Karen Carney has been announced as the first inductee of the Barclays Women’s Super League Hall of Fame for 2022.
Carney is the fifth individual to be inducted since the Hall of Fame was created last year by The FA and lead partner Barclays.
The former midfielder earned 144 England caps before ending her career at the 2019 FIFA World Cup where the Lionesses finished in fourth place. The 35-year-old was also part of the historic Arsenal team that won the quadruple in 2007.
Chair of the Barclays WSL Hall of Fame panel, Kelly Simmons, said: “Induction into the Barclays WSL Hall of Fame is the highest individual honour offered by the league and I am delighted that Karen is our first inductee of 2022.
“She played at the very highest level for a prolonged period of time, and her record speaks for itself. She is absolutely deserving of being inducted into our Barclays WSL Hall of Fame.
“Not only was she an incredible player, but she is a wonderful ambassador for our game and has gone on to be a brilliant pundit. Congratulations on your induction, Karen.”
Carney herself said: "It's a massive honour. We know how important the league is, we know how special it is, we know how big it's growing, we know where it started from, we know where we'd love it to be. So it's really special to be inducted and I'm really grateful and humbled."
Chelsea released a statement on their website, congratulating Carney. It read: "This morning, we celebrate the induction of former Blues skipper, Karen Carney, to the WSL Hall of Fame. The Solihull-born playmaker joins this elite group of individuals after a glittering career on both the domestic and international stage."
The club added: "Everyone at Chelsea Football Club would like to congratulate Karen on a wonderful playing career and today’s fantastic personal achievement, while wishing her continued success for future endeavours."
Along with Arsenal, she had stints at Birmingham City, Chelsea and Chicago Red Stars - winning a FA Cup with City and a league and cup double in 2018 with the Londoners.
Carney’s induction was confirmed by the Barclays WSL Hall of Fame selection panel, which features prominent former players, coaches and an official from the women’s game, as well as journalists and members of FA staff.
Two more individuals are to be inducted at 12pm and 2pm, with extended interviews available to watch on Sky Sports’ ‘Inside the WSL’ show tonight at 6.30pm on Sky Sports Football.
You can find out more about the Barclays Women’s Super League Hall of Fame and learn more about last year’s inductees at wslhalloffame.thefa.com. You can keep up with the latest inductee unveilings on the Barclays WSL Twitter page.
