The defender’s induction will take place on Wednesday 12 June at the Etihad Stadium.
Houghton’s status as a City icon speaks for itself, having made more appearances (242) and won more trophies (eight) than any other player since our professional relaunch.
More widely, she was also the first player to reach 150 appearances in the Barclays Women’s Super League, and the first to register 100 wins in the competition.
A two-time WSL Team of the Year inductee and the last remaining member of that original City side from 2014, our number six has been the driving force behind our success over the past decade, leading the team on and off the pitch.
She ultimately decided to call time on her incredible career at the end of the 2023/24 campaign, one that spanned over 20 years at Sunderland, Leeds Carnegie, Arsenal and, finally, City.
Houghton’s influence can be felt just as keenly on the international front, starring at the 2012 London Olympics for Team GB, as well as captaining England at two World Cups and a European Championship.
She’s just the second female City player to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, alongside team-mate Jill Scott, who was included in 2023.
Houghton said of the news: “I’m honoured to be inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame so soon after announcing my retirement from football.
“It is a prestigious list, with less than 200 players, managers and teams inducted so I am very humbled.
“I share the recognition with my team-mates, managers, coaches, club support staff and family, who have all contributed so much to my career.
“Without them then I wouldn’t have achieved the success and enjoyment that I had in football.”
Tim Desmond, CEO of the National Football Museum added: “Steph’s induction to the National Football Museum Hall of Fame is a testament to not only her career in football, but how she has carried herself through it.
“A leader on the pitch and a leading example for those she inspired along the way, she’s been at the heart of some of the most poignant and important moments in the growth of women’s football in this country, and despite setbacks along the way, has left an indelible mark on the game.
“In 2019, the National Football Museum relaunched the Hall of Fame with a commitment to achieve 50% female representation across the game and celebrating legacies such as Steph’s is something we pride ourselves on and feel very honoured to be a part of”.
Everyone at Manchester City would like to congratulate Steph on another incredible achievement.
