sevendayweekender – Laura Coombs has announced that she will retire from professional football at the end of the season. Bringing an end to a career that has spanned nearly two decades at the top level of the women’s game.
The 35-year-old midfielder currently plays for Manchester City Women and hopes to finish her playing career with another major trophy. City are currently six points clear of Arsenal Women at the top of the Women’s Super League with only two matches remaining.
Coombs began her senior career with Arsenal in 2007 and went on to represent several major clubs in English football. Throughout her career, she earned a reputation as a hardworking and versatile midfielder capable of influencing games both defensively and offensively.
On the international stage, Coombs won seven caps for the England women’s national football team.
One of the most notable moments of her international career came in 2023 when manager Sarina Wiegman recalled her to the England squad after an absence of eight years.
That return led to Coombs becoming part of the England squad that reached the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final. She also helped the Lionesses win the Women’s Finalissima and the Arnold Clark Cup during the same period.
Key Figure at Manchester City
Coombs has spent the last seven years with Manchester City and became one of the squad’s most dependable and experienced players.
Although often surrounded by star names, she earned praise for her consistency, professionalism, and leadership qualities. She regularly filled multiple roles across midfield and other positions whenever needed by the team.
During her strongest seasons, Coombs operated as a dynamic box-to-box midfielder known for her passing range. Technical ability, and intelligent movement.
Across her time at City, she scored 27 goals in 147 appearances and helped the club win the FA Cup in 2020 and the League Cup in both 2020 and 2022.
Manchester City managing director Charlotte O’Neill described Coombs as a “true cultural architect and heartbeat” of the club.
O’Neill praised her professionalism, humility. And ability to raise standards within the squad, highlighting the impact she made both on and off the pitch.
Career Filled With Success Across English Football
Before joining Manchester City, Coombs also enjoyed successful spells with several other major clubs.
She was part of the Chelsea Women squad that won the club’s first Women’s Super League title in 2015. Along with an FA Cup triumph.
Later, after a successful loan spell with Liverpool Women. She completed a permanent move and made 74 appearances for the club.
Her longevity in the game reflects both her adaptability and professionalism during a period when women’s football experienced enormous growth in visibility and competitiveness.
Coombs said she is excited about the future of Manchester City’s women’s team and proud to have played a role in the club’s development.
Her final home league appearance for City will come against Liverpool on Sunday before the team concludes the season away to West Ham United Women on 16 May.
As she prepares to retire, Coombs leaves behind a respected legacy as one of the most reliable and experienced midfielders of her generation in English women’s football.
