Caitlin Hayes is a professional footballer known for her defensive strength, leadership, and goal-scoring ability from the back. She plays as a defender for Brighton & Hove Albion in the Women’s Super League and represents the Republic of Ireland at international level.
Early Life and Background
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Date of Birth: 22 September 1995
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Place of Birth: Warrington, England
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Nationality: Irish (through her grandfather from County Offaly)
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Education: Majored in kinesiology at Mississippi College, USA
Club Career
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Youth and College: Developed at Manchester City, Manchester United, and Everton academies. Played college soccer at Mississippi College, where she became the school’s first All-American and set records for appearances and goals by a defender.
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Early Senior Career: Briefly with Everton, then moved to Barcelona FA in Cyprus, gaining Champions League experience. Played for Lewes in England before joining Celtic in 2020.
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Celtic FC (2020–2025):
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Became a mainstay in the defense and a fan favorite.
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Helped Celtic win the Scottish Women’s Premier League (2023–24), two Scottish Cups (2022, 2023), and the SWPL Cup (2021), scoring the winning goal in the 2021 final.
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Made over 150 appearances and scored 40 goals for Celtic, an outstanding tally for a defender.
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Reached her 100th appearance for the club in the 2023/24 season.
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Earned multiple individual honors, including Celtic’s Player of the Year, Players’ Player of the Year, and PFA Player of the Year.
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Brighton & Hove Albion (2025–present):
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Signed for Brighton in January 2025 and immediately became part of their defensive lineup in the Women’s Super League.
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International Career
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Became eligible for the Republic of Ireland through her grandfather and made her senior debut in 2023.
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Quickly established herself as a regular, earning over 20 caps and scoring twice for Ireland.
Playing Profile
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Position: Central defender
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Strengths: Aerial ability, leadership, goal-scoring threat on set pieces, and defensive organization.
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Style: Commanding presence at the back, known for scoring crucial goals and organizing the defense.
Honours & Achievements
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Scottish Women’s Premier League champion (2023–24)
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Scottish Women’s Cup winner (2022, 2023)
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SWPL Cup winner (2021)
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Multiple inclusions in the SWPL Team of the Year
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Individual awards for Player of the Year at club and league level
FAQs About Caitlin Hayes
What position does Caitlin Hayes play?
Central defender.
Which club does she play for?
Brighton & Hove Albion (formerly Celtic FC).
Which country does she represent?
Republic of Ireland.
How old is Caitlin Hayes?
29 (born September 22, 1995).
What is her playing style?
Strong, commanding, and a goal-scoring defender who leads by example.
Conclusion
Caitlin Hayes’s journey from youth football in England to starring for Celtic and the Republic of Ireland, and now Brighton, highlights her as one of the most influential defenders in women’s football. Her leadership, consistency, and ability to contribute vital goals set her apart as a standout figure in the modern game.
