AOIFE MANNION

Aoife is a professional football player and defender for Newcastle United Women,

She began her football journey at Birmingham City's Centre of Excellence in 2006, before moving to Aston Villa Centre of Excellence, where she debuted for the first team in 2012 and contributed to their FA Women's Premier League Cup victory.

In 2013, she signed for Birmingham City, becoming a pivotal player and earning consecutive PFA Team of the Year honours. After six years, she joined Manchester City in 2019 but suffered an ACL injury, sidelining her for over a year. Upon recovery, she moved to Manchester United in 2021, establishing herself as a key squad member until another ACL injury in 2022 interrupted her progress.

Despite representing England at youth levels and receiving a senior call-up in 2019, Aoife always aspired to play for Ireland, honouring her parents' heritage. This aspiration materialised in 2023 when she earned her first call-up to the Irish national team.

Off the pitch, Aoife is an established public speaker, having appeared on panels for major brands such as Ofcom and Heineken, while also collaborating with companies including Visa, Amazfit Bip, FIFPro, and regularly working with MUTV.

Demonstrating her commitment to football beyond her playing career, she has also pursued advanced coaching qualifications. In 2024, she was part of the first ever all-female UEFA A Licence cohort, organised by The Football Association in collaboration with UEFA and The PFA, a 12-month programme aimed at encouraging more women into coaching.

Away from the pitch, Aoife enjoys following Formula 1, cooking, drinking good coffee with friends, and going on adventures with her Goldendoodle, Noodle.