Niamh Fahey, the 38-year-old captain of Liverpool FC Women, has announced that she will retire from professional football at the end of the current season, capping off a distinguished career spanning more than a decade. Her final match will take place at Stamford Bridge—a fitting venue, as it was there she previously celebrated a domestic double with Arsenal ten years ago.
Fahey, a central defender from Galway, Ireland, began her English football career in 2008 with Arsenal. Her debut season was impressive, and she went on to win numerous honors with the club, including Women’s Super League titles and FA Cups, establishing herself as one of the top defenders in the women’s game.
Though she started with Arsenal and later played in France with Bordeaux, Fahey always dreamed of representing Liverpool. That dream came true in 2018 when she signed for the Reds. Her arrival was a turning point for the club, signaling growing ambition and strengthening the team on and off the field.
Her impact was immediate—both fans and pundits noted the shift in the team’s prospects, and her leadership quickly made her a key figure in the squad. Over five years, Fahey made over 120 appearances for Liverpool in the WSL. As captain, she led the team through tough challenges and significant victories, including the 2022 FA Women’s Championship title, which secured Liverpool’s return to the top division.
Internationally, Fahey earned 115 caps with the Republic of Ireland and was instrumental in the team’s qualification for the 2023 Women’s World Cup—a historic achievement for Irish football.
Reflecting on her career, Fahey expressed deep gratitude for her time at Liverpool, a club she had always dreamed of playing for. The support from fans has been vital throughout her journey, and she feels a strong connection to the city, which she now considers her second home.
Liverpool FC Women’s interim head coach, Amber Whiteley, praised Fahey as an exceptional leader and role model, whose influence extends far beyond the pitch.
Though she is retiring, Fahey remains optimistic about the team’s future and plans to continue supporting Liverpool as a dedicated fan. With rising stars like Olivia Smith stepping into the spotlight, Fahey believes the foundation she helped lay will support a bright future for the club.
As she steps away from the professional game, Niamh Fahey leaves behind a lasting legacy—as a world-class defender, a committed captain, and a true Liverpool legend