Sophie Ingle steps down as Wales captain after nine years

Sophie Ingle has announced she has stepped down as Wales captain.

Nine years after she first wore the captain's armband, she says it's the "right time" to pass it on.

Ingle - who has played 136 times for Wales - first stepped into the role in 2015 when she took over from Jess Fishlock, Wales' most-capped footballer.

The 32-year-old Chelsea midfielder led her Wales side to victory over Croatia in their Euro 2025 qualifier on Friday.

It was Rhian Wilkinson's first match as manager, after Gemma Grainger left the side in January.

Wales have not yet announced who will head up the side which faces Kosovo on Tuesday.

Ingle said: "It has been the best nine years, representing my country and leading this group of girls out.

"It has been such a career high and one I will never forget.

"I think it is the right time for me, for the team and moving forward, that I pass on the captain's armband.

"Being Wales captain has probably made me the person I am today. When I got that armband I was 23, I was a shy, little girl who didn't really speak to the team. That really gave me the power to speak to the girls and develop those relationships."

The Chelsea star, who has been appointed an OBE for her services to football, said she has been considering the decision since before Christmas.

"It has not been been an easy decision but focusing on this campaign and these qualifiers and thinking more long-term, I want someone to be in that role for four or five years and to lead, with pride, this group of girls out," she added.

"I think we have been growing and growing every campaign and that means we have more leaders and players in the team who are ready for the responsibility.

"I will still be around and I will help out as much as I can. I would just tell the next captain to enjoy it. Be yourself, you have been picked for a reason."

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