蜜芽传媒

Karen Carney MBE, OBE is best known as one of England’s greatest ever footballers and now as one of the leading voices in sports broadcasting. Born in Solihull in 1987, Karen showed passion for football from the age of six, joining Birmingham City at just 11 and making her first-team debut at only 14.

By 13 she was already trialling for England - the start of a glittering international career. Karen went on to become the third most-capped England player in history, with 144 appearances for the Lionesses across four World Cups, four European Championships and the London 2012 Olympics. At club level, she won silverware with Birmingham City, Arsenal and Chelsea, including Arsenal’s famous quadruple in 2007 and Chelsea’s FA Cup title in 2018, captaining the Blues in her final seasons before retiring in 2019. Known as 'the wizard' on the pitch, she twice won FA Young Player of the Year and inspired a generation of young players.

Since hanging up her boots, Karen has become one of the country’s most respected pundits, working across TNT Sports and ITV. She made history at the men’s 2022 World Cup as part of the first all-female line-up to analyse a men’s match, and fronted ITV’s coverage of Euro 2024, including the dramatic final between England and Spain. She also covered the Lionesses’ historic Euros triumphs in 2022 and 2025, cementing her place as a leading voice in the game.

Off the pitch, Karen has continued to break barriers. In 2022 she chaired the UK government’s landmark review into the future of women’s football, with every recommendation adopted. She also co-hosts the hit podcast Long Story Short with fellow Lioness Jill Scott, and in recognition of her services to football and women’s sport.

Karen was awarded an MBE in 2017 and an OBE in 2024. Now trading the commentary box for the Cha-Cha, Karen admits Strictly will be a whole new challenge, but with her trademark determination, Birmingham grit and a moonwalk up her sleeve, she’s ready to give it everything.