Sue Smith

Susan Jane Smith, born on November 24, 1979, in Prescot, England, began her football career in her teenage years. She played for Tranmere Rovers from 1994 to 2002 before signing with Leeds United in 2002. During her time with Leeds, the team was known as Leeds Carnegie. She later joined Lincoln Ladies in August 2010 and Doncaster Rovers Belles in December 2011. Smith made her England debut at 17, scoring in a match against Germany in February 1997. Her international career spanned 94 caps and included two FA International Player of the Year awards in 1999 and 2001. In 2009, she became one of the first 17 women’s players to receive central contracts from The Football Association.

Throughout her playing career, Smith exhibited skills as a winger and forward. She achieved notable milestones such as a hat-trick against Spain in March 2001 and winning the FA Women’s Premier League Cup in 2009–10 with Leeds United. She also secured the FA Women’s Premier League Northern Division title in 1995–96 with Tranmere Rovers. After suffering a significant injury involving damaged cruciate and medial ligaments while playing for Doncaster Rovers Belles, her playing career concluded after the 2016 season, though she never officially announced retirement.

Following her playing career, Smith transitioned into media, becoming a prominent analyst and commentator. She has contributed to the Yorkshire Evening Post, appeared as a co-presenter on ‘EFL on Quest’, and is a regular on Sky Sports, covering Women’s Super League games and ‘Soccer Saturday’. In 2023, Smith joined EA Sports FC 24 as a commentator, further expanding her media presence. She actively supports the development of women’s football, participating in initiatives like the Premier League Primary Stars program to encourage young girls in the sport.