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Manchester City have announced that midfielder Laura Coombs will hang up her boots at the age of 35.
The England World Cup runner-up will hope to leave Manchester with silverware as the club are on the verge of their first Women’s Super League title in ten years. The Cityzens sit top of the WSL standings with just two games left to play.
Coombs started her playing career 19 years ago, when she began her senior journey at Vic Akers’ Arsenal in 2007. After an almost four-year spell in North London, the midfielder went on to play for some of the biggest names in women’s football.
The 35-year-old then transferred to Chelsea where she won the first domestic honours of her career — a league and FA Cup double. A short spell on Merseyside followed as she represented Liverpool, before transferring to Manchester City in 2019.
“I’m so excited to be a fan of this team in the future,” Coombs said on her retirement. “What they’re trying to build here, I think it’s incredible.
“The way Manchester City are putting our women’s team in a position to really go on and be successful long-term is so exciting. I’m very glad I got to play a part in that and I’m very excited to watch in the future.”
Laura Coombs’ time at Manchester City
After signing for Man City at 29-years-old, Coombs could never have imagined how much of a reliable figure she would become.
In her seven seasons at the club, she featured 147 times across all competitions — placing her eighth on City’s all-time professional rankings.
“Laura has been a true cultural architect and heartbeat of Man City Women. Her professionalism, drive, and humility has set a standard that others have naturally followed,” said Managing Director, Charlotte O’Neill.
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“I only have the highest praise for Laura. She is a shining example to our younger players, of what an elite player and all-round top person looks like.”
During her time in blue, success came immediately. In just her first season, Manchester City reigned victorious in the FA Cup with a dramatic win over Everton. In addition to City’s FA Cup win, the midfielder was part of the side who defeated Chelsea in the League Cup final in 2022.
Having scored 27 times for the club, the midfielder will hope to add a first league title in sky blue to her cabinet, alongside a third FA Cup, with the Manchester club still going strong in both competitions.
On the international stage
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Internationally, Coombs has featured seven times for the Lionesses and made a shock return to the squad after an eight year absence in 2023.
She was part of Sarina Wiegman’s final 23 who travelled down under for the Women’s World Cup. They made history by reaching the final before graciously bowing out to Spain. Coombs however, did taste international success during the 2023 Arnold Clark Cup and Women’s Finalissima.
Manchester City Head Coach, Andrée Jeglertz, praised Coombs’ ‘influence’ on the team.
“From a coach’s perspective, Laura is a dream to work with. She has brought focus, tactical awareness, and an incredible work ethic every single day. Players like Laura give you trust — you know exactly what you will get, and it is always at a high level.
“Her influence goes far beyond her performances. She has helped shape strong team cultures wherever she has been.”
Related articles from Her Football Hub:
- Millie Bright retirement: How the trailblazer stamped her mark in iconic Chelsea and England eras
- Brighton unveil plans for Europe’s first purpose-built women’s football stadium
- From a 50-year ban to the 500th game: The history of England Lionesses
