Sue Smith

Sue Smith is an England football legend, Sky Sports presenter, and highly sought-after female motivational speaker. With a career spanning over two decades at the top of women’s football, Sue is widely respected for her determination, resilience, and pioneering role in advancing women’s sport. As one of England’s most recognisable footballers, she has inspired a generation of female athletes to break barriers and challenge stereotypes, both on and off the pitch. Sue’s journey from a young girl in Merseyside dreaming of playing football, to becoming a double International Player of the Year and FA Player’s Player of the Year, is a powerful testament to what’s possible with hard work, belief, and passion.

Sue began her football career as a teenager at Tranmere Rovers, before signing for Leeds United (later Leeds Carnegie) in 2002. Her talent and determination quickly made her a standout figure in the sport. Over her career, Sue earned 93 caps for the England women’s national football team, scoring 16 international goals and representing her country at the highest level. She was also one of the first 17 female players awarded a central contract by The Football Association in 2009, a pivotal moment that helped secure greater recognition and support for women in football. Despite suffering several serious injuries, including torn cruciate and medial ligaments, Sue consistently demonstrated extraordinary resilience, returning to elite competition time and again.

Off the pitch, Sue has successfully transitioned into a leading football pundit, presenter, and commentator. She is a familiar face on Sky Sports, BBC Sport, and Quest, regularly offering expert analysis on the FA Women’s Super League and men’s EFL coverage. In 2023, Sue was selected as a co-commentator for EA Sports FC 24, joining an elite group of commentators bringing women’s football into mainstream gaming. As an ambassador for women in sport and a role model for young athletes, Sue’s media work continues to break new ground and promote the visibility of female role models.

Today, Sue Smith is an inspirational female motivational keynote speaker, captivating audiences with her story of persistence, leadership, and personal growth. She speaks passionately about resilience, overcoming adversity, and female empowerment, sharing lessons from her career that resonate far beyond the world of football. Sue’s engaging and relatable style makes her an ideal speaker for organisations seeking to inspire high performance, champion equality, and encourage the next generation of women to achieve their potential.