Scotland international Fiona Brown will retire from football at the end of the 2024/25 season, calling time on a storied career that has seen her shine for both club and country.
The 30-year-old forward, who has been capped 61 times and represented Scotland at major tournaments, made the decision following a serious knee injury sustained last April during a Scottish Women’s Premier League match against Rangers.
It was the fourth anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture of her career, and while the rehabilitation has gone well, Brown admits the physical toll has become too much.
“The risk is that I could easily get injured again and with my body type and history, I can’t afford to do that as there is not much more that could be done," the Glasgow City star revealed.
“I’m happy that I was here [when the injury happened] because I was at home with my friends, family and boyfriend and I was able to have such a laugh with the people I was with every day.
''To all the teammates, coaches, staff and fans I have spent my time with throughout my career, from my time as young player breaking through, to playing with Glasgow City, in Sweden and with the Scotland national team thank you for your support, you have all been a part of my journey.’’
On having the honour to represent her country, the former Celtic, Eskilstuna United, and FC Rosengård player added: "It's been one of the biggest privileges of my career to represent my country. To do it 61 times is more than I could have imagined.
"I've played alongside some of the world’s best players and been a part of some unbelievable international squads. So many of my international teammates have become friends for life.
"The memories I have from the youth camps to the Euros and World Cup will stay with me forever and I'm incredibly proud of everything we achieved and experienced together.
"I wish Melissa and the squad every success in the future and even though I won't be on the pitch any more, I'll be supporting them