Sophie Ingle, the midfielder for the Wales national team, has decided to step down as captain after nine years in the role. Ingle, who was appointed captain in 2015 at the age of 23, replaced Jess Fishlock as the team leader. She has since made 136 appearances for Wales and played a key role in their recent victory over Croatia in the 2025 European Championship qualifiers. Ingle believes it is the right time to pass on the armband as the team looks to qualify for the finals of a major tournament for the first time.
In a statement released on Sunday, Ingle expressed gratitude for her time as captain, stating that leading the team has helped shape her into the person she is today. She highlighted the special feeling of walking out as the captain and how the experience has allowed her to develop relationships with her teammates. Ingle emphasized the importance of leadership and responsibility that comes with being the captain of Wales and expressed her desire for the new captain to experience the highs and lows of the role.
Despite stepping down as captain, Ingle remains dedicated to the Wales national team and is committed to supporting the new captain in any way she can. She acknowledged the presence of several “natural leaders” within the team and believes that there are multiple players ready for the responsibility of leading the team. Ingle emphasized the importance of allowing the new captain to excel and be themselves in the role, while also offering her guidance and advice when needed.
The Football Association of Wales has yet to announce a successor for Ingle as captain, but she is confident in the leadership capabilities of her teammates. Ingle believes that the team has been growing and developing over the years, with more leaders emerging naturally within the squad. She acknowledged the possibility of multiple players sharing the captaincy role and expressed her willingness to support and advise the new captain as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with leading the team.
In addition to her contributions as captain of the Wales national team, Ingle has been recognized for her services to football by being appointed an OBE. She has also broken the appearance record for the Women’s Super League and has won the league title four times with Chelsea. Ingle’s decision to step down as captain marks the end of an era for Wales football, but she remains committed to supporting the team and helping them achieve success in future tournaments. Her leadership and dedication to the team have left a lasting impact on Welsh football and she will continue to be a valuable asset to the national team in her new role.
