From a young girl growing up in the suburban town of Rochdale to becoming the highest paid English female football player.
In the world of women’s football, there are countless inspiring stories of players who have risen to the top of their game and gone on to experience great success. One such tale is that of Keira Walsh. This Kixx blog is a footballer’s story, sharing the life of Lioness Keira Walsh. Here we aim to highlight her journey to success, the challenges she faced along the way, and the impact she has made on women’s football.
Keira Walsh And Her Childhood
Born in 1997, Keira Walsh was born into a Manchester City loving family. She developed a passion for football ever since she could kick a ball and has gone on to achieve great triumph for local teams and her country. Walsh started playing grassroots football around the age of five, playing for a local boys club. Although she was the only girl on her team, this didn’t stop young Keira Walsh until she was 12, when she wasn’t permitted to play for a boys’ team anymore. Attending Haslingden High School in Lancashire, women’s football was encouraged and Walsh joined the girls’ football team, experiencing regional success up until year 9.
At this point in her development, a local coach recommended her to the Blackburn Rovers’ Centre of Excellence where she was picked up and played there until she was 17. Arguably, this was the platform that launched Walsh into a career as successful as the one she now owns. At the age of 17, Walsh was scouted for her favourite team Manchester City which is where she made her first professional signing.
Keira Walsh: Manchester City
The first stop in her professional journey – At Manchester City, Walsh’s skills continued to flourish. She became a regular starter for the team after making her professional debut in the Women’s Super League at the age of 17.
Two years later, Walsh suffered from a serious knee injury which put her on the bench for a significant part of the season. Focusing on her recovery and testing her resilience, Keira Walsh made an impressive comeback, starting for her team the following year – becoming one of the defining characteristics of her career.
Walsh’s International Success
In 2017, at the age of 20, Walsh received her first call up to play for the England Women’s National Team – this was the start of her international career. Keira Walsh’s ability to dominate the midfield has earned her a regular place in the Lioness lineup since then and she has become one to watch in women’s football time and time again.
Keira Walsh has represented our country in major tournaments across the globe, including the UEFA Women’s Euro and FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The biggest transfer in England’s Women’s footballing history saw Keira Walsh transfer from Manchester City to Barcelona, now playing for Liga F.
Her Impact On Future Generations
Walsh’s success on and off the field has had a profound impact on women’s football and inspired the next generation of players. A true role model for aspiring footballers, the dedication that Walsh has shown to the sport from such a young age is something to be admired.
Keira Walsh has also been a vocal advocate for gender equality and equal opportunities in football, using her platform to raise awareness and promote positive change within the sport.
At Kixx, we encourage both girls and boys to get involved with the sport and follow in the footsteps of their favourite footballing superstars. If you know a little one that looks up to Keira Walsh and other legends in women’s football, why not have a look at an academy near you?
From her early days at Blackburn Rovers to representing her country at the highest level, Walsh has most definitely proven herself as an exceptional footballer. Continuing to inspire the next generation of female athletes and footballers, she proceeds to reach new heights within her career.
