Karen Carney is an English former professional footballer, broadcaster and sports columnist whose career has spanned elite women’s football, television and public work on the development of the women’s game. She represented England for 14 years, winning 144 senior caps and scoring 33 goals, and played at four FIFA Women’s World Cups. She also represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics.
At club level, Carney played for Birmingham City, Arsenal, Chicago Red Stars and Chelsea. Her honours included the UEFA Women’s Cup with Arsenal, domestic trophies in England and an FA Women’s Cup with Birmingham City and Chelsea. After retiring from football in 2019, she established a second career as a football broadcaster and columnist.
In 2024, Carney was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to association football. She later gained another high-profile television role when she competed on Strictly Come Dancing in 2025 and won the series with professional partner Carlos Gu.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Karen Julia Carney |
| Known As | Karen Carney |
| Date of Birth | August 1, 1987 |
| Age | 39 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Solihull, England |
| Nationality | English |
| Profession | Former professional footballer, broadcaster and football analyst |
| Playing Position | Midfielder / winger |
| Senior Clubs | Birmingham City, Arsenal, Chicago Red Stars, Chelsea |
| England Career | 2005–2019 |
| England Caps | 144 |
| England Goals | 32–33, with official sources differing on the final tally |
| Major Tournaments | Four FIFA Women’s World Cups, four UEFA Women’s European Championships, London 2012 Olympics |
| 2015 World Cup | England won the bronze medal |
| Major Club Achievement | Part of Arsenal’s historic 2006–07 quadruple-winning team |
| Birmingham City Achievement | Scored the winning penalty in the 2012 Women’s FA Cup final |
| Chelsea Achievement | Helped Chelsea win the 2017–18 WSL and Women’s FA Cup double |
| International Milestone | Won her 100th England cap against Germany in November 2014 |
| Honours | MBE (2017); OBE (2024) |
| Hall of Fame | English Football Hall of Fame (2021) |
| Women’s Football Review | Chaired the UK Government’s independent review of women’s football, published in 2023 |
| Post-Retirement Career | Football broadcaster, analyst and columnist |
| 2026 Recognition | PFA Merit Award |
| Net Worth | Not publicly verified |
Early Life and Background
Karen Julia Carney was born on August 1, 1987, in Birmingham, England. She began playing football at a young age and developed through Birmingham City’s youth system before making the transition to senior football.
Her early progress was rapid. Carney received the FA Young Player of the Year award in both 2005 and 2006, while also establishing herself in the England senior team.
Education
Carney’s professional sporting career began at a young age, and detailed information about her early schooling is not necessary to understand her public career.
Later in life, she pursued further education and is reported to have completed an MBA in 2022.
Football Career
Birmingham City
Carney began her senior career with Birmingham City, the club where she had developed as a youth player. Her performances helped establish her as one of the leading young players in English women’s football.
Her first major international breakthrough also came during this period. She made her England senior debut in 2005 and scored the winning goal against Finland at the UEFA Women’s European Championship that year.
Arsenal
Carney joined Arsenal in 2006. The move brought a highly successful period in her club career.
During the 2006–07 season, Arsenal won the UEFA Women’s Cup, alongside the English league title, FA Women’s Cup and FA Women’s Premier League Cup. This gave Carney a place in one of the most successful women’s club sides of that era.
Chicago Red Stars
Carney moved to the United States to play for Chicago Red Stars in the Women’s Professional Soccer league. She spent two seasons in the United States before returning to England.
Return to Birmingham City
Carney returned to Birmingham City in 2011. During this spell, she was part of the side that won the FA Women’s Cup, including a final against Chelsea in which she scored the decisive penalty.
Chelsea
Carney joined Chelsea in 2015 and finished her playing career with the club. She was named Chelsea’s Player of the Year in 2016 and later captained the team.
Her Chelsea honours included the FA Women’s Cup and league success. She retired from professional football in 2019, ending a playing career that had included four World Cups and 144 England appearances.
England Career
Carney made her England debut in 2005 and went on to become one of the country’s most-capped women’s players.
She represented England at four FIFA Women’s World Cups — 2007, 2011, 2015 and 2019 — as well as four UEFA Women’s European Championships. She earned her 100th England cap in 2014 and ultimately finished her international career with 144 appearances and 33 goals.
