Manchester City defender and former England captain Steph Houghton will retire at the end of the current Women’s Super League season.
Houghton, 35, is City’s record appearance holder and is part of the squad in contention to win the WSL title this season.
Houghton has 121 England caps but has not played for her country since 2021.
“Steph is – without question – an icon of the game,” said City head coach Gareth Taylor.
“Although her professional career on the pitch is now coming to an end, her legacy will be felt for so many years to come.
“She’s paved the way for so many to thrive in the future.”
Centre-back Houghton has played almost 150 league games for City since joining from Arsenal in 2014, having started her career at Sunderland and Leeds.
Houghton is City’s most decorated player having won eight major trophies – four Continental Cups, three Women’s FA Cups and the FA Women’s Super League title in 2016 – in her time at the club.
The City captain signed a new one-year deal in June 2023, taking her into a 10th year at the club during which she will stop her playing career.
“I feel incredibly privileged to have been able to work with her since 2020 and know her name will be written into the history books as a true footballing great,” added Taylor.
More to follow.