**Steph Houghton Steps Up for Husband After Life-Altering Diagnosis**
Steph Houghton, a towering name in English women’s football, has recently spoken openly about the dramatic changes in her personal life following her husband’s devastating diagnosis with motor neurone disease (MND). At 37, having retired from her international career to become a familiar pundit on BBC, Houghton’s journey has become emblematic of resilience both on and off the field.
Houghton’s professional career charted an illustrious path, beginning at Sunderland before stints with Leeds United and Arsenal, where she secured several domestic trophies. In 2014, she made a pivotal move to Manchester City, where her influence helped transform the club into a formidable force in the women’s game. Renowned for her leadership qualities, Houghton captained England and was at the heart of the Lionesses’ most memorable campaigns, leading them to World Cup and European Championship semi-finals.
Despite a stellar run that saw her earn 121 senior caps for England after her debut in 2007, Houghton’s journey was not without adversity. She transitioned from midfield and full-back to central defence, making her mark with trademark defensive prowess and crucial goals, like her standout effort at the 2012 London Olympics. Her time as England captain saw both glory and heartbreak—most notably her last-ditch efforts to return from injury for Euro 2022, only to miss out on selection as England lifted their first major trophy on home turf.
But it is Houghton’s life away from football that has drawn renewed attention. Her husband, former professional defender Stephen Darby, was forced to retire from football in 2018 after being diagnosed with MND just months after marrying Houghton. The degenerative condition, which attacks the nerves that control movement, has gradually robbed Darby of his independence. As his illness has progressed, Houghton has assumed an increasingly vital role in his day-to-day care—helping with basic tasks such as getting dressed, drying off after a shower, and climbing the stairs.
The emotional and physical toll has been immense. Houghton has spoken heartbreakingly about the transformation of their lives, noting how difficult it has been to watch someone once so athletic lose the ability to carry out daily activities. “How do you possibly put it into words?” she recently told reporters, underscoring the profound impact that MND has had not just on her husband, but on their wider family life.
Despite the struggles, Houghton and Darby have channelled their personal adversity into action. Together, they co-founded the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation, a charity set up to support those affected by the disease and to fund vital scientific research. Launched in partnership with British Forces veteran Chris Rimmer, the foundation is committed to giving hope to other families facing the same terrifying diagnosis. Houghton remains a driving force behind this campaign, advocating for more investment in research and sharing her story to boost public awareness.
Looking to the future, Houghton has confided that both she and her husband still dream of starting a family, holding onto hopes for medical breakthroughs that might one day change the outlook for MND sufferers. “We are so desperate for funds for research—just for a sliver of hope,” Houghton said. Despite her optimism, she does not shy away from acknowledging the reality of their daily fight. “Every day has its challenges. I won’t pretend otherwise, but my love and support for Stephen never wavers. His courage inspires me to keep going, no matter how tough it gets.”
Off the pitch, Houghton has also confronted professional disappointment, notably expressing her sense of being “let down” by the England management under Sarina Wiegman in the twilight of her international career. Despite making a determined recovery from injury and working her way back into a provisional squad for Euro 2022, Houghton was ultimately omitted, missing out on another chance to represent her country on the biggest stage. “When the goalposts keep changing, you start to lose trust,” she reflected, calling for greater empathy and honesty in the way senior players are treated.
Her retirement did not mark her withdrawal from footballing headlines. Last month, Houghton found herself at the centre of an internet sensation following a robust challenge from former Italy defender Leonardo Bonucci during the 2025 Soccer Aid charity match. The collision, which left Houghton temporarily winded and sparked a wave of reaction online, was played down by both parties afterwards, with Houghton confirming there were no hard feelings. Sharing post-match photos and joking exchanges on social media, she demonstrated the camaraderie prevalent among players, even in intensely competitive settings.
As a respected pundit and advocate, Steph Houghton continues to be a guiding light for both supporters of women’s football and those affected by MND. Her journey underscores not just sporting excellence, but the fortitude required to rise above personal trials—a narrative that encourages hope, compassion and action for countless others.