Former England Lioness Karen Carney, who is competing in this weekend’s Strictly Come Dancing final, previously opened up about not making much money during her playing days but insists she’s comfortable and lived her dream
Abbie Meehan Sports Writer U-35s
18:00, 20 Dec 2025
Karen Carney is a popular fixture on TV(Image: Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)
Karen Carney has revealed she harbours no resentment over the modest earnings from her playing career, despite missing out on the Lionesses’ recent wave of success.
The former Arsenal midfielder is currently battling for the glitterball trophy on Strictly Come Dancing, with Saturday’s final fast approaching. Prior to establishing herself as a respected football pundit, Carney enjoyed a distinguished playing career spanning more than a decade at both club and international level.
She earned 144 caps for England, netting 33 goals and securing a third-place finish at the 2015 Women’s World Cup, whilst also reaching the final of the 2009 UEFA Women’s Championship.
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Carney claimed three Cyprus Cups and one SheBelieves trophy with the national side, though the bulk of her silverware arrived at club level.
Three league titles with Arsenal, alongside numerous domestic cup triumphs in north London and later at Chelsea, highlighted an outstanding career for the former midfielder.
Yet financial rewards proved far more elusive for Carney, though she holds no bitterness about it.
In a 2019 interview with The Times, the now 38 year old reflected that she accomplished everything she set out to achieve. Carney said: “I never had any expectations.”
Karen Carney has been on Strictly Come Dancing(Image: Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images)
“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 at the time, Carney said: “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.”
Most of Carney’s financial success has come from her post-football career, where she has worked in various broadcasting roles, most notably with TNT Sports and ITV.
The former Arsenal player covers a range of major competitions, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and international tournaments such as the World Cup and Euros.