At the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada, Carney scored in two of England’s group matches. England went on to finish third, securing the team’s first senior World Cup medal.
Carney also represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics, adding an Olympic tournament to her international résumé.
Career as a Broadcaster and Journalist
After retiring as a player, Carney moved into football broadcasting. She became a regular analyst and pundit across major British sports networks, including Sky Sports, ITV and TNT Sports, while also working across coverage of both women’s and men’s football.
She has also written as a football columnist for The Guardian, covering major England matches and international tournaments.
Her broadcasting career has included coverage of major women’s competitions as well as men’s football, allowing her to draw on her experience as a former England international and elite club player.
Women’s Football Review
Carney’s work has also extended beyond broadcasting. In 2022, she chaired the UK government’s review into the future of women’s football.
The review examined issues affecting the women’s game, including financial sustainability, participation, facilities and pathways for young players. Carney’s involvement reflected her longstanding connection with the development of women’s football beyond her playing career.
Honours and Recognition
Carney’s contribution to football has been recognised through several honours.
She was appointed an MBE in the 2017 New Year Honours for services to football. In 2024, she was appointed an OBE, again for services to association football.
She was also inducted into the National Football Museum’s English Football Hall of Fame. The museum records her 144 England caps, 33 international goals and appearances at major tournaments including the Olympics.
Strictly Come Dancing
In 2025, Carney became a contestant on the 23rd series of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. She was partnered with professional dancer Carlos Gu.
Carney and Gu won the series in December 2025, making her the first footballer to win the competition.
The appearance introduced Carney to a television audience beyond football and added another chapter to her post-playing career.
Personal Life
Carney generally keeps her private life separate from her professional work. Publicly documented information about her is focused mainly on football, broadcasting, education and her work supporting the development of women’s football.
She has spoken publicly about her family in the context of her football career and her interest in improving opportunities for women and girls in the sport.
Net Worth
There is no sufficiently reliable public figure for Karen Carney’s current net worth. Published estimates online vary and are not supported by audited financial information or a verified statement from Carney.
Because of that uncertainty, a specific net-worth figure is not included here.
Interesting Facts About Karen Carney
- Carney earned 144 England caps and scored 33 international goals.
- She played for Birmingham City, Arsenal, Chicago Red Stars and Chelsea during her professional career.
- She represented England at four Women’s World Cups.
- She represented Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics.
- Arsenal’s 2006–07 season brought Carney the UEFA Women’s Cup and three major domestic trophies.
- She was appointed an MBE in 2017 and an OBE in 2024 for services to association football.
- Carney became a football broadcaster after retiring from playing in 2019 and has worked with Sky Sports, ITV and TNT Sports.
- She won Strictly Come Dancing in 2025 with Carlos Gu.
FAQs About Karen Carney
How old is Karen Carney?
Karen Carney was born on August 1, 1987, making her 39 years old in September 2026.
Where is Karen Carney from?
Karen Carney is from Birmingham, England. She developed through Birmingham City’s youth system before beginning her senior football career.
How many times did Karen Carney play for England?
Carney made 144 appearances for England and scored 33 goals during her international career.
Which football clubs did Karen Carney play for?
Her senior club career included Birmingham City, Arsenal, Chicago Red Stars and Chelsea.
When did Karen Carney retire from football?
Carney retired from professional football in 2019 after the Women’s World Cup.
What does Karen Carney do now?
After retiring from playing, Carney developed a career as a football broadcaster, pundit and columnist. She has worked with Sky Sports, ITV and TNT Sports and has written for The Guardian.
Did Karen Carney win Strictly Come Dancing?
Yes. Carney and professional dancer Carlos Gu won the 2025 series of Strictly Come Dancing.
Conclusion
Karen Carney has built a notable career in two phases: first as an England international and successful club footballer, and later as a broadcaster, columnist and advocate for women’s football. Her playing career included 144 England caps, four World Cups, an Olympic appearance and major club honours.
Since retiring in 2019, she has remained closely connected to football through broadcasting and public work. Her OBE in 2024 and Strictly Come Dancing victory in 2025 added further milestones to a career that has extended well beyond the football pitch.
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