29. Lucy Bronze MBE
The Lioness Defender
Lucy Bronze has become a symbol of excellence, determination, and inspiration in British sport. Born in Berwick-upon-Tweed in 1991, she grew up with a passion for football at a time when opportunities for young girls in the sport were limited. What began as kickabouts in local fields became the foundation for one of the most decorated careers in women’s football.
Bronze’s professional breakthrough came with Sunderland before she moved to Everton and then Liverpool, where her defensive strength and attacking flair helped redefine the full-back role. She rose to prominence with Manchester City and later Olympique Lyonnais, where she won multiple Champions League titles and was named UEFA Women’s Player of the Year in 2019. Her technical brilliance, stamina, and tactical intelligence have made her one of the best in the world.
On the international stage, Bronze has been a cornerstone of England’s Lionesses. From the 2015 World Cup onwards, she consistently delivered world-class performances, scoring spectacular goals and providing the kind of leadership that galvanises a team. She was pivotal in England’s historic Euro 2022 triumph, inspiring millions and proving that women’s football belongs firmly at the heart of British sport.
Beyond the pitch, Bronze is admired for her humility, resilience, and advocacy for equality in sport. Honoured with an MBE in 2021, she stands as a role model for a generation of girls who now see football as a path they can proudly follow.
Lucy Bronze is more than a footballer: she is a trailblazer, an inspiration, and one of the true legends of the modern game.
