As 2024 draws to a close, women’s football fans around the world can reflect on an exceptional year filled with unforgettable moments. From historic title wins to incredible individual feats, 2024 has been a year of triumphs, heartaches, and milestones for the women’s game. Whether it’s the club competitions in Europe and the United States or the international tournaments, this year has seen some truly remarkable events that will be etched in the history of women’s football.
6. Steph Houghton’s Retirement
The 2023/24 season marked the end of an era for women’s football in England, as Steph Houghton bid farewell to the game. The 36-year-old defender, who captained the England Lionesses for many years, announced her retirement at the conclusion of the season, bringing an end to a glittering career that saw her become one of the most iconic figures in English football.
Houghton, who made over 120 appearances for England and represented top clubs such as Manchester City, was a pivotal figure in the growth of women’s football in the country. Her leadership on and off the pitch, as well as her passion for advancing the game, made her a trailblazer for the next generation of female footballers.
She played her final competitive match for Manchester City in a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in May. While City narrowly missed out on the Women’s Super League (WSL) title to Chelsea, Houghton’s contribution to the game was undeniable. Her retirement marks the end of an era for both Manchester City and the England women’s team, and her influence will be felt for years to come.
5. Chelsea’s Fifth Consecutive WSL Title
Another year, another triumph for Chelsea. The reigning WSL champions once again proved their dominance in English women’s football by securing their fifth consecutive league title in 2024. However, this year’s title win was particularly poignant as it came at the end of a highly emotional and significant chapter for the club.
In the 2023/24 season, Chelsea had to fight tooth and nail to retain their crown. Manchester City pushed them all the way, finishing level on points with Chelsea, but the Blues triumphed thanks to their superior goal difference. On the final day of the season, Chelsea delivered a stunning 6-0 away win over Manchester United to seal the title in style.
This victory was especially significant as it came just after Emma Hayes, the long-serving manager, announced she would be leaving the club to pursue a new opportunity. Hayes, who had been with Chelsea for 12 years, rounded off her time at the club with yet another major trophy. The team’s remarkable consistency and quality over the past half-decade have solidified their place as one of the best in English football, and with a new manager in Sonia Bompastor now at the helm, Chelsea will look to make it six consecutive WSL titles in 2025.
4. Barcelona’s Historic Quadruple
While Chelsea ruled England, Barcelona were on top of the world in Europe, clinching a remarkable historic quadruple in 2024. The Catalan giants continued their dominance in Spanish women’s football and added more silverware to their already impressive collection.
Barcelona clinched their second consecutive UEFA Women’s Champions League title, further cementing their status as Europe’s best club. But they didn’t stop there. They also claimed the Liga F title, won both domestic cups, and completed a sensational clean sweep of all available trophies in 2024. This historic achievement not only elevated Barcelona’s legacy but also marked them as the gold standard in women’s football.
The individual accolades for the team were equally impressive. Aitana Bonmatí, who was instrumental in Barcelona’s success, claimed another Ballon d’Or award. Several of her teammates were also recognized for their contributions to the team’s success. Barcelona’s dominance in Europe was unchallenged in 2024, and they are widely regarded as the best club side in women’s football at the moment.
3. Emma Hayes’ First Major Honour with USWNT
After leaving Chelsea at the end of the 2023/24 season, Emma Hayes embarked on a new journey as head coach of the United States Women’s National Team (USWNT). Her task was to restore the USWNT’s position at the very top of women’s football, a challenge she took on with her usual flair and determination.
Hayes wasted no time in delivering results, leading the USWNT to their fifth Olympic gold medal in Paris 2024. The team triumphed in the Olympic Games, overcoming tough opponents such as Japan, Germany, and Brazil to claim the prestigious title. Hayes’ ability to blend experienced players with emerging talent was key to the team’s success, and her leadership ensured that the USWNT reasserted itself as the dominant force in world women’s football.
This victory not only added another gold medal to the USWNT’s illustrious collection but also marked a significant milestone in Hayes’ managerial career. Having built a legacy of success at Chelsea, she has now taken the next step in her career, and this first major honour with the USWNT sets the stage for further success as she continues to build the team ahead of the next FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027.
2. Wales Qualify for Their First Major Tournament
In early December 2024, Wales made history by qualifying for their first-ever major tournament. The Wales women’s national team secured a 3-2 aggregate win over the Republic of Ireland in their final 2025 UEFA Women’s Euro play-off match. The emotional scenes that followed the final whistle at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin will be remembered for years to come, as the Welsh players, staff, and fans celebrated their historic achievement.
The victory was symbolic on many levels. Jess Fishlock, Wales’ record goalscorer and a player who has represented the nation for over 15 years, was instrumental in leading the team to qualification. The match itself was a dramatic affair, with Hannah Cain, who had battled back from two serious ACL injuries, scoring the opening penalty. Carrie Jones added a second, and despite a nervy finish, Wales held on for a memorable win.
For the players, the qualification was a moment of immense pride, especially for Fishlock, Cain, and others who had been part of the long journey to this point. Wales’ qualification for the 2025 Women’s Euro was a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of the team, and it stands as one of the most emotional and historic moments in women’s football this year.
1. Marta and Orlando Pride’s First NWSL Title
Topping the list of memorable women’s football moments in 2024 is the Orlando Pride’s first-ever NWSL title, a triumph that had been a long time coming for the club. Orlando, who had been founded just under a decade ago, had endured a period of mediocrity before finally breaking through to claim the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) championship.
The victory was particularly poignant for Marta, one of the most legendary players in women’s football history. At 38 years old, Marta had endured years of frustration with Orlando, as the club had struggled to make an impact in the league. However, her loyalty to the team paid off in 2024 when she helped lead Orlando to their first NWSL title. The achievement was also the first NWSL championship of Marta’s illustrious career, making it an emotional and career-defining moment for the Brazilian icon.
The title was the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance for Orlando Pride, and the team’s victory was a testament to the progress the NWSL has made in recent years. Marta’s leadership and experience were key factors in the team’s success, and this title represents not just a triumph for Orlando but also a significant milestone for the growth of women’s football in the United States.
Conclusion: A Year to Remember
2024 has undoubtedly been an extraordinary year for women’s football, with historic moments, iconic retirements, and remarkable achievements. From Steph Houghton’s retirement to Marta’s NWSL triumph, the year has been filled with stories of resilience, triumph, and the growth of the game worldwide. As we look ahead to 2025, the excitement surrounding women’s football continues to build, and it’s clear that the future of the sport is in safe hands with these incredible players and teams leading the way.
