Quick Read
- Alex Greenwood awarded MBE in 2026 New Year Honours for her role in England’s Euro 2025 victory.
- Greenwood captained Manchester City and started every match for the Lionesses during the tournament.
- England retained their UEFA Women’s EURO title, winning on penalties against Spain in Switzerland.
2025 was a year of defining moments for English football, and at the heart of it all stood Alex Greenwood. The Manchester City captain and Lionesses defender saw her career reach new heights, not just on the pitch but in the eyes of the nation, after receiving an MBE in the 2026 New Year Honours List. This recognition, bestowed alongside fellow Lionesses Keira Walsh, Georgia Stanway, and Ella Toone, marks a chapter where individual excellence blends seamlessly with collective achievement.
Greenwood’s story this year is intertwined with England’s historic retention of the UEFA Women’s EURO title. The Lionesses, having won their first European crown in 2022, defied expectations by defending their title in Switzerland—becoming the first England men’s or women’s side to claim back-to-back major tournament wins, and notably doing so outside of the UK. The final against Spain was a nail-biter, ending 1-1 after regular time and going to penalties, where Greenwood stepped up, scored, and helped clinch a 3-1 shootout victory over the reigning World Champions.
This victory was more than just a sporting achievement; it was a statement. The Lionesses demonstrated grit, unity, and poise under pressure, with Greenwood starting every match and proving her fitness after recovering from injury just in time for the tournament. Her consistent performances for Manchester City in the months leading up to Euro 2025 were crucial, especially as the team closed the year at the top of the Women’s Super League (WSL) table after a remarkable ten-match winning streak. Greenwood’s leadership—assuming the captaincy in 2024 after Steph Houghton’s retirement—has been a driving force behind City’s resurgence.
Greenwood’s journey at City began in 2020 after her transfer from OL Lyonnais. Over 154 appearances, she has secured both the FA Cup and League Cup, and her individual brilliance has been recognised through three consecutive inclusions in the PFA WSL Team of the Year (2021/22, 2022/23, and 2023/24). In November, she committed her future to the club by signing a new contract until the summer of 2027—a testament to her loyalty and ambition.
The New Year Honours also shone a light on the broader Lionesses squad and staff. Captain Leah Williamson received a CBE, manager Sarina Wiegman was named an honorary Dame, and the team’s doctor and former forward Kerry Davis were also recognised. Wiegman’s heartfelt statement reflected the collective spirit of the team, emphasizing that recognition for one is recognition for all. She paid tribute to every member of the squad, highlighting how their unity has inspired fans and advanced women’s football in England.
While Greenwood’s MBE celebrates her personal achievements, it also serves as a symbol of the Lionesses’ impact beyond sport. Their success at Euro 2025 not only made history but also deepened the connection between players and fans, inspiring young athletes across the country. Greenwood’s journey—from battling injuries to lifting trophies and now to national honours—embodies the resilience and dedication that have come to define this era of English women’s football.
As the Lionesses set their sights on qualification for the 2027 World Cup, Greenwood remains a central figure in their quest for continued excellence. Her leadership, both at club and national level, and her unwavering commitment to team values, ensure she will remain a role model for aspiring footballers and a key architect of future successes.
Greenwood’s recognition in the New Year Honours, reported by Manchester City and Yahoo Sports, is not just a personal milestone but a reflection of an extraordinary collective effort. The Lionesses’ back-to-back European triumphs have redefined what is possible for English football, and Greenwood’s story—marked by resilience, consistency, and leadership—stands as proof that true greatness is forged in moments of adversity and unity.