‘I’ve loved every minute of the journey’ – Stephanie Zambra
Stephanie Zambra has called time on her playing career as the Republic of Ireland international announced her retirement from football on Thursday.
The striker will line out for the final time for Shamrock Rovers in Tallaght Stadium on Saturday when the Hoops play their last Women’s Premier Division game of the season against Shelbourne.
The game will bring an end to a very distinguished career, one which has seen Zambra earn 58 international caps with the Girls in Green, scoring 14 times.
Along with her exploits on the pitch, she was also vocal off the pitch in particular when she took part in the protest at Liberty Hall in 2017, as she helped win the battle for improved working conditions for those playing for the women’s international side.
Zambra began her career at Peamount United, and she was top scorer in the inaugural season of the Women’s National League in 2011/12, helping fire Peamount to the league title.
She continued her prolificness in front of goal in the 2013/14 season, where she was nominated for the FIFA Puskas Award, finishing second in the prestigious award after a sensational viral goal against Wexford Youths.
Following a three-year stint at Peamount, she joined French second tier side ASPTT Albi, before playing for Houston Dash, Sunderland and Italian side C.F Florentia.
The 35-year-old returned to Irish football in 2020 with Peamount before moving to the Hoops in 2022.
When Shamrock Rovers returned to the top level of the women’s game in Ireland last year, she was one of Hoops Head Coach Collie O’Neill’s first signings as he brought in a player to help set high standards within a new senior squad drawn together from players within the club’s Academy and from around the league.
“Steph is a complete trailblazer, she has not only set the bar high with her performances on the pitch but has also been a fantastic role model for younger players”, O’Neil said on the club’s website.
“Throughout her illustrious career, she has demonstrated exemplary professionalism and maintained the highest standards in all her endeavours.”
“From all my dealings with her, it is clear that she is a very intelligent footballer and her dedication for the sport are unparalleled.
“While we will miss her presence on the pitch, we are hopeful that she will join our coaching staff in the future, as she has so much more to give to the world of football.”
Speaking to shamrockrovers.ie, Stephanie Zambra said “It hasn’t been the easiest decision, being a footballer has always been everything to me.”
“I’ve loved every minute of the journey but all good things come to an end and I felt the time was right to move onto the next chapter.
“I’d like to say thank you to everyone who has played their part throughout my career. There are too many to thank individually but I’d like to thank all my teammates, coaches and officials from all the teams I’ve played for throughout the years.”
“I’ve got to live out my dream of playing for my country and becoming a professional footballer and hopefully I’ve been able to inspire others to chase their dreams.”
