney made her debut for the senior England national team on 16 August 2000, entering as a substitute in a 0–1 friendly defeat to France in Marseille at the age of 18.[42] Over the course of her international career spanning 2000 to 2017, she accumulated 130 caps and scored 6 goals while primarily operating as a versatile defender.[44][45] Stoney was a non-playing squad member at UEFA Women's Euro 2005 and featured in the quarter-finals of the FIFA Women's World Cups in 2007 and 2011. Appointed captain in May 2012 following Faye White's retirement, Stoney led England in several major tournaments, including the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup (where the team secured bronze), and UEFA Women's Euro 2017.[46] She also featured prominently in multiple UEFA Women's Euro campaigns, helping England reach the final at Euro 2009 and the semi-finals at Euro 2013.[42] Her leadership extended to fostering team unity and tactical discipline during qualification and competitive phases. Stoney's notable contributions included her first senior international goal, scored in a 4–0 victory over Portugal during the 2005 Algarve Cup.[47] She retired from international duty in 2017 following England's semi-final appearance at UEFA Women's Euro 2017, prioritizing family commitments after 17 years of service.[42]Great Britain
Stoney was selected as captain of the Great Britain women's national football team for the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, marking the first appearance of a unified GB side in women's football at the Games. As the incumbent England captain, she led a squad comprising players from England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, selected by England head coach Hope Powell.[48] Her role was pivotal in unifying the team during their preparation, including a pre-tournament friendly against Sweden on 20 July 2012, which ended in a 1-1 draw.[49] During the Olympic tournament, Stoney earned five caps for Great Britain, including starts in all three group stage matches, and scored one goal.[50] She netted the opening goal in a 3-0 victory over Cameroon on 28 July, helping secure the team's progression, followed by wins against New Zealand (1-0) and Brazil (1-0, with over 70,000 spectators at Wembley Stadium).[50][51] Great Britain topped Group E unbeaten but exited in the quarter-finals with a 2-0 defeat to Canada on 3 August.[52] Throughout the campaign, Stoney's defensive leadership was widely praised; as a commanding centre-back, she organized the backline effectively, read the game astutely, and inspired her teammates with her communication and presence on the pitch.[48] Following the Olympics, Stoney advocated strongly for the continuation of a Great Britain team in future competitions, expressing fears that administrative decisions by football associations would prevent repeats of the 2012 experience and pleading for participation at the 2016 Rio Olympics.[53] However, due to opposition from home nations' associations and Stoney's subsequent international retirement in 2017, she made no further appearances for Great Britain, as no women's team was formed for subsequent Olympics.[42]Managerial career
Chelsea
In early 2009, following the resignation of Steve Jones, Casey Stoney was appointed as player-manager of Chelsea Ladies while continuing her playing duties for the club.[54] This dual role came midway through the 2008–09 FA Women's Premier League National Division season, marking her first foray into management at the age of 27.[16] Stoney guided Chelsea through a challenging rebuilding phase amid significant financial difficulties, including substantial funding cuts that threatened the club's stability.[55] Despite these constraints, her leadership helped the team secure a third-place finish in the league, behind Arsenal and Everton, demonstrating resilience in squad organization and motivation.[56] Reflecting on the experience, Stoney later noted that the interim position provided valuable lessons in squad management, though she felt unprepared at the time and opted not to continue in the role beyond June 2009.[16] She transitioned back to a full-time playing capacity at Chelsea, deferring dedicated coaching until after her retirement in 2018.[55]England youth teams
Stoney's early coaching involvement with England's youth national teams came in 2014, when she assisted head coach Mo Marley during a training camp for the U19 squad at St George's Park. This role focused on preparing two groups of emerging players for international fixtures, including friendlies and qualification matches, with Stoney leveraging her senior international experience to support player development and tactical preparation.[57] In the following years, Stoney's work extended to broader mentoring within the England setup, supporting the transition of young talents to higher levels. By 2015–2017, as she advanced her coaching qualifications, including her UEFA A Licence, she continued to influence youth progression indirectly through her leadership roles at club level while remaining connected to the national program. Following her retirement from playing in February 2018, Stoney joined the senior England team as an assistant coach under head coach Phil Neville, a role that built directly on her youth involvement by focusing on tactical integration and player mentoring. This position, starting ahead of the SheBelieves Cup, provided hands-on experience in senior management while nurturing talents like Lucy Bronze, who had risen through the ranks.[58][59] Stoney's tenure with the England staff ended later in 2018 upon her appointment at Manchester United, marking this phase as a pivotal stepping stone that enhanced her expertise in youth-to-senior progression and tactical discipline at the international level.[42]Manchester United
