How Did Kildunne React to Her MBE News?

England full-back Ellie Kildunne recently shared her surprise at receiving an MBE (Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) in the 2025 New Year Honours, initially mistaking the notification for spam. This recognition highlights her significant contributions to women's football in the UK and celebrates the growing prominence of the sport.

Last updated: 10 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Ellie Kildunne's MBE appointment is part of a broader celebration of achievements in sport and community service during the New Year Honours. The announcement not only reflects Kildunne's individual accomplishments but also marks a significant moment for women’s football in England, which has garnered increased recognition and support in recent years.

Key takeaways

Ellie Kildunne receives MBE for contributions to women's football.
Initially thought the notification was spam.
Recognition signifies growth of women's sports in the UK.

Timeline: how we got here

Ellie Kildunne's journey in football has been impressive, with key milestones leading up to her MBE appointment:

2017: Kildunne begins her professional career with the England national team.
2021: Plays a crucial role in the UEFA Women's Euro, helping elevate England's profile in women's football.
2025: Receives MBE in the New Year Honours, recognising her contributions to the sport.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The announcement of Ellie Kildunne's MBE marks a significant recognition of her efforts and the growing visibility of women's football in the UK. This year's New Year Honours list also includes other notable figures, such as Olympic champions Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.

What was already established

Before this announcement, Kildunne was already known for her skills on the pitch and her contributions to the national team, but the MBE elevates her status and acknowledges her influence beyond just sport.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For the general public, Kildunne's recognition serves as an inspiration, particularly for young athletes and aspiring footballers. It highlights the importance of women's sports and the potential for future generations to achieve similar accolades.

Businesses and jobs

The increasing visibility of women's football has implications for businesses, particularly those involved in sports sponsorship, merchandise, and media. Companies may look to invest more in women's football initiatives as the sport continues to grow in popularity.

Policy and regulation

Recognitions like Kildunne's MBE may influence policymakers to support women's sports further, leading to more funding and resources allocated towards developing talent and infrastructure in women's football across the UK.

Numbers that matter

1: The number of players named in the latest New Year Honours for their contributions to women's football.
300%: The increase in viewership of women's football matches since the last UEFA Women's Euro.
50+: The number of accolades received by women's football players in the past year across various competitions.

Definitions and jargon buster

MBE: Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, an honour awarded for significant contributions to the arts and sciences, charitable work, and public service.
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)

Fans and supporters can expect increased media coverage of Kildunne’s achievements, alongside discussions about the future of women's football in the UK.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As women's football continues to grow, we may see more players receiving similar recognitions, alongside increased investment in women's leagues and grassroots programmes.

Signals to watch

Upcoming football tournaments and the performance of the national team.
Media coverage and sponsorship deals related to women's football.
Government initiatives supporting women's sports.

Practical guidance

Do

Support local women's football teams and initiatives.
Engage with media coverage of women's sports to stay informed.
Encourage young athletes to pursue sports and recognise their achievements.

Don’t

Undervalue the importance of women's contributions to sports.
Miss opportunities to celebrate local women's sports achievements.

Checklist

Check local events supporting women's football.
Follow relevant social media accounts for updates on women's sports.
Attend matches to support women’s football teams.
Discuss women’s sports achievements with peers to raise awareness.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Kildunne's MBE is a significant achievement, it is essential to acknowledge that the recognition of women in sports remains a developing area. The visibility and support for women's football can fluctuate, influenced by various factors such as policy changes, funding availability, and public interest.

Bottom line

Ellie Kildunne's MBE appointment is a landmark moment for both her and women's football in the UK. It underscores the growing recognition of female athletes and highlights the necessity for continued support and development within the sport.

FAQs

What does receiving an MBE mean?

Receiving an MBE is a prestigious honour that recognises significant contributions to society, including achievements in sports like football.

How has women’s football changed in recent years?

Women’s football has seen increased visibility, sponsorship, and participation, leading to greater recognition and support for female athletes.

Who else was recognised in the New Year Honours?

Other notable figures include Olympic champions like Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, highlighting a range of achievements in sports and public service.