Aston Villa Women have officially appointed Harrogate-born footballer Rachel Daly as their club captain.
The club announced yesterday (Thursday) that Rachel will lead the team for the upcoming 2025–26 Women's Super League season.
The striker, originally from Harrogate, has been with Aston Villa since joining the club in August 2022.
She joins a leadership group that includes Missy Bo Kearns, Anna Patten and Sabrina D’Angelo, following the retirement of former captain Rachel Corsie at the end of last season.
A spokesperson for the club said:
“Rachel has worn the armband on numerous occasions but now becomes captain on a permanent basis, filling the void left by Rachel Corsie at the end of last season.
“Daly now forms a leadership group alongside Missy Bo Kearns, Anna Patten and Sabrina D’Angelo.”
Rachel developed her football roots locally before rising through the ranks—playing for Leeds United, a successful stint in the United States with Houston Dash and earning an impressive England career that includes Euro 2022 glory and the 2023 Women’s Finalissima title.
A commemorative plaque honouring her was installed at the Killinghall Nomads ground in the Harrogate area as part of the “Where Greatness Is Made” campaign.
Aston Villa Women will officially kick off the 2025–26 campaign away to Brighton & Hove Albion at Broadfield Stadium on Sunday (7th September), with Daly leading the side as captain.

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