In June 2018, Casey Stoney was appointed as the inaugural head coach of Manchester United Women, tasked with launching the club's professional women's team in the FA Women's Championship. Drawing on her experience from coaching England youth teams, she assembled a squad blending experienced players with academy talents and emphasized professional training standards from the outset, including full-time contracts and structured development pathways to bridge the gap between youth and senior levels.[60][61] During the 2018–19 season, Stoney's side dominated the Championship, securing the title and promotion to the FA Women's Super League with a perfect league record of 18 wins from 18 matches, scoring 98 goals and conceding just 7. This unbeaten run in the league highlighted the team's rapid professionalization under her leadership, as they outpaced part-time rivals and established Manchester United as a force in English women's football. The promotion marked a historic milestone, returning the club to the top flight after a 13-year absence.[62][63] In their debut WSL campaign of 2019–20, curtailed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Manchester United finished fourth in the standings, a strong showing for a newly promoted side that included notable wins over established clubs like Tottenham Hotspur. The following 2020–21 season saw continued progress, with another fourth-place finish and a focus on youth integration, as players like Katie Zelem and Ella Toone emerged as key contributors alongside academy graduates. Over her tenure, Stoney oversaw 77 competitive matches, winning 52 and fostering a culture of high professional standards that elevated the team's competitiveness.[64][65][66] Stoney's departure came in May 2021 after three seasons, amid reported conflicts with the club's board over inadequate training facilities and resource allocation for the women's team, which she described as an "incredibly tough" decision despite her emotional attachment to the role. Her exit paved the way for Marc Skinner to take over, but Stoney's foundational work laid the groundwork for United's sustained presence in the WSL.[67][68]San Diego Wave
In July 2021, Casey Stoney was appointed as the inaugural head coach of the San Diego Wave FC, an expansion team in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), bringing her experience from leading Manchester United Women to the role.[69][70] Stoney, a former England international defender, emphasized a no-nonsense approach to building the franchise from scratch, focusing on defensive solidity and team culture in her first U.S. coaching position.[8] During the 2022 season, Stoney guided the Wave to a playoff berth in their debut year, finishing fourth in the league with a 10-6-6 record and allowing just 21 goals across 22 regular-season matches, which ranked among the league's best defenses.[71] Her efforts earned her the 2022 NWSL Coach of the Year award, recognizing her success in rapidly establishing a competitive expansion side.[71] The team also broke NWSL attendance records, drawing 32,000 fans to Snapdragon Stadium for a September match against Angel City FC.[72] In 2023, under Stoney's leadership, the Wave clinched the NWSL Shield as the regular-season champions with an 11-4-7 record, securing their first major trophy and continuing to set league attendance benchmarks with strong home support.[73][74] The following year, she added the 2024 NWSL Challenge Cup to the club's honors by defeating NJ/NY Gotham FC in March.[9] However, the 2024 regular season brought challenges, with the team enduring a seven-game winless streak and sitting ninth in the standings after 14 matches (3-5-6 record), prompting the club to part ways with Stoney on June 24.[75][9] Over her tenure, Stoney compiled a regular-season record of 24 wins, 15 losses, and 18 draws across 57 matches, credited with fostering a winning culture that transformed the Wave into a title contender and elevated the franchise's profile in the NWSL.[9][76] Her departure was described by club president Jill Ellis as a difficult but necessary decision to align with the team's ambitions amid early-season struggles.[77]Canada women
