By OkayGoal 
Lucy Bronze has molded herself as a cornerstone of the English football organization. From her elite defensive skills to her leadership, the ways in which Bronze has elevated women’s soccer are admirable. Seeing her success for club and country inspires all who wish to embody hard work and determination. Here we will take a look at Bronze’s career thus far.
Early Days on the Field
Despite being rejected from Loughborough University, Bronze kept her eyes fixated on gaining an education while playing the game she loves. She attended the University of North Carolina for a year before transferring back to England to attend Leeds Metropolitan University. While completing her sports science degree, Bronze played for Sunderland and Everton.
Although her time at Everton primarily consisted of rehabilitation from her knee injury, Bronze caught much attention with her versatility. Not long after, she signed with Liverpool. With Liverpool, she helped the squad secure two FA WSL titles, and in 2014, she was awarded PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year.
Club Career
Bronze had two stints with Manchester City from 2014 to 2017 and 2020 to 2022. She achieved many accomplishments while with Man City: multiple FA WSL Cup titles, PFA Women’s Players’ Player of the Year (2016), and PFA WSL Team of the Year (2017). In total, she recorded 65 appearances and seven goals for Man City.
Aside from her impact in England, Bronze also made waves in France and Spain. She played with OL Lyon from 2017 and FC Barcelona from 2022 to 2024. With Lyon, Bronze helped the team secure a multitude of titles, from the UEFA Champions League to the Division 1 Féminine title. She performed exceptionally well in France, scoring three goals in 50 appearances. Evidently, wherever Bronze goes, success follows. Her time with Barcelona brought many challenges, but she did well to overcome them and helped the team secure the 2022–23 Supercopa de España and the league title.
Bronze currently plays for Chelsea and was a big part of the Blues’ 2024 WSL title victory.
The Lionesses
Bronze has been associated with the England national team since 2007 at the youth level. It was not until 2013 that Bronze made her senior squad debut. As of now, she has 140 appearances with 20 recorded goals.
The English staff has heavily utilized her versatility. During big tournaments, such as the World Cup, Bronze was set at right-back, unlike when she first began playing the center-back position. She’s had success in big tournaments and has been shortlisted for big awards such as the 2015 Women’s World Cup Golden Boot.
When Phil Neville took the helm of the Lionesses, Bronze played as a center midfielder. Neville has compared Bronze to the talent of Philipp Lahm, as Lahm was also a right-back defender who was then moved to the central midfield area under Pep Guardiola.
Since 2022, England has become stronger than ever. From an excellent route to the 2023 Women’s World Cup final to back-to-back Euro victories, the Lionesses have been utterly amazing. With a manager like Sarina Wiegman and teammates such as Jess Carter, Esme Morgan, and Lauren James, Bronze only elevates the likelihood of the Lionesses’** finding success.
Her grit and toughness are undeniable, as she even competed in the 2025 Euros with a fractured tibia. The foundation she has set for those who come along into the English women’s squad is of the highest skill and work ethic. There are very few players who have such dominance in a sport, and Bronze is undoubtedly a part of that club of players.
Image via @lucybronze
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