Steph Houghton MBE, one of the most decorated and influential women's footballers of her generation, retired from professional football to focus on family life and her husband's battle with Motor Neurone Disease (MND). The former Manchester City and England captain is now taking part in Soccer Aid 2026, which airs on May 31, celebrating its 20th anniversary.
Distinguished Football Career
Houghton earned 121 senior caps for England between 2007 and 2021, scoring 13 goals. She began her senior career at Sunderland in 2002, later playing for Leeds Carnegie, Arsenal, and Manchester City, where she was the founding captain. She won 16 domestic trophies, including the WSL title with Arsenal and Manchester City. Houghton also represented Team GB at the 2012 and 2020 Olympics, famously scoring the winner against Brazil at Wembley in 2012. She captained England to a bronze medal at the 2015 World Cup and semi-finals in 2017 and 2019.
Family Life and MND Battle
Houghton married former footballer Stephen Darby in 2018. Three months later, Darby was diagnosed with MND at age 29, forcing his retirement. Houghton has been his primary caregiver, and in 2024, Darby underwent a feeding tube operation. The couple has openly discussed their desire to have children, describing it as "still possible" despite the challenges. Houghton is also a devoted godmother and aunt.
Since retiring, Houghton has worked as a football pundit for BBC Sport and maintains partnerships with Nike and STATSports. She and Darby are active advocates for The Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, raising millions for research and support.
Soccer Aid 2026 sees Houghton line up for England alongside Wayne Rooney, Jill Scott, and celebrities like Tom Hiddleston. The event raises funds for UNICEF.
