Rachel Yankey

The original superstar of women’s football, Rachel Yankey came from humble beginnings to become one of England’s most highly decorated players of all time, and a role model to millions — the kind she missed out on as a youngster.

EARLY LIFE

Rachel Yankey grew up in Queen’s Park and attended Willesden High School, in addition to representing Brent in the London Youth Games. Not unlike most children, her interest in the game stemmed from kickabouts in the streets with her older brother.

Quickly realising that girls’ options for organised football were less than limited, the then-eight year old boldly took matters into her own hands. She travelled to the local barber shop where she shaved her head, sought out baggy kit, and went by the name Ray — a play on her initials — all for a chance to play in the local boys team. Her disguise lasted two years before her identity was eventually pointed out by a classmate; her creativity had already paid off.

Career highlights

At age 16, Rachel joined Arsenal Ladies (now Arsenal Women), where she stayed from 1996 to 2000, including a short loan spell with Canadian team, Laval Dynamites. She thrived under the leadership of Vic Akers, helping the team to two Cup doubles in 1998 and 1999, and securing the Women’s Premier League title. Rachel made a triumphant return to Arsenal in 2005, playing 11 more years with the North London club. In her 15 years with the Gunners, she was showered with personal and team accolades, including five Premier League medals, seven FA Women’s Cup titles, and two Premier League Cup successes. A sensational left wing who was animated with the ball at her feet, Rachel Yankey captured the hearts of fans, and won the minds of critics of the women’s game. There was simply no denying that she was a cut above the rest.

Between spells at Arsenal, she made history in 2000 when she signed a professional contract with South-West London side, Fulham Ladies (now Fulham Women) owned by Mohamed Al-Fayed. In doing so, Rachel Yankey became the first ever professional female footballer. Her speed and intelligent movement off the ball formed an integral part of the Cottagers’ noteworthy treble-winning year in 2002. She was named the Nationwide International Player of the Year that season.

Alongside her domestic career, Rachel’s trailblazing talent produced indelible performances for England. From her international debut in 1997 in which she scored in a 4-0 win over Scotland, to the time of retirement, Rachel collected 129 caps for England and scored 19 goals. She was, until 2014, the highest capped player in the nation’s history.

There is resounding appreciation for the vast ways in which Rachel Yankey has impacted women’s sport and the game of football specifically. In 2011, she was inducted into the London Youth Games Hall of Fame, where she sits alongside sporting giants Maggie Alphonisi, Mo Farah, Raheem Sterling and Dina Asher-Smith. Six years later, in 2017, Rachel was inducted into the National Football Museum.

Despite more than 25 years in the game, Rachel Yankey has never forgotten the importance of role models. She is an honest voice on women’s football, simultaneously celebrating incremental steps towards equity, challenging leadership to do more, and passionately mentoring the next generation —in part, as First Team Coach in the FA Women’s National South League.