Manchester City and the wider football world are preparing to bid a fond farewell to a true stalwart of the game. Midfielder Laura Coombs officially announced that she will retire from professional football at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.
After a career spanning 19 years and multiple major honors, the 35-year-old is ready to "hang up the boots" while City sits on the verge of a historic Women’s Super League and FA Cup double.
The Heartbeat of City: Seven Seasons of Excellence
Since joining from Liverpool in 2019, Coombs has become what Managing Director Charlotte O’Neill describes as a "cultural architect" for the club. Her impact on the pitch has been matched only by her leadership in the dressing room.
Milestone Achievement: In November 2025, during a win over West Ham, Coombs became just the fourth player in WSL history to reach 200 appearances in the competition.
Total City Stats: Over her seven-year stay in Manchester, she has made 154 appearances and scored 27 goals, establishing herself as a versatile and reliable engine in the midfield.
A Career of Resilience and International Recognition
Coombs’ journey is a testament to longevity. Having started at Arsenal's academy, she enjoyed success at Chelsea and Liverpool before finding her home at City.
Her international career was particularly inspiring; after an eight-year absence from the England setup, she was recalled by Sarina Wiegman in 2023.
"Laura's journey through the development teams to being part of the World Cup squad in 2023 says a lot about her qualities and her character." — Sarina Wiegman, England Manager
"I'm Excited to be a Fan"
In her farewell statement, Coombs expressed her pride in the club's growth and her excitement for the future of the women's game.
"I’m so excited to be a fan of this team in the future," 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."
The Final Farewell
Coombs still has work to do before she bows out. With Manchester City currently leading the WSL table and facing an FA Cup Semi-Final against Chelsea this coming Sunday, May 10, she has the chance to end her career with the ultimate "fairytale" ending.