Midfielder Sophie Ingle has decided to step down as Wales captain, saying it was the right time to take over the armband after nine years.
Ingle was named Wales captain by former manager Jane Ludlow in February 2015, aged 23. On that occasion, she replaced Wales' most capped player Jess Fishlock in the role.
“Obviously it's a special feeling to be leading a team for the first time,” Ingle said in a statement Sunday.
“I learned so much, and it probably made me the person I am today. When I first took this program at the age of 23, I was a shy girl and didn't talk much to the team. That's what gave me the strength to move forward.'' And talk to girls and really build relationships. ”
The 32-year-old made 136 appearances for Wales and led them to a 4-0 win over Croatia in the 2025 European Championship qualifier on Friday. Wales are scheduled to play Kosovo on Tuesday.
Ingle continues to play a key role in the progress and development of Wales as they aim to reach the finals of a major tournament for the first time. The Welsh Football Association has yet to announce Ingle's replacement.
“To be honest, it has been the best nine years of my career representing my country and leading this women's group. But I think now is the right time to go into a new campaign and I would like to express my gratitude to the whole team. We have a leader,” Ingle said.
“I think the right thing to do is to tell others what I've been through over the past nine years and have them go through it too,” she added. “I want them to experience everything I’ve done, the good and the bad, and the leadership that comes with it and the responsibility of being the new captain of Wales.”
Ingle said the Wales squad had some “natural leaders”.
“I think we continue to grow year after year, campaign after campaign, and naturally we have more and more leaders,” Ingle said.
“There may not be one player wearing this. I think there are a lot of players on this team right now who are ready for that and ready to take on that responsibility. Of course I can I'm going to help and advise them as much as I can, but I also want them to just be good at what they do and be themselves because that's what it comes down to.”
Chelsea player Ingle was awarded the Order of the British Empire for her contribution to football and broke the Women's Super League appearance record four times.