Wales International Helen Ward Announces Retirement
Ward is the all time greatest goal scorer for Wales, scoring 44 times for her country.
Last updated 3rd Mar 2023
Wales football international Helen Ward has announced her retirement at the age of 36.
She played for Wales 105 times throughout her career, making her international debut against Luxembourg in September 2008.
Wales won the match 6-1, and Ward scored her first international goal in that match.
Ward also holds the title of all time top goal-scorer for Wales, scoring 44 times for her country. To put that into context, Gareth Bale scored 41 times for Wales before announcing his retirement in January.
Ward will retire from international football with immediate effect , and will retire from club football at the end of the season, where she plays for Watford.
Her statement, released by the Football Association of Wales reads:
'Luxembourg, Tuesday 30th September 2008. The day my life changed. It was the first time I’d pulled on the red shirt and proudly wore the Dragon on my chest. I stood for THE anthem and suddenly, it became more than just a game. Never did I imagine that that honour would be bestowed upon me more than a hundred times over.
I was part of a family. As an outsider from across the bridge, I was welcomed into the most special group of people and I never looked back. Those girls, that team and Cymru became everything to me.
The pride I feel every time I hear those words; ‘Mae Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’ and the sense of belonging will never, ever leave me. Playing for Wales became my why. It’s the reason I kept going and wanting to improve; the reason I came back after having my children; why I didn’t let covid be the end and why I realise that it’s not where you are born that counts, but where you feel like you belong and I’ve never felt more at home than when I’m with my team, in Wales.
It breaks my heart that I didn’t make it to a major tournament with this team, that I wasn’t at my peak when so many of my teammates were and are. But I KNOW they will make it soon and they will shine on the biggest stage of all and I cannot wait to be their best cheerleader when that happens.
It’s not always been easy, but it’s been the best ride of my life and I couldn’t have done it without my girls. Some of you have been there from day one and plenty more have joined along the way. They’re a special bunch and they’re my family.
Diolch to every player, staff member and fan who have trusted me, a muggle, to represent you and wear your shirt. The love I have for you is endless.
I gave you everything I have, I hope you know that.
Dwi’n dy garu di, Cymru'.