How Old Is Karen Carney? England Legend’s Age and Inspiring Journey

Karen Carney’s Age and Background

Karen Julia Carney OBE was born on 1 August 1987, making her 38 years old as of December 2025. She was born in Hall Green and attended St. Ambrose Barlow Catholic Primary School and St. Peter’s RC Secondary School, Solihull, where her passion for football flourished from an early age.

An Illustrious Football Career

Carney’s football journey began remarkably early. She made her first-team debut for Birmingham City in the FA Women’s Premier League National Division against Fulham Ladies at the age of 14. Her exceptional talent earned her recognition quickly, as she earned FA National Young Player of the Year honours in 2005 and 2006.

During her professional career, she experienced great success in 2006–07 winning the UEFA Women’s Cup and all three domestic trophies: the FA Women’s Premier League, FA Women’s Cup, and the FA Women’s Premier League Cup with Arsenal. At the time of her retirement, she was the second most capped England player with 144 appearances, representing her country at four World Cups and four European Championships before retiring in July 2019.

Broadcasting Success and Recent Achievements

Since retirement, Carney has established herself as a prominent voice in sports media. She has been a regular broadcaster for live football on TNT Sports, Sky Sports, ITV and Amazon Prime, including Women’s Super League and men’s Premier League matches since 2019. Her expertise and insight have made her one of the most respected pundits in British football.

Most recently, Carney captured the nation’s hearts in a different arena. In 2025, she won the twenty-third series of Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with Carlos Gu. She was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2017 and Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2024 Birthday Honours for services to association football.

Why Karen Carney Remains Relevant Today

At 38, Karen Carney continues to break barriers and inspire audiences across multiple platforms. Her transition from elite athlete to accomplished broadcaster demonstrates her versatility and dedication. Whether analysing Premier League matches or dancing on television, Carney’s work ethic and authenticity resonate with audiences nationwide, cementing her status as one of Britain’s most influential sports personalities.