Katie McCabe will depart Arsenal at the end of the 2025-26 season following the expiry of her contract, concluding an illustrious 11-year tenure at the north London club. The 30-year-old Republic of Ireland captain departs as one of the most decorated players in Gunners history, having amassed over 300 appearances and claimed every major trophy available during her spell.
McCabe joined Arsenal in December 2015 from Shelbourne as a promising prospect and evolved into a club legend. Across her 305 appearances, she netted 37 goals while establishing herself as a fierce, commanding presence on the left flank. Her individual accolades underscored her impact: the versatile full-back was twice named Arsenal Player of the Season (2020-21 and 2022-23) and earned a spot in the Women's Champions League Team of the Season following her stellar performances in 2022-23.
Historic Trophy Wins Define McCabe's Legacy
The Dublin-born defender's trophy cabinet is remarkable. During her 11 years at Meadow Park and the Emirates Stadium, McCabe won one FA Cup, one Women's Super League title, three League Cups, and crucially, the 2025 Women's Champions League—the pinnacle of European club football. Her final act came with the 2026 FIFA Champions Cup victory, meaning McCabe completed an unprecedented collection of every available honour before her exit. This achievement cements her position among the most successful players to ever wear the red and white.
Beyond the Gunners, McCabe has been the driving force behind Ireland's women's football resurgence. As national team captain with 105 caps and 34 goals, she led her country to a historic first Women's World Cup qualification in 2023. At that tournament, she wrote herself into Irish sporting folklore by scoring her nation's maiden World Cup goal—a sublime curling effort directly from a corner against Canada—marking a watershed moment for women's football on the island.
Arsenal director of women's football Clare Wheatley paid tribute, stating: "Over more than a decade at Arsenal, Katie has made a significant and lasting contribution to the history and success of our football club. She departs as a club legend and we are so proud of our shared journey together." As McCabe enters the next phase of her career, her 11-year spell stands as a masterclass in consistency, leadership, and trophy-winning mentality at the highest level of women's football.
