Casey Stoney MBE

Casey Jean Stoney, born on May 13, 1982, in Basildon, England, developed into a versatile defender who achieved significant milestones in her playing career. She played for prominent clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal, Charlton Athletic, Lincoln, and Liverpool, making her debut for the England senior team in August 2000. Stoney earned over 100 caps for England, actively participating in UEFA Women’s Euros and FIFA Women’s World Cups. She notably captained England and the newly formed Great Britain Olympic squad at the 2012 Summer Olympics, scoring a goal in the tournament.

Following her playing career, Stoney transitioned into coaching. In 2018, she became the first head coach of Manchester United Women, leading them to win the FA Women’s Championship in their inaugural season and securing promotion to the FA WSL. Her tenure at Manchester United established the team as a competitive force in women’s football. Subsequently, in 2021, Stoney was appointed the inaugural head coach of San Diego Wave FC in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Under her leadership, the Wave achieved a third-place finish in their first NWSL season in 2022, and she was recognized as the NWSL Coach of the Year. In 2023, she guided San Diego Wave FC to win the NWSL Shield and secured the 2024 NWSL Challenge Cup. In January 2025, Stoney was appointed head coach of the Canada women’s national soccer team, continuing her impact on international women’s football where she guided the team to win the 2025 Pinatar Cup.

Stoney’s dedication to football extends beyond her on-field and coaching roles. In 2013, she became the first female member of the Professional Footballers’ Association’s management committee. She was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2015 Birthday Honours for her services to football, an acknowledgment of her significant contributions to the sport. Her career showcases a consistent commitment to excellence and leadership within women’s professional football.