Karen Carney has stated that her lack of financial success during her football career doesn’t bother her, despite missing out on the recent international triumphs of the Lionesses. The former Arsenal midfielder and current pundit is showcasing her dance skills on Strictly Come Dancing and will compete for the glitterball trophy in Saturday’s final. Prior to her transition into football commentary, Carney had a decade-long career playing for both club and country.
She earned 144 caps for England, scoring 33 goals and securing third place at the 2015 Women’s World Cup, as well as reaching the final of the 2009 UEFA Women’s Championship. While she won three Cyprus Cups and one SheBelieves trophy with the Lionesses, most of her silverware came from her club career. She claimed three league titles at Arsenal and numerous domestic cup victories in north London and at Chelsea.
Carney had an illustrious career, but financial rewards didn’t come as readily. However, she harbours no resentment about it.
She expressed satisfaction with her achievements in a 2019 interview with The Times, saying: “I never had any expectations. When I was 11, I just wanted to play for England.
“I didn’t know when it would happen, how it would happen. I picked that dream and I wanted that dream. I am who I am. I’m from Birmingham. My mum works at Sainsbury’s.
“My dad is a firefighter. We keep it real. We know who we are. I haven’t made a lot of money but I’m equally comfortable. I have food, clothes on my back and my family.
“I’ll never be bitter. I don’t need a Bentley. I don’t need a Rolex. I’ve lived my dream, I’ve got my family and that’s all I need.”
Speaking about her impact on the younger Lionesses, Carney stated: “I just aim to play as if it was five-a-side as an 11-year-old kid. That’s how I see it because that’s how it is.
“That’s what I try to tell the youngsters. ‘It’s your dream – don’t fear it.’ I don’t say what I feel. I say what was said to me because my senior professionals were amazing.”
The bulk of Carney’s financial success has been achieved since her retirement from football, having taken up various broadcasting roles with TNT Sports and ITV.
She provides coverage for several major competitions, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and international tournaments such as the World Cup and Euros.