Fran Kirby Bows Out of International Football with Grace and Grit
So, some really emotional news just came out—Fran Kirby, one of the brightest stars in women’s football, has officially retired from international duty with England. And let me tell you, this one stings a little. It’s not just the end of a chapter for her, but the end of an era for the Lionesses.
Kirby announced her retirement just days before the Euro 2025 squad was to be finalized. After being told by head coach Sarina Wiegman that she wasn’t going to be part of the tournament roster unless someone got injured, Fran made the brave decision to step away. She said it felt like “a dagger to the heart but also a weight off her shoulders.” That’s such a raw and honest way to describe a moment that must’ve been incredibly hard. Still, she’s walking away with her head held high, and rightfully so.
For over a decade, Fran has been a fixture in the England squad—77 caps, 19 goals, and memories that will live on forever. She played a pivotal role in England’s Euro 2022 triumph, starting every single game and helping to lift the trophy at Wembley. Think about that for a second. A girl from Reading who started in WSL 2 ended up making history at the very highest level. That’s legacy material.
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Her story hasn’t been without setbacks—injuries, illnesses, heartbreaks—but she’s always fought back. That’s something I deeply respect. She’s had pericarditis, knee surgeries, missed tournaments, and still she came back stronger every time. Fran even said, “Every time I put on that England badge I gave it 100%.” And you believe it. You see it in the way she plays—with heart, with flair, with a touch that’s honestly magic.
It’s easy to admire her for the goals and assists, but what really gets me is her humility. She’s not bitter about not making the Euros squad. Instead, she said she didn’t want to block the path for younger players coming through. That’s a team player. That’s leadership. That’s someone who knows the value of the shirt and wants to leave it better for the next generation.
Her teammates are feeling it too. Lucy Bronze even called her “mini-Messi” in the dressing room after the announcement. That’s the kind of talent we’re talking about here. And Sarina Wiegman said Fran is not just an incredible footballer, but an inspiration. Honestly, I couldn’t agree more.
Kirby’s not done with football—far from it. She’s had a strong season with Brighton, scoring seven goals, and she’s already looking ahead to the next domestic campaign. But when it comes to wearing the England badge, she’s closing that door with pride, gratitude, and a quiet kind of power.
So here’s to Fran Kirby—forever a Lioness, forever an inspiration.
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