WHAT MAKES SOMEONE A LEGEND?
Many fans of women’s football would argue that former Lioness Jill Scott is a true legend of English football.
The ex England, Manchester City and Sunderland midfielder has earned plaudits from all corners of the women’s football world for both her international and domestic career.
Away from the pitch she has influenced aspiring players both as a mentor and role model. In October, Scott was honoured with the Legends of Football Award, a fitting tribute to her exceptional career.
She joins the illustrious ranks of players such as her former Lionesses teammates such as Ellen White and Farah Williams as winners of the award.
CAREER AND ACHIEVEMENTS
As of writing, Scott is the second most capped player for England, playing a staggering 161 games for England. The pinnacle of her achievements for her country was playing a key role in England’s 2022 Euros triumph.
This was one of eight major tournaments that Scott played in. This includes four World Cups whilst also playing for Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Her domestic career was equally as impressive. She won four FA Cups, four League Cups and a WSL title with Man City in 2016.
On an individual level, she won the 2008 FA Player’s Player of the Year and the 2011 FA International Player of the Year. In recognition of her outstanding contribution to football, Scott was appointed an OBE, further cementing her status as one of England’s most influential and respected players.
One of the first players to receive a central playing contract from the FA in 2009, Scott helped mark a turning point for women’s football in England, enabling a new level of professionalism that had not been seen before.
Many memorable moments in her career have embedded themselves in women’s football folklore such as Scott yelling an expletive during the 2022 Euro final and becoming the first female footballer to captain England at Soccer Aid in 2023.
After the Euros, Scott was spotted working a shift at her Manchester coffee shop, Boxx2Boxx, garnering media attention as a “return to reality” moment. She even brought her medal for fans to hold and photograph.
Known for her humour and relatability, she once told The Players’ Tribune that she drank three flat whites before learning she made the squad, endearing her to fans beyond football.
LEADERSHIP & PERSONALITY
Many of her teammates have described Scott as “the glue of the squad’ and the “heart of the dressing room,” someone who welcomed new players, set standards, and kept spirits high.
Her two-decade career gave her a wealth of experience which allowed for younger players to lean on her experience during high-pressure moments.
After retiring, Scott used her platform to explore different career avenues such as media, entrepreneurship, community work, and advocacy for the next generation of footballers. She appeared on the reality TV programme I’m A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here and won, bringing her winning mentality through a different avenue.
On the programme she discussed issues surrounding body image and female athletes as well as access to grassroots football for aspiring players. Her experience shaped her approach to challenges, emphasising humility, teamwork, and viewing every environment as a team, just as she did on the pitch.
ADVOCACY & GRASSROOTS IMPACT
Scott joined Sunderland AFC’s Foundation of Light in 2024, giving back to the club that first recognised her potential and gave her the foundations to succeed. She also serves as president of Fields in Trust which aims to protect green spaces across the UK. Her legacy will now be firmly entrenched in improving the opportunities for those who will follow in her footsteps.
From her early days at Sunderland to the end of her playing career, Scott has championed accessible facilities and mentorship, supporting grassroots programmes such as the Premier League-funded Girls’ Emerging Talent Centres (ETCs) and the JS8 Jill Scott Women’s Football Academy.
Over 500,000 playing opportunities have been created in recent years, including the first official ‘Jill Scott Pitch’ in 2022.
Scott has spoken candidly about the shortage of women in coaching and emphasised the importance of properly fitting kits, noting how these small changes helped her feel she “belonged” when she first played. She said:
“Having the right coach is so important to the success of any sports team, but their impact on young female players in particular is something that shouldn’t be underestimated.”
From her humble beginnings at Sunderland to lifting the Euros with the Lionesses, and now as a prominent voice for women’s football, Scott’s legacy continues to inspire young players.
https://foundationoflight.co.uk
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3gewq51270o
https://www.theplayerstribune.com/posts/jill-scott-england-soccer-retirement
https://fieldsintrust.org/about-us/news/meet-our-new-president
https://www.facebook.com/JillScottJS8/?locale=en_GB
https://www.starlingbank.com/about/gender-equality/championing-womens-football
https://nationalfootballmuseum.com/news/jill-scott-hall-of-fame
