British · Berwick-upon-Tweed, England · Born 28 October 1991English professional footballer and right-back, widely regarded as one of the greatest female defenders of all time with multiple Champions League titles
Lucia Roberta Tough Bronze was born on 28 October 1991 in Berwick-upon-Tweed, England, to a Portuguese father, Joaquim, and English mother, Diane, growing up bilingual and dividing time between the Northumberland towns of Alnwick and Belford. She played football with her older brother Jorge and his friends from an early age, joining the boys' team at Alnwick Town before moving into Sunderland's youth setup at 16. Bronze earned a scholarship to the University of North Carolina, playing for the Tar Heels before returning to England to complete her studies at Leeds Metropolitan University while continuing her football career. She progressed through Everton and Liverpool before Manchester City signed her in 2014, and she has since become one of the most decorated defenders in the history of women's football. Bronze moved to Lyon in 2017, winning three Champions League titles with the French club, before returning to Manchester City and later joining Barcelona, where she added two more European titles. She was named The Best FIFA Women's Player in 2020 and won the Silver Ball at the 2019 World Cup, establishing herself as arguably the finest right-back the women's game has produced. Bronze has been instrumental for England throughout her international career, helping the Lionesses win Euro 2022 on home soil, and in 2024 equalled Wendie Renard's record of seven appearances in the FIFPRO Women's World 11. She joined Chelsea in 2024, continuing to add to a trophy collection that spans five different countries and nearly every major honour available in the women's game.
Being named UEFA Women's Player of the Year twice
How They Played
Attacking full-back with pace, crossing ability and defensive solidity
Lasting Impact
Transformed the right-back position in women's football with attacking prowess
Career Honours
- UEFA Women's Champions League 2017,2018,2019
- UEFA Women's Euro Winner 2022
- BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2020
- FIFA Women's World Cup Semi-finalist 2019
- UEFA Women's Player of the Year 2019
- The Best FIFA Women's Player 2020
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunderland | 2007–2010 | 25 | 5 |
| Everton | 2010–2012 | 20 | 2 |
| Liverpool | 2012–2014 | 28 | 3 |
| Manchester City | 2014–2017 | 34 | 5 |
| Lyon | 2017–2020 | 50 | 3 |
| Manchester City | 2020–2022 | 31 | 2 |
| Barcelona | 2022–2024 | 41 | 4 |
| Chelsea | 2024–Present | 32 | 2 |
 Great Britain | — | 90 | 8 |
British Athletes