Speaker
Karen Carney OBE
Former Professional Footballer | Broadcaster & Sports Analyst | UEFA Board Member
Karen Carney OBE is one of the UK’s most respected and insightful football analysts, a former professional footballer with an illustrious international career, and a leader in the development of women’s football. As a UEFA board member and a key figure in sports broadcasting, she has played a crucial role in shaping the future of the game. Karen’s journey from an elite player to a pioneering leader inspires audiences worldwide.
Speaker profile
Who is Karen?
Karen Carney OBE is a highly accomplished former footballer, sports broadcaster, and influential figure in the development of women’s football. With 144 caps for England, Karen is one of the most capped players in the nation's history. She made her international debut at just 17 years old and went on to represent England in four FIFA Women’s World Cups, playing a key role in the 2019 squad that secured third place. Additionally, she was part of Team GB in the 2012 London Olympics.
Karen’s club career was equally decorated, having played for Birmingham City, Arsenal, Chicago Red Stars, and Chelsea. While at Arsenal, she was part of the historic team that won the unprecedented quadruple in 2007, securing the UEFA Women’s Cup, FA Women’s Premier League, FA Women’s Cup, and FA Women’s Premier League Cup. She retired from professional football in 2019 as Chelsea captain, ending an exceptional playing career under manager Emma Hayes.
Post-retirement, Karen has established herself as one of the most prominent voices in football broadcasting. She is the lead football analyst and pundit for Sky Sports and ITV, covering both men’s and women’s football, including the FIFA World Cup and UEFA Euros. She also serves as a global ambassador for Pepsi, working alongside some of the biggest names in the sport.
Beyond broadcasting, Karen Carney is deeply involved in shaping the future of football. In 2022, she was appointed Chair of the Future of Women’s Football Review by the UK Government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport. Her comprehensive report, aimed at growing and sustaining women’s football in the UK, received widespread acclaim. She also produced and hosted ‘Leaders of the Pack’, an ITV documentary series featuring key players from the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2022.
Karen’s influence extends into football governance, where she has been appointed as a board member at UEFA, working towards the long-term sustainability and development of both men’s and women’s football globally.
Her contributions to football have been widely recognized. She was awarded an MBE in 2017 for services to football and later inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame in 2021. In 2024, her continued impact on the sport was further honored with an OBE.
Karen is a highly sought-after speaker, known for her engaging and thought-provoking insights on leadership, resilience, diversity, mental health, and high performance. Drawing from her experiences as an elite athlete, media personality, and football executive, she offers valuable lessons on overcoming adversity, maintaining peak performance, and driving meaningful change in any industry.
Talks
Topics and presentations
effective leadership, teamwork, and collaboration
under pressure. She explores how clear communication, trust, and shared vision drive success in both sports and business.
2. Mental Health & Resilience - Overcoming Challenges in Elite Performance
powerful and personal perspective on resilience
. She discusses strategies for managing stress, staying mentally strong, and supporting others through adversity.
3. Diversity & Inclusion in Sports & Business
diversity, equality, and inclusion
in football and beyond. She explores how organizations can foster inclusive cultures, break down barriers, and create opportunities for underrepresented groups.
4. Sustained Success - What It Takes to Stay at the Top
key principles of sustained success
, from adaptability and innovation to maintaining peak performance over time.
5. The Future of Football & Women’s Sport
emerging trends, investment in women’s sports, and the impact of policy changes on the industry
.
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