Key Highlights
- Karen Carney, a former professional football player, has joined the 2025 season of Strictly Come Dancing.
- Carney is recognized as England’s third most-capped player with 144 caps and participated in four World Cups, four European Championships, and the 2012 London Olympics.
- The footballer, nicknamed “the wizard,” grew up in Birmingham and was inducted into both the English Football Hall of Fame and Birmingham City’s Hall of Fame.
- Carney faced significant challenges after retiring from her career due to sexist abuse on social media platforms.
Karen Carney’s Journey: From the Pitch to the Dance Floor
Karen Carney, a former professional football player and current ITV sports presenter, has taken up a new challenge by joining this year’s Strictly Come Dancing series. This marks her transition from athletics to entertainment and follows in the footsteps of other notable athletes who have participated in the show.
A Distinguished Career in Football
Karen Carney is renowned for her time as a player, representing England at the highest level. She has played for various clubs including Chelsea, Arsenal, Birmingham City, and the Lionesses, making her one of the most decorated players in women’s football. Her achievements include 144 caps for England, scoring 32 goals, and competing in four World Cups, four European Championships, and the 2012 London Olympics.
From Sports to Entertainment
Carney’s journey from professional footballer to sports commentator has been celebrated. She currently serves as ITV’s lead female sports presenter, providing insightful analysis for both men’s and women’s football across a range of platforms including BBC Sport and the Long Story Short podcast.
In an interview reflecting on her career, Carney stated, “I’m from Birmingham: my mum works at Sainsbury’s, my dad is a fire-fighter. We keep it real.
We know who we are. I don’t need a Bentley; I don’t need a Rolex.” This quote encapsulates her humble roots and the values that have guided her through both her personal and professional life.
Challenges After Retirement
Carney’s transition to retirement was not without its challenges. In 2018, she faced intense backlash after scoring a crucial penalty for Chelsea in the Women’s Champions League final. An Instagram user launched a campaign of sexist abuse and death threats against her and her teammates. Although Carney chose not to press charges, the England Football Association called for police intervention, highlighting the pervasive issue of online harassment in sports.
Carney reflected on these events, saying, “This kind of abuse is abhorrent, totally unacceptable and very upsetting.” This incident underscores the need for better protection and support systems for athletes facing such attacks.
A Dream Come True
Speaking about her participation in Strictly Come Dancing, Carney expressed excitement. “I’m such a huge fan of the show and I can’t believe I’m finally getting the chance to take part,” she said. Her enthusiasm reflects not only personal interest but also the broader trend of athletes transitioning into entertainment, showcasing their talents in different formats.
Carney’s journey from the football pitch to the dance floor exemplifies the diverse paths that former athletes can pursue after retiring from professional sports. As she steps onto the ballroom stage, she brings with her a wealth of experience and a unique perspective that will surely captivate audiences tuning into this year’s Strictly Come Dancing.
The 2025 season of Strictly Come Dancing is set to begin on Saturday, 25 October 2025, with Carney and other contestants ready to dazzle viewers with their dance skills. Her participation promises to add another exciting dimension to the show, reflecting the evolving landscape of sports entertainment.
