Lucy Staniforth

Midfielder • Age 34 • #5

Lucy Elizabeth Staniforth-Wilson is a former English professional footballer who played as a midfielder for Women's Super League club Aston Villa and the England women's national team.

297 Appearances

45 Goals

1 Trophies

1 Awards

Fun Facts about Lucy

Quirky facts. Inspired by her game.

She comes from a footballing family. Her father, Gordon, played for York City and Hull City, and her brother, Thomas, was a defender for Sheffield Wednesday's youth teams. Despite this, she credits a primary school PE teacher for encouraging her to play football, leading her to join her school team and local boys' team.

She formed a strong friendship with Lucy Bronze during their school years in York. They played football together for their school team and local leagues, maintaining their bond over the years. Bronze honored their friendship by serving as a bridesmaid at Staniforth's wedding in December 2022, when Stainforth married her partner Laura.

Lucy Staniforth completed a master's degree in football directorship in March 2023, aiming to contribute to the success of the Newcastle women's team in the future.

She had a transformative experience regarding mental health after losing her stepdad when she joined Manchester United. She emphasizes the importance of opening up and seeking help during tough times. Staniforth advocates for mental health awareness in football through her work with FIFPRO's Mental Health Taskforce, focusing on supporting players through emotional challenges transitioning from international tournaments to club football.

Staniforth scored the opening goal in the final game of the 2019 SheBelieves Cup, where the England women's national team defeated Japan 3–0. This victory secured the tournament title for the Lionesses, marking their first-ever win in the cup.