The defender, who recently earned her 50th cap for her country, has made history with the publication, portraying the increasing popularity of women’s football in the United Kingdom.
In a Q&A session within the issue, the skipper discusses City’s debut season in the FA Women’s Super League, plus life as England international and her thoughts on the growth of the women’s game.
Reflecting on her appearance on the front cover, the 26-year-old, who has enjoyed a glittering career, could not hide her delight.
“I’m over the moon,” she declared. “I found out on Wednesday night and I was a bit surprised as I’d done the interview but I didn’t realise I would be on the front cover.
“It’s a bit weird because I always used to get the Shoot annuals for Christmas from my mum and dad! A few people have asked to see this one - including my grandma!
“It just shows how much the women’s game has progressed over the last few years.
“It does feel a bit strange but I’m absolutely honoured.”
Dan Tyler, Deputy Editor at Shoot Magazine, also shared his thoughts on the landmark, stating: “Choosing a women’s footballer to be Shoot’s first female cover star in our 45-year history has for many taken longer than it should have done.
“It’s not an easy decision for any publication to make because the popularity and pull of the men’s Premier League is too powerful to ignore. However, after securing a feature with Steph Houghton, we decided she was the perfect person to break the mould.
“As the current captain of England and Manchester City, who are investing and showing real commitment into driving their women’s team forward, she is at the forefront of the sport’s recent rise off the pitch and step into a professional era, which really started with the 2011 World Cup and launch of the Women’s Super League.
“On the pitch, Steph has enjoyed a lot of success, winning numerous trophies with Arsenal and starring for Team GB at the Olympics.
“And with her set to captain England at next year’s World Cup in Canada, lead the Three Lionesses out at the new Wembley for the first time in November, and play a leading role in Manchester City’s project to gain success within all levels of the club, there was no better person - male or female - to star on our October edition.”
Shoot began publication in 1969, and has been one of the most popular football magazines in the UK, especially in the 1970s and 80s.
Over the years, Shoot has come in many different forms, firstly starting out as a weekly magazine before reverting to a monthly edition in 2001.
It then became the first online-only football magazine in 2009. The iconic annual, handbook and activity annuals are still available to buy in print.
To view the latest issue featuring Steph, click here.
