Manchester City midfielder Laura Coombs has announced she will hang up her boots at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable career that has spanned nearly two decades. The 35-year-old is hoping to sign off in style, with City sitting six points clear of Arsenal at the top of the Women's Super League table and just two games remaining. A league title would be the perfect farewell for a player who has been a cornerstone of the squad.
Coombs began her senior career at Arsenal back in 2007 and has since represented some of the biggest clubs in English football. Her journey took her through the ranks at Chelsea, where she was part of the squad that won the club's first WSL title in 2015, along with an FA Cup trophy. A successful loan spell at Liverpool led to a permanent move, where she made 74 appearances before joining Manchester City seven years ago.
On the international stage, Coombs earned seven caps for England, but her most memorable moment came in 2023 when manager Sarina Wiegman handed her a surprise recall after an eight-year absence. She went on to be part of the squad that reached the World Cup final that year, while also lifting the Women's Finalissima and the Arnold Clark Cup. It was a testament to her resilience and quality that she returned to the national team setup at such a high level.
At City, Coombs has been more than just a player—she's been a leader and a mentor. Known for her box-to-box style, she brought a strong passing range and technical ability to the midfield, often filling in across multiple positions as needed. Her impact off the pitch has been just as significant. Charlotte O'Neill, City's managing director, described Coombs as a "true cultural architect and heartbeat" of the club, adding: "Her professionalism, drive, and humility have set a standard that others have naturally followed. She not only brings her best self every day but also brings out the best in her teammates."
Reflecting on her decision, Coombs said: "The way Manchester City are putting our women's team in a position to really go on and be successful long-term is so exciting. I'm very glad I got to play a part in that, and I'm very excited to watch in the future." As the season reaches its business end, Coombs will be looking to add one more chapter to her storied career—and what a story it has been.