Sigsworth announces retirement
Jess Sigsworth, one of the original Manchester United Women players from the squad assembled in 2018, has announced her retirement from football.
The striker enjoyed a marvellous career and fulfilled her childhood dream of representing the Reds, when signing from Doncaster Belles, on the back of winning the WSL2 Golden Boot with the South Yorkshire side.
Jess repeated the feat in our first season, 2018/19, as we won the restructured Women's Championship, after scoring five times on the opening day at Aston Villa. She went on to finish with 17 league goals and fuelled the promotion charge.
One of our originals ❤️
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) August 1, 2024
Congratulations on a fantastic career, @JessSigsworth5 — wishing you the best in retirement 🤝#MUWomen pic.twitter.com/LyKRzrosyL
She featured 28 times across the following two seasons in the top flight, contributing five goals for Casey Stoney's side, but left for Leicester City in the summer of 2021.
A switch to Sheffield United saw the forward have a final season back in Yorkshire, before announcing her decision to retire at the age of 29.
Capped by England at various under-age levels, she certainly had a wonderful time playing the game she loves.
"Today, I announce my retirement from professional football," she posted on Instagram. "Of all the gifts football has given me over the years, the greatest, without a doubt, has been the people I have met along the way.
"My friends, my team-mates, my competitors and the amazing fans that have been incredible.
United Women: All of Sigsworth's 2018/19 goals
Watch all 18 of Jess Sigsworth's strikes for United Women, which earned her the FA Women's Championship Golden Boot…
"I was just a young girl from Doncaster that had a big dream and I feel like the luckiest person on earth to have been able to live out my wildest dreams," she continued.
"Football has been my whole life, since the age of seven, and I am so grateful to have represented my home town, Doncaster Belles, and the team I've supported forever, Manchester United. Thank you Leicester City Women for allowing me to represent you also. I am so thankful I could end my career at Sheffield United Women, where it all started for me as a young girl in their Centre of Excellence.
"It's been an unforgettable, crazy, emotional 22 years but it's time for me to hang my boots up."
Everybody at United would like to wish Jess the very best in her retirement.