Lioness Lucy Bronze awarded Freedom of Northumberland
05 Jun 2025
Berwick-born football star Lucy Bronze MBE has become the latest recipient to be awarded the Freedom of Northumberland.
The honour was presented to England Lioness Lucy at a special ceremony at County Hall in Morpeth, where the defender was gifted an ornate scroll bearing her name - making her part of a select group of people to be awarded the freedom of the county.
Born and raised in Northumberland, Lucy’s childhood included a spell living on Holy Island, where her great great grandmother was caretaker of Lindisfarne Castle.
She received her first pair of football boots at the age of 10, encouraged by her parents and brother Jorge, and was the only girl in a team of boys at Alnwick Town, and joined Sunderland girls academy at 12.
Early challenges, including being barred from playing in mixed teams after the age of 12, fuelled her determination and further solidified her commitment to the sport.
Having won every domestic honour in England during her spells at Sunderland, Liverpool, Everton and Manchester City, Lucy signed for Lyon in 2017 where she won the domestic title and UEFA Women’s Champions League in each of her three seasons in France.
A return to Manchester City for a second spell in 2020 preceded another adventure in Europe when she joined Barcelona in the summer of 2022. During her time in Spain, she added another seven trophies to her collection including two more Women’s Champions League titles.
Signing for Chelsea in Summer 2024, she scored on her second appearance in a big win over Crystal Palace. At the end of last year Lucy was announced as on the shortlist for The Best FIFA Women's Player and she was voted into the FIFPRO Women's World XI by her fellow professionals.
At international level, Lucy has been one of England’s most impressive and consistent performers since making her senior debut back in 2013. She was a key member of the history-making Lionesses squad who won the European Championship in 2022.
She helped England to reach back-to-back major tournament finals when at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, which took place in Australia and New Zealand, the Lionesses finished runners-up to Spain.
Council Leader Councillor Glen Sanderson, who nominated Lucy for the honour, said: “One of the most decorated players in English football history – Lucy has won nearly every trophy there is to win which is testament to what a great player and role model she is for young people in the county and beyond.
“Northumberland has produced a vast array of footballing talent over the years and Lucy’s achievements stand alongside the best of them.
“Not only that, she has had to overcome challenges from a young age to play in and excel at the game she loved and has met those challenges head-on to reach the pinnacle of her sport. This honour is truly deserved.”
Chairman of the County Council and Civic Head Councillor John Beynon said: “Lucy's sheer hard work and determination is an inspiration for all young women and girls in Northumberland.
“We're very proud of her and everything she has done for sport locally, regionally and internationally, and we have great pleasure in granting her the Freedom of Northumberland.”