Georgia Stanway reveals that winning the World Cup would prompt her immediate retirement, marking the fulfillment of all her dreams. She reflects on England’s stressful Euro 2025 victory, the importance of team unity in overcoming challenges like online racial abuse, and her aspirations for inclusivity in football. Stanway also discusses her commitment to charitable work and her ambitions for the upcoming World Cup in Brazil 2027.
Georgia Stanway, the midfield maestro for both England's Lionesses and Bayern Munich, has revealed a startling proposition: winning the World Cup would be the perfect swan song to her illustrious career. In a candid interview, Stanway opened up about her aspirations, the pressures of international football, and the unique bond within the England squad.
Fresh off securing a second consecutive Euros title with England, Stanway is no stranger to etching milestones onto her skin – literally. With over 100 tattoos adorning her body, she joked about her recent additions: “I’ve probably had about 10 new ones. Sometimes, I’ll be sat in the living room and say: ‘Ah, let’s just go to the studio.’” Among them, the numbers 19:32, a blue-inked reminder of the exact time the final whistle blew during their first Euros win in 2022, and the Roman numeral II, commemorating their back-to-back victories. It's clear that Stanway values the memories and achievements she has collected throughout her career.
Reflecting on the recent Euro 2025 campaign, Stanway described it as “such a stressful tournament.” The Lionesses faced adversity at every turn, often snatching victory from the jaws of defeat in the dying moments of crucial matches. “You don’t have to play the best football and you don’t have to be winning in the first half or even the second half. You only need to be leading for one second,” she stated, encapsulating the nail-biting nature of their triumph.
The statistics speak volumes: England led for a mere four minutes and 52 seconds across the quarter-final, semi-final, and final matches combined. This resilience, Stanway believes, underscores the team's unwavering character and determination to succeed, regardless of the odds.
Stanway's personal journey to the Euros was fraught with challenges. A serious knee ligament injury threatened to derail her participation, requiring surgery just months before the tournament. “I had surgery on 30 January while the first game of the Euros was at the start of July,” she recalled. “I had three weeks on crutches, six weeks in a brace… Nobody could really give me an answer [about whether I would make the Euros]. That was difficult but every day I said: ‘Whether you think it’s possible or not, I will make it.’”
Her relentless rehabilitation and unwavering self-belief ultimately paid off, convincing coach Sarina Wiegman of her readiness. Despite a shaky start in the opening match against France, Stanway delivered a stellar performance against the Netherlands, proving her mettle and solidifying her place as a key player in the squad.
Beyond the pitch, Stanway emphasized the importance of creating a supportive and inclusive team environment. She highlighted the team's response to Jess Carter, who suffered from online racial abuse during the tournament. Stanway said, “If Jess wasn’t comfortable in her environment then we might not have been able to support her. But we allowed a safe space for people to talk so they don’t go through that alone.” This unity and empathy, she believes, are crucial for both individual well-being and collective success.
Stanway's commitment to giving back extends beyond football. As a new ambassador for Laureus, a global organization promoting the power of sport, she actively supports initiatives that provide opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds. Her recent involvement in a cage football session in London underscored her passion for using sport as a catalyst for positive change.
Addressing the broader issue of inclusivity in football, Stanway expressed her desire to see greater acceptance and openness regarding sexuality within the men's game. She hopes for a future where all players feel safe and empowered to be their authentic selves, free from judgment or discrimination.
Looking ahead, Stanway is gearing up for the start of the new season with Bayern Munich, where the women's game is experiencing unprecedented growth. But her ultimate ambition remains firmly set on international glory. “Win the World Cup and I’ll happily retire because then that’s all my dreams come true,” she declared. While acknowledging the disappointment of losing to Spain in the 2023 World Cup final, she remains optimistic about England's chances in Brazil in 2027. “It would have been really nice to do it in Australia but when you’re beaten by the better team, like Spain, you accept the situation. So we need to continue to grow and adapt and evolve. If we do that then there’s no reason why we can’t become world champions.”
For now, Stanway will continue to push boundaries, both on and off the pitch, leaving an indelible mark on the world of women's football and inspiring generations to come. Whether she retires with a World Cup medal or not, her legacy as a true champion is already secure.