Fran Kirby reflects on decision to retire from England and speaks about plans after football | OneFootball

Brighton & Hove Albion v Aston Villa – Barclays Women’s Super League

CRAWLEY, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 05: Fran Kirby of Brighton & Hove Albion scores her team’s third goal from the penalty spot during the Barclays Women’s Super League match between Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa at Broadfield Stadium on October 05, 2024 in Crawley, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)

Fran Kirby has reflected on her decision to retire from international football and revealed her future plans, including life after when she decides to retire from the sport.

The Brighton forward is preparing for her 11th Women’s Super League campaign.

Back in 2015, the then 21-year-old left Reading for Chelsea in a deal that set a British transfer record, in a move worth between £40,000 and £60,000.

Ten years later, Arsenal are the latest to raise that bar with Olivia Smith, who became the first £1 million player in women’s football.

Kirby in a changing room with players including Katie Chapman, Eni Aluko and Claire Rafferty, went on to thrive.

She won seven league titles, five FA Cups and played in a Champions League final. She left Chelsea at the end of 2023-24 as their all-time top goalscorer before beginning a new chapter at Brighton.

Brighton have become one of the league’s most ambitious clubs. The club has plans for a purpose-built stadium for the women’s team, with the aim of completing it around the 2027–28 season. For now, most home games are played at Crawley’s Broadfield Stadium. Their fifth-place finish last season was their best yet.

In an interview with The Observer, Fran Kirby spoke about her decision to retire from international football and what are her future plans.

Fran Kirby reflects on decision to retire from England

The summer looked very different for Kirby. After conversations with Sarina Wiegman, she announced her retirement from international football, knowing she would not be part of the Euro 2025 squad.

Just three years earlier, she had started every match of England’s historic Euros triumph, but she still found joy in watching from the outside.

“If I hadn’t enjoyed it so much, I would have been questioning if it was the right time to step away from the national team. Obviously I wasn’t going to go to the Euros anyway, but I’m the kind of player that wants everyone to do well. When you know people personally, how much they give and how much passion they have for their country, how can you not support them?”

Asked if her many spells on the sidelines over the years made that attitude easier, she admitted it has shaped her outlook.

“It has made it easier, but I think it’s also the nature of who I am. Having the moments I’ve had in my career has definitely made me more mature when I’m not on the pitch. I always want the best for people when they’re playing. I’ll message after the match and talk to them about their performances.”

Kirby reveals future plans and life after football

Kirby has endured long battles with injury and illness, but her hunger remains.

“It’s no secret that my body has struggled with the demands of everything. When I first joined Chelsea, we were in every cup, we were playing Champions League, and it was a lot from such a young age.

“I would like to play for a few more years and push myself still. But I’ve obviously thought about life after football. I would love to stay in the women’s game.

“I have a lot to give in terms of helping it grow and pushing it to another level. Whether that’s at a club or in punditry, it’s something I’ve thought about but not gone after just yet.”

At 32, Fran Kirby is one of the most decorated players in English football. She has watched the women’s game transform in front of her, played a central part in that change, and still has plenty more to offer.