Toni Duggan Announces Retirement: A Look Back at Her 17-Year Football Journey

Toni Duggan Retires: Celebrating a Stellar Football Career

Toni Duggan, a prominent name in women's football, has officially announced her retirement, capping off a remarkable 17-year career that began at Everton. At just 33 years old, Duggan made her debut as a 16-year-old in the 2007/08 season, quickly rising to fame.

Early Career and Accolades

Duggan first captured attention during her time at Everton, where she won the PFA Women's Young Player of the Year and lifted the Women's FA Cup in 2009. Her impressive performances paved the way for moves to prestigious clubs like Manchester City, Barcelona, and Atletico Madrid, where she showcased her prowess on the largest stages.

International Impact

Representing England with 79 caps highlights Duggan's commitment to the national team. Her contributions on the field have been instrumental in promoting women's football in the UK and beyond.

A Reflective Retirement

When speaking about her decision to retire, Duggan expressed a mixture of emotions. "Strange really," she stated in an interview with Sky Sports. "The fact it is today feels a bit weird and it will for the next few weeks." After a summer filled with contemplation, Duggan feels content, believing she is leaving the sport in a better place than when she started.

Full Circle Back to Everton

Duggan returned to Everton three years ago, marking the closing chapter of her professional journey. "It's kind of nice that my career has gone full circle. I started at Everton, and I finish here, it's a nice moment," she said during her retirement announcement. In her comeback season, she played 22 Women's Super League games, recording two goals and one assist.

A New Chapter: Family First

After announcing her pregnancy with her daughter Luella, Duggan missed the entire subsequent season. "I had offers from around the world but none that felt right," she explained. “When you have a baby, they become your priority.” The focus moving forward will undoubtedly be on her family, though she is eager to remain involved in football.

A Passion for the Game

Despite retiring, Duggan is keen on staying within the football industry, indicating a potential for involvement in coaching, mentoring, and even punditry. "I want to stay in the game, I've always had a passion for football," she stated. In addition to her on-field achievements, her advocacy for pregnancy issues in women's sports sets a powerful precedent for upcoming generations.

The Future of Women's Football

Duggan believes that while significant progress has been made in women's football, there is more work to be done. "I think the women's game is at a great level, but there's areas to improve." The former forward aims to continue fostering growth and development in the sport.

Honors and Achievements

Throughout her illustrious career, Duggan has received numerous honors, underscoring her impact in women's football:

• Everton: FA Women's League Cup (2007/08), FA Women's Cup (2009/10)
• Manchester City: FA Women's League Cup (2014, 2016), FA WSL (2016), Women's FA Cup (2016/17)
• Barcelona: Copa de la Reina (2018), Copa Catalunya (2017, 2018), UEFA Women's Champions League runner-up (2018/19)
• Atletico Madrid: Supercopa de Espana Femenina (2020/21)

Conclusion

Toni Duggan leaves behind a legacy of excellence and inspiration. With nearly 300 appearances and over 90 goals, her dedication to the sport has immensely enriched women's football. As she embarks on a new life chapter, it’s clear that Duggan's impact will continue to inspire; the game she is leaving is undoubtedly better because of her involvement.