Alex Greenwood is an English professional footballer renowned for her intelligence, composure, and leadership as a left-sided defender. As captain of Manchester City and a mainstay for the England national team, she is considered one of the world’s most accomplished and versatile defenders, excelling as both a centre-back and left-back.
Early Life and Background
Born on September 7, 1993, in Bootle, England, Alex Greenwood began her football journey at Everton’s youth academy. Her early promise and left-footed quality quickly set her apart, paving the way for a distinguished senior career at the highest levels of the women’s game.
Club Career
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Everton (2010–2014):
Greenwood made her senior debut at Everton, making 43 league appearances and scoring once. She was named FA Young Player of the Year in 2012. -
Notts County (2015):
A short spell at Notts County saw her play 14 league matches, scoring once and gaining valuable experience in the WSL. -
Liverpool (2016–2018):
Greenwood continued her development at Liverpool, making 32 league appearances and scoring 4 goals over two seasons. -
Manchester United (2018–2019):
As captain, she led Manchester United to the FA Women’s Championship title in their inaugural season, making 18 league appearances and scoring 4 goals. -
Olympique Lyonnais (2019–2020):
Greenwood joined European giants Lyon, winning the Division 1 Féminine and UEFA Women’s Champions League, and making 11 league appearances. -
Manchester City (2020–present):
Signing for City in September 2020, Greenwood quickly became a defensive leader and captain. She has made over 90 league appearances, won the FA Cup and Continental Cup, and was named in the WSL Team of the Year multiple times. She signed a contract extension through 2026 and made her 100th City appearance in October 2023.
International Career
Greenwood debuted for England in 2014 and has since earned 96 caps and scored 7 goals. She was the youngest member of England’s 2015 World Cup squad, helping secure a bronze medal. Greenwood featured in every match as England reached the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, earning praise as one of the tournament’s standout defenders. She was part of the squads that won the SheBelieves Cup (2019), Arnold Clark Cup (2022), and UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, and was twice named in the FIFPRO Women’s World 11 (2023, 2024).
Playing Style and Strengths
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Position: Centre-back, left-back
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Key Attributes:
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Excellent tackling and positional play
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Vision and passing range
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Set-piece specialist (penalties, free kicks, corners)
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Leadership and communication
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Composure under pressure
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Versatility across the back line
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Career Stats (as of December 2024)
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Date of Birth: September 7, 1993
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Age: 31
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Nationality: English
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Height: 1.67 m
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Position: Centre-back, left-back
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Current Club: Manchester City (No. 5, captain)
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Everton Appearances: 43 (1 goal)
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Notts County Appearances: 14 (1 goal)
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Liverpool Appearances: 32 (4 goals)
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Manchester United Appearances: 18 (4 goals)
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Lyon Appearances: 11
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Manchester City Appearances: 90 (5 goals)
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England Senior Caps: 96 (7 goals)
Achievements and Honors
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UEFA Women’s Champions League winner (Lyon, 2020)
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Division 1 Féminine champion (Lyon)
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FA Women’s Championship winner (Manchester United, 2019)
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FA Cup winner (Manchester City, 2020)
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Continental Cup winner (Manchester City, 2022)
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UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 winner (England)
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FIFA Women’s World Cup finalist (2023), bronze medalist (2015)
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SheBelieves Cup winner (2019)
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Arnold Clark Cup winner (2022)
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WSL Team of the Year (multiple times)
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FIFPRO Women’s World 11 (2023, 2024)
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Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Sefton (2023)
Frequently Asked Questions About Alex Greenwood
How old is Alex Greenwood?
She is 31 years old, born on September 7, 1993.
What position does Alex Greenwood play?
She is a centre-back and left-back.
Which clubs has Alex Greenwood played for?
She has played for Everton, Notts County, Liverpool, Manchester United, Olympique Lyonnais, and Manchester City.
What are Alex Greenwood’s major achievements?
She is a Champions League winner, European champion, World Cup finalist, and multiple-time domestic trophy winner.
What makes Alex Greenwood stand out?
Her tactical intelligence, set-piece ability, leadership, and versatility in defense.
Conclusion
Alex Greenwood’s journey from Bootle to the pinnacle of European and world football is a testament to her skill, resilience, and leadership. As captain of Manchester City and a key England international, she continues to inspire the next generation and set the standard for defensive excellence.
