Rachel Corsie has announced her retirement from football after a remarkable career marked by resilience and dedication, choosing to end on her own terms with her country’s national team. The 35-year-old Scotland captain, who has battled chronic pain for much of her later career, will play her final matches during the Women’s Nations League fixtures against Austria and the Netherlands before stepping away from the game.
Corsie’s decision to retire comes after a long fight with injury, particularly a problematic knee that required multiple surgeries. Despite the physical challenges and chronic pain, she was determined to finish her career playing at the highest level for club and country. Having recently recovered enough to feature in her last club appearances for Aston Villa, Corsie reflected on the emotional and physical toll of her final season.
“My body has really wanted this to be my last year but my heart and my head have been stubborn and said ‘I’m not quite ready,’” she said. The passion for football and her love of representing Scotland kept her going, even when everyday activities like climbing stairs or getting in and out of the bath became painful due to her injury.
Corsie’s career is one that has far exceeded her initial expectations. Starting out playing football casually alongside schoolwork and friends, she grew to cherish the opportunity to turn her passion into a professional career. Over nearly two decades, she earned 154 international caps and became a central figure for Scotland, as well as an accomplished club player across several leagues.
Her trophy cabinet is impressive, boasting seven league titles with Glasgow City, five Scottish Cups, and four Scottish League Cups. Internationally, she also experienced success in the United States, winning the NWSL Shield with Seattle Reign in 2015. In addition, Corsie’s career included spells in Australia with Canberra United, and in England with Notts County, Birmingham City, and most recently Aston Villa.
Throughout her career, Corsie has displayed incredible durability and professionalism. She missed only one club match due to suspension in 19 years a testament to her consistency and commitment. Yet behind the scenes, the reality was far from easy. Her knee required six surgeries, five of them on the same joint, and the long-term damage was a constant concern. Before her most recent surgery, doctors warned her that the condition of her knee could have serious implications for the rest of her life.
Corsie explained how the pain was more than just a discomfort on the pitch. It impacted her daily life and mental health, with constant agony during simple tasks that most take for granted. “You tolerate it in sport,” she said. “You’re willing to accept some level of pain and discomfort, but it’s the rest of your day where it probably mentally impacts you more because there’s no respite.”
The first half of her final season was especially tough, filled with uncertainty and emotional stress. The possibility that this might be her last year weighed heavily on her, but she found strength in the pride of representing Scotland. Leading the national team out at their first-ever Women’s World Cup in 2019 stands out as one of her proudest moments and a highlight of her career.
As she prepares to finish her career with the national team, Corsie feels a sense of completeness and fulfillment. Being called up for the final camp reignited her motivation and gave her a fitting way to bow out. “There’s something special about being Scottish, and it’s been the one thing, the light, I’ve needed at times to keep going, to want to keep pushing,” she reflected.
Rachel Corsie’s retirement marks the end of an extraordinary journey, one defined by passion, resilience, and leadership leaving behind a legacy that will inspire future generations of Scottish footballers.
