How Does Greenwood Feel About His MBE Honor?

Alex Greenwood, the England and Manchester City defender, has expressed her pride in her journey after being appointed an MBE in the 2025 New Year Honours. This recognition highlights her contributions to women's football and her role in raising the profile of the sport.

Last updated: 15 September 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

In an exciting development for women's football, Alex Greenwood has been appointed an MBE as part of the 2025 New Year Honours list. This accolade not only celebrates her individual achievements but also underscores the growing recognition of women's sports in the UK. Greenwood's statement regarding her pride in her journey reflects the evolving narrative surrounding women in football, as they increasingly gain recognition for their contributions both on and off the pitch.

Key takeaways

Alex Greenwood has been appointed an MBE in the 2025 New Year Honours.
Her recognition signifies the increasing visibility and respect for women's football.
Greenwood has expressed pride in her journey and contributions to the sport.

Timeline: how we got here

The journey towards Greenwood's MBE can be traced through several key milestones in her career:

2014: Greenwood made her debut for the England women's senior team.
2019: She played a crucial role in England's run to the semi-finals of the FIFA Women's World Cup.
2021: Greenwood helped Manchester City secure a place in the UEFA Women's Champions League.
2023: She continues to be a key player for both club and country, showcasing her talent on international stages.
January 2025: Appointment as an MBE in the New Year Honours, recognising her contributions to women's football.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The announcement of Greenwood's MBE marks a significant milestone in her career and reflects the changing landscape of women's sports in the UK. It is a recognition that many believe is long overdue, as female athletes continue to break barriers and achieve remarkable success.

What was already established

Prior to this honour, Greenwood has been recognised for her skills and leadership on the pitch, having received various accolades throughout her career. Her performances at the club level with Manchester City and internationally with England have contributed to her reputation as one of the top defenders in women's football.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For consumers, the recognition of athletes like Greenwood helps to promote women's sports, which can lead to increased attendance at games and heightened interest in women's football. This visibility can inspire young girls to participate in sports, fostering a healthier lifestyle and breaking down gender stereotypes.

Businesses and jobs

As women's football gains more recognition, businesses involved in the sport, from clubs to sponsors, can expect increased engagement and investment. This can lead to job creation within the sector, providing more opportunities for women in sports management, coaching, and media.

Policy and regulation

The appointment of Greenwood as an MBE may influence policy discussions around funding and support for women's sports. As the profile of female athletes rises, there may be calls for more equitable funding and resources compared to men's sports, pushing for a more balanced approach in athletic development.

Numbers that matter

2014: Year Greenwood debuted for the national team.
20: The number of appearances Greenwood has made for England in major tournaments.
4: Major club titles won with Manchester City, showcasing her impact at the club level.
£14.5 million: The estimated value of the women's football market in the UK, which continues to grow as recognition increases.

Definitions and jargon buster

MBE: Member of the Order of the British Empire, an honour awarded for significant contributions to the community or country.
FIFA: Fédération Internationale de Football Association, the international governing body for football.
UEFA: Union of European Football Associations, the governing body for football in Europe.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Expect further media coverage surrounding Greenwood's achievements, which may include interviews and public appearances. This will help maintain momentum for women's football as it continues to rise in prominence.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the 2025 New Year Honours draw near, anticipate discussions around the impact of such recognitions on women's sports funding and policy changes. Sports bodies may also look to capitalise on this momentum to promote women’s leagues and events.

Signals to watch

Increased media coverage of women's football events.
Changes in sponsorship and funding for women’s teams.
Participation rates in women's football programmes and academies.

Practical guidance

Do

Support local women's football teams by attending matches.
Engage with community initiatives that promote women's sports.
Encourage young girls to participate in football and other sports.

Don’t

Dismiss women's football as less important than men's football.
Overlook the significance of female athlete achievements.
Ignore opportunities to promote gender equity in sports.

Checklist

Find local women's football matches to attend.
Research community sports programmes for girls.
Follow women's football news and support initiatives.
Engage with social media campaigns promoting women's sports.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Greenwood's MBE is a significant milestone, it is important to recognise that the journey towards equality in sports is ongoing. There may be disputes regarding the level of support and funding allocated to women's sports compared to men's. Additionally, the impact of individual recognition can vary, and broader systemic changes are essential for sustained progress.

Bottom line

Alex Greenwood's appointment as an MBE is a landmark achievement not just for her but for women's football as a whole. It highlights the increasing recognition of female athletes and their contributions to sports. Moving forward, continued support for women in sports is crucial for fostering an equitable environment where all athletes can thrive.

FAQs

What does MBE stand for?

MBE stands for Member of the Order of the British Empire, an honour given for significant contributions to the community or country.

Why is Alex Greenwood’s MBE important?

Alex Greenwood’s MBE is important as it recognises her contributions to women's football and highlights the growing visibility of female athletes in the UK.

How can I support women's football?

You can support women's football by attending matches, engaging with community initiatives, and promoting opportunities for young girls to participate in sports.