Karen Carney Bio, Age, Career, Husband, Net Worth, Former Footballer, Sports Journalist
Introduction
Karen Carney is the Birmingham-born winger who became England’s third-most-capped player, won a European quadruple with Arsenal and now breaks barriers in broadcasting. In 2025 she fronts ITV’s men’s and women’s Euro coverage, co-hosts hit podcast Long Story Short with Jill Scott—and trades football boots for dancing shoes on strictly come Dancing.
Quick Facts Table
| Full Name | Karen Julia Carney |
| Profession | Former Footballer, Sports Journalist, Pundit, Strictly Contestant |
| Birth Date | 1 August 1987 |
| Age (2025) | 38 |
| Birth Place | Solihull, West Midlands, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Known For | 144 England caps, Arsenal quadruple 2007, ITV Euro 2024 & 2025, Strictly 2025 |
| Ethnicity | English |
| Zodiac Sign | Leo |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (1.62 m) |
| Weight | 128 lb (58 kg) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Qualification | BSc Sports Science, Loughborough University |
| Religion | Roman Catholic |
| Marital Status | In relationship with Carlos |
| Children | 0 |
| Hobbies | Cycling, vinyl records, afternoon tea, salsa dancing |
| Current Work | Lead pundit ITV/TNT, BBC columnist, Strictly contestant, DCMS review chair |
| Years Active | 2005–2019 (player), 2019–present (media) |
| Net Worth (2025) | USD 1.8 million (est.) |
Early Life & Education
Born to Michael and Marie Carney, Karen was kicking balls in the garden at age six and joined Birmingham City’s academy at 11. She negotiated extra homework so she could train evenings, and by 14 was starting for the first team—still wearing her school uniform under the kit . A sports-science degree at Loughborough University followed while playing full-time.
Club Career Journey
1 Birmingham City (2005–2006, 2011–2015)
- Debuted at 14; survived club financial collapse; 2012 FA Women’s Cup final MVP, scoring the shoot-out winner .
2 Arsenal – The Quadruple (2006–2009)
- 2007 UEFA Women’s Cup, Premier League, FA Cup & League Cup—only English club to win four trophies in one season .
3 Chicago Red Stars, WPS (2009–2010)
- 38 apps, 3 goals; first Englishwoman to score in the inaugural U.S. WPS season .
4 Chelsea (2015–2019)
- Club captain 2017–18; 2018 FA Cup; named Chelsea Player of the Year 2016 .
Career Totals
- 178 club apps, 53 goals
- 3 league titles, 5 FA Cups, 1 UEFA Cup
International Legacy
- England: 144 caps, 33 goals (third behind Fara Williams & Jill Scott).
- Major tournaments: 4 World Cups, 4 Euros, 2012 Olympics GB squad.
- Signature moment: 91st-minute winner vs Finland on Euro 2005 debut—nicknamed “The Wizard” .
Broadcasting & Off-Field Impact
1 Punditry Milestones
- First all-female team to analyse a men’s World Cup match (Qatar 2022) .
- Lead studio pundit for ITV at Euro 2024 (England vs Spain final) and 2025 Women’s Euro victory .
2 Government Review
- Chair, DCMS Future of Women’s Football 2022; all 10 recommendations adopted 2023, unlocking GBP 600 m investment .
3 Media Portfolio 2025
- BBC Sport & The Guardian columns; TNT Sports lead WSL voice; Amazon Prime men’s PL coverage; co-host Long Story Short podcast with Jill Scott .
Strictly Come Dancing 2025
Confirmed on 6 August 2025 line-up; partnered with Carlos Gu. Trades tactical boards for tango, moon-walks across the ballroom and promises “the same grit I showed on the wing” .
Awards & Honours
| 2005, 2006 | FA Young Player of the Year |
| 2017 | MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) |
| 2021 | English Football Hall of Fame inductee |
| 2024 | OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) |
| 2022 | Broadcast Sports Presenter of the Year nominee |
Physical Statistics
| Measure | Imperial | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5 ft 4 in | 1.62 m |
| Weight | 128 lb | 58 kg |
| Shoe Size | 6 US | 37 EU |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown | |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
Personal Life
Lives in Solihull with partner Carlos, a physiotherapist she met at Birmingham’s Wast Hills training ground. Off-air passions include cycling the West Midlands canals, collecting Motown vinyl and hosting “vinyl & vino” nights for Lionesses alumni.
Salary & Net Worth 2025
- ITV/TNT retainer: ≈ GBP 400k yr⁻¹
- BBC columns & podcast ads: ≈ GBP 120k yr⁻¹
- Brand deals (Pepsi, Nike, BMW, Continental): ≈ GBP 250k yr⁻¹
Estimated net worth: USD 1.8 million
Interesting Facts
- Wears a wristband inscribed: “Be the difference with the things that make you different” .
- Once commentated a match while riding a spin-bike to raise awareness for mental health.
- Has never had a red card—on the pitch or in the commentary box.
- Keeps every match-worn shirt in vacuum-sealed bags numbered 1-144.
Social Media Links
- Twitter: @karenjcarney (490k)
- Instagram: @karenjcarney (620k)
- TikTok: @karenjcarney (180k)
- Podcast: Long Story Short (Apple Top 20 UK Sports 2025)
FAQs
Q1: How old is Karen Carney in 2025?
A1: 38—born 1 August 1987.
Q2: How many England caps does Karen Carney have?
A2: 144 caps, 33 goals—third most in Lionesses history.
Q3: Is Karen Carney on Strictly 2025?
A3: Yes—confirmed contestant for BBC Strictly Come Dancing 2025.
Q4: What is Karen Carney’s net worth?
A4: Estimated USD 1.8 million from broadcasting, book deals and brands.
Q5: Which clubs did Karen Carney play for?
A5: Birmingham City, Arsenal, Chicago Red Stars, Chelsea.
Q6: What position did she play?
A6: Winger / attacking midfielder.
Conclusion
From scoring last-gasp Euro winners to dismantling tactics on live TV—and now waltzing into Strictly’s spotlight—Karen Carney keeps redefining what an England legend looks like. If this bio inspired you to “be the difference,” share it with the football fan who still thinks pundits can’t moon-walk.
