Karen Carney is a household name in the world of women’s football, known for her exceptional career both on and off the pitch. A former English international footballer, she has transitioned smoothly into a successful broadcasting career. As of 2024, Carney is still making waves in the sports world, particularly through her work as a commentator. This article takes a closer look at her personal life, relationships, and career highlights.
Born on August 1, 1987, in Birmingham, England, Karen Carney became one of the most celebrated figures in women’s football. After a stellar playing career with top clubs like Birmingham City, Chelsea, and Arsenal, she retired in 2019 and turned her attention to sports journalism. Despite her fame, Carney has kept much of her personal life private, though her relationship with fellow footballer Liesel Jolly has been widely acknowledged. As of 2024, Carney remains active in her professional life and continues to inspire young athletes and sports enthusiasts.
Summary Table – Karen Carney’s Key Life Events
| Key Life Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Karen Julia Carney OBE |
| Born | August 1, 1987, Birmingham, England |
| Age | 37 years old (as of 2024) |
| Position | Winger, Midfielder |
| Clubs Played For | Birmingham City, Arsenal, Chicago Red Stars, Chelsea |
| International Caps | 144 caps for the England national team |
| Retirement | Retired from playing in 2019 |
| Current Profession | Sports broadcaster for Sky Sports and ITV |
| Partner | Liesel Jolly |
Key Takeaways
- Karen Carney, born on August 1, 1987, is a former professional footballer turned broadcaster.
- She played for top clubs including Birmingham City, Chelsea, and Arsenal, earning 144 caps for the England national team.
- Carney retired from football in 2019 and now works as a sports commentator for Sky Sports and ITV.
- She is currently in a relationship with Liesel Jolly, another prominent figure in women’s football.
- Karen Carney has not been married and does not have children as of 2024.
Karen Carney’s Career – From Player to Broadcaster
Karen Carney’s football journey began at Birmingham City, where she developed into one of the best talents in English women’s football. She later moved to Arsenal, where she enjoyed tremendous success, including winning multiple league titles. Carney’s career also took her overseas to play for the Chicago Red Stars in the U.S. before finishing her playing days at Chelsea, where she continued to build on her legacy.
With 144 caps for the England national team, Carney was a key player in their midfield and winger positions. She was known for her speed, agility, and vision on the field, often making decisive contributions in important matches. After retiring in 2019, Carney made a seamless transition to broadcasting, where she now works as a sports pundit on Sky Sports and ITV, providing expert commentary and analysis on women’s football.
Karen Carney’s Partner and Relationship with Liesel Jolly
As of 2024, Karen Carney is in a committed relationship with Liesel Jolly, a fellow advocate for women’s sports. Their relationship has garnered attention, particularly as both individuals have played key roles in elevating the profile of women’s football. Liesel Jolly, who shares a passion for the game, has worked closely with Carney on various initiatives to promote the sport.
Carney and Jolly’s relationship is often celebrated within the sports community, as they both champion the growth of women’s football and the importance of gender equality in sports. While they remain private about many details of their personal lives, their support for each other’s careers is clear.
Karen Carney and Her Family Life
Karen Carney tends to keep her family life private, rarely sharing details about her upbringing or close family members. However, she was born and raised in Birmingham, England, where she had a grounded upbringing. Her parents worked in everyday jobs, which provided her with a strong sense of humility and dedication. Though not much is publicly known about her family, it is clear that they have always been a supportive part of her journey to success.
Is Karen Carney Married?
No, Karen Carney is not married. She is in a relationship with Liesel Jolly, but the couple has not tied the knot. Carney has kept her personal life relatively private, focusing on her career in broadcasting and sports advocacy.
Karen Carney’s Age and Personal Life in 2024
As of 2024, Karen Carney is 37 years old. Born in 1987, she continues to be involved in the world of football and broadcasting. Though she has retired from playing, her legacy in the sport lives on through her continued work in the media and her advocacy for the future of women’s football.
Karen Carney’s Impact on Women’s Football
Karen Carney’s contributions to women’s football are undeniable. Not only was she an incredible player, but she has also used her platform as a broadcaster to inspire the next generation of footballers. Her work has helped shine a spotlight on the achievements of female athletes, and she continues to be an influential figure in the sporting world.
Her impact extends beyond just football; Carney is a vocal advocate for women’s rights and gender equality in sports. She actively participates in discussions about improving the visibility of women’s sports and providing equal opportunities for female athletes at all levels.
FAQ
Who is Karen Carney’s partner?
Karen Carney is currently in a relationship with Liesel Jolly, a fellow advocate for women’s football.
Is Karen Carney married?
No, Karen Carney is not married. She is in a relationship with Liesel Jolly but has not entered into marriage.
How old is Karen Carney?
Karen Carney is 37 years old as of 2024. She was born on August 1, 1987.
What teams did Karen Carney play for?
Karen Carney played for Birmingham City, Arsenal, Chicago Red Stars, and Chelsea during her football career.
What is Karen Carney doing now?
After retiring from professional football in 2019, Karen Carney transitioned to sports broadcasting. She now works as a commentator for Sky Sports and ITV.
Does Karen Carney have any children?
As of 2024, there is no public information indicating that Karen Carney has children.
What is Karen Carney’s legacy in women’s football?
Karen Carney is remembered as one of the most talented players in women’s football. Her contributions both on and off the field, including her advocacy for gender equality in sports, have had a lasting impact on the sport.