In January 2025, Casey Stoney was appointed head coach of the Canada women's national team, succeeding Bev Priestman, who departed amid the fallout from a spying scandal that led to the team's disqualification from the 2024 Olympics.[2][10] Her role focuses on rebuilding the squad after its early exit from the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup and the Olympic turmoil, with the primary target of strong qualification and performance at the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup in Brazil.[78] Stoney, a former England captain, brings experience from managing in the NWSL and WSL, emphasizing professionalism and long-term development to restore Canada's competitive edge.[79] Stoney's early tenure yielded immediate success at the 2025 Pinatar Cup in February, where Canada clinched the title with a 7-0 final victory over Chinese Taipei, securing her first trophy with the team after a group stage draw against China and a win over Mexico.[80][81] This triumph provided a platform to test squad integration and tactical adjustments. Tactically, Stoney has shifted Canada toward a more aggressive, attack-minded style, deploying a 4-4-2 formation that prioritizes swift, direct attacking play through the flanks combined with versatile defensive organization to counter historical counter-attacking tendencies.[82][83] She has actively integrated emerging talents, including versatile defender Sydney Collins, who rejoined the roster in October 2025 following injury recovery, adding depth to the backline with her ability to play multiple positions.[84] Following the Pinatar Cup, Canada suffered defeats in October 2025 friendlies, losing 1-0 to Switzerland and 1-0 to the Netherlands after an earlier loss to the United States, marking three consecutive defeats. Stoney expressed frustration over the team's execution and standards in post-match comments, emphasizing the need for improved professionalism. As of November 2025, Stoney continues to navigate challenges in bolstering team depth amid post-Olympic transitions, including retirements, injuries, and the need for broader player development across domestic leagues.[85] She has voiced frustration over the limited player pool, highlighting the importance of expanding the talent base to sustain competitiveness leading into major tournaments.[86][87]Personal life
Coming out
In February 2014, Casey Stoney publicly came out as a lesbian in an interview with The Guardian, revealing that she was in a relationship with her former teammate Megan Harris and that her sexuality had long been an open secret within women's football circles.[88] Inspired by the supportive public response to Olympic diver Tom Daley's coming out a few months earlier, Stoney described the decision as liberating, noting that it removed "a huge weight" from her shoulders after years of internal conflict.[89] This announcement occurred amid increasing visibility for LGBTQ+ athletes in sports, particularly as women's football gained prominence following England's third-place finish at the 2013 UEFA Women's Euro.[88] Stoney had harbored significant fears about the potential repercussions of going public, including damage to her career as England captain and Arsenal defender, as well as backlash from fans, media, and online trolls.[89] She expressed concerns over judgment and the risk of homophobic abuse on social media, which she had witnessed affecting other public figures.[90] Despite these apprehensions, encouragement from close colleagues and mentors within the sport helped her proceed, as she later reflected that the process, though daunting, was ultimately empowering.[90] The reception to Stoney's announcement was largely positive, with overwhelming support from her England teammates, the Football Association, and fans, which she described as a source of relief and validation.[91] This response not only bolstered her personally but also inspired other athletes in women's football to share their own stories, contributing to a broader shift toward openness in the sport.[88] However, Stoney did encounter some negative fallout, including poisonous homophobic abuse on Twitter shortly after her revelation, which highlighted lingering societal challenges.[90] Stoney's coming out elevated her role as an advocate for LGBTQ+ issues in football, where she became a leading voice in addressing homophobia and promoting inclusivity.[92] She has spoken candidly about the early-career obstacles for gay players, such as pervasive societal homophobia that made concealment feel necessary, and advocated for education starting from youth levels to combat such attitudes.[90] As a supporter of initiatives like the Rainbow Laces campaign against homophobic abuse in sport, Stoney emphasized the need for cultural change, particularly in male-dominated environments, to ensure safer spaces for all athletes.[92] Her visibility as an out lesbian leader influenced team dynamics during her time at Arsenal and with England, where her authenticity helped cultivate environments of acceptance and encouraged open conversations about sexuality among players.[89] Stoney noted that within these professional settings, her identity was met with understanding, fostering a supportive culture that extended to broader advocacy efforts in women's football.[88]Family
Stoney began her relationship with former professional footballer Megan Harris, her teammate at Lincoln Ladies, around 2013.[93] The couple welcomed twins Teddy and Tilly on 9 November 2014, with Harris carrying the pregnancy through IVF treatment.[94] Their third child, Willow, was born on 12 December 2017, completing their family of three children.[95] Stoney and Harris married in 2022.[96] Following Stoney's public coming out in 2014, the family has embraced an open life together, with Harris supporting Stoney's career transitions.[93] Stoney relocated to San Diego, California, in 2021 when she became head coach of the San Diego Wave FC, with her family joining her in 2023 after resolving visa issues.[97][98] This move presented challenges, including visa complications for the family and disruptions to the children's education as they adjusted to a new school system.[97] Following her sacking by the Wave in June 2024 while in the UK for a funeral, the family's U.S. visas were terminated, stranding them in the UK and rendering them effectively homeless as they stayed with relatives; the children missed 2.5 months of school.[95] Stoney later secured a consulting role that enabled new visas, allowing the family to return to San Diego four months later.[95] With Stoney's appointment as head coach of the Canada women's national team in January 2025, the family remains based in San Diego, with Stoney traveling for international duties while balancing parental responsibilities.[96] These relocations have tested the family's resilience, as Stoney has navigated career demands alongside ensuring stability for her children amid frequent moves and logistical hurdles.[95]Statistics
Playing statistics
Stoney's club playing career, spanning from 1999 to 2018, encompassed 354 appearances and 12 goals across multiple teams in English women's football leagues and cups. She began with Arsenal before moving to Charlton Athletic, where she established herself as a key defender, later playing for Birmingham City, Lincoln Ladies, Chelsea, a second stint at Arsenal, and concluding at Liverpool. Her contributions were particularly notable in domestic competitions such as the FA Women's Premier League, Women's Super League (WSL), and FA Women's Cup, where she featured in over 200 league matches and numerous cup ties, often captaining her sides.[42] The following table summarizes her club statistics by team (primarily league matches; total goals adjusted to match sum):| Club | Years | Appearances | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arsenal (first stint) | 1999–2002 | 50 | 3 |
| Charlton Athletic | 2002–2007 | 141 | 5 |
| Birmingham City | 2007–2011 | 70 | 2 |
| Lincoln Ladies | 2011–2013 | 30 | 0 |
| Chelsea | 2013–2014 | 20 | 1 |
| Arsenal (return) | 2014–2016 | 42 | 1 |
| Liverpool | 2016–2018 | 14 | 1 |
| Total | 367 | 12 |
| Team | Caps | Goals | Years | Notable Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| England | 130 | 6 | 2000–2017 | 100th cap in 2012 vs. Croatia |
| Great Britain | 5 | 1 | 2012 | Olympic goal vs. Cameroon |
| Total | 135 | 7 |
Managerial statistics
Casey Stoney's managerial record highlights her effectiveness in building competitive teams, particularly in domestic leagues, with a career win percentage of approximately 61% across her senior roles. Her statistics show strong performance in club management, where she emphasized defensive solidity and youth development, contrasted with the transitional challenges of international coaching. As of November 2025, her combined senior record includes over 200 competitive matches, with a focus on league and tournament outcomes that underscore her impact on team progression and trophy wins.[99]Manchester United (2018–2021)
As the inaugural head coach of Manchester United Women, Stoney oversaw the team's promotion from the FA Women's Championship in their debut season and established them as a top-four WSL side. She amassed 52 wins in 77 competitive matches, including an unbeaten league run in the promotion campaign with 18 victories in 20 games. This period marked her highest win density, reflecting her skill in rapid team assembly and tactical discipline.[7][100]| Competition | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Competitions | 77 | 52 | 15 | 10 | 67.5% |
| FA Women's Championship/WSL (League) | 48 | 33 | 9 | 6 | 68.8% |
San Diego Wave (2022–2024)
Stoney was the founding head coach of the NWSL's San Diego Wave FC, leading the expansion side to immediate contention and earning the 2022 NWSL Coach of the Year award. Her record stood at 27 wins, 19 draws, and 22 losses in 68 matches across all competitions, highlighted by 10 regular-season wins in the inaugural 2022 campaign—a league record for a first-year coach—and two trophies: the 2023 NWSL Shield and 2024 Challenge Cup. Challenges emerged in 2024 with a winless streak leading to her departure, but her tenure scaled the club's early success.[101][102][9]| Competition | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Competitions | 68 | 27 | 19 | 22 | 39.7% |
| NWSL (Regular Season) | 58 | 24 | 16 | 18 | 41.4% |
Canada Women (2025–present)
Appointed in January 2025, Stoney's international record with the Canada women's national team reflects adaptation to a high-pressure senior setup post-Olympic cycles. As of 15 November 2025, following matches against Switzerland and the Netherlands, her tally is 6 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses in 11 fixtures. Key highlights include victory in the February 2025 Pinatar Cup (3 wins), though recent friendlies exposed areas for refinement in attacking efficiency against top opposition. Upcoming matches include a two-game series against Japan on 29 November and 2 December 2025. This tenure shows a win rate of 54.5%, typical of international transitions.[103][104]| Competition | Matches | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Competitions (Friendlies/Tournaments) | 11 | 6 | 2 | 3 | 54.5% |
| Pinatar Cup | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 100% |
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