Steph Houghton’s story reflects not only her immense talent on the pitch but also her dedication to advancing equality in women’s football.
At 36, Houghton is celebrated as one of the finest defenders of her generation, having played for notable clubs such as Sunderland, Leeds Carnegie, Arsenal, and Manchester City throughout her remarkable career.
A Stellar Career with Unjust Pay
While Houghton enjoyed a successful run, including three Women’s Super League (WSL) titles and 121 caps for England, her financial rewards often fell short of what her contributions warranted.
In an interview with The Guardian, she candidly shared her experiences of receiving shockingly low pay.
Back in 2012, during a time when she was widely considered England’s top centre back and was part of the Arsenal squad that won both the WSL and FA Cup twice, her annual salary was a mere £4,000.
Despite opportunities for bonuses and additional work as a part-time coach and club ambassador, her total earnings barely increased to £9,000.
Money Isn’t Everything, But It Should Be Fair
Houghton reflects on her time at Arsenal, recognizing the club as the best in England.
“Money was never really a driver for me,” she stated. “It was just about playing for Arsenal and winning trophies.”
However, as she encountered others with more industry experience, she began to realize that the compensation didn’t align with her value.
“When I looked at what the men were getting for commercial deals, that really opened my eyes,” she shared.
The stark contrast—where men earned 15 times more for representing the same national team—sparked her determination for change.
“That’s when I thought: ‘Right, things have to change.’”
Leading Change Both On and Off the Field
What Houghton is most proud of is her advocacy for female athletes. She was instrumental in shifting perceptions among companies, urging them to recognize women as professional athletes deserving of fair treatment.
Her journey took a significant turn when she transferred to Manchester City in 2014, where she played 233 times over a decade, securing eight trophies and leading the Lionesses to a commendable third place at the 2015 World Cup.
Before that World Cup, she played a crucial role in negotiating bonuses for the team, ensuring that the players were rewarded for their achievements.
Additionally, Houghton proudly represented Team GB at both the 2012 and 2020 Olympics.
A Legacy of Inspiration
As Houghton retired at the end of last season, she was honored by the Lionesses in a heartfelt tribute before a friendly match against Germany at Wembley.
She was recognized as “one of the most inspirational England players of this generation,” a fitting acknowledgment for a player who has not only excelled on the field but has also paved the way for future generations of female athletes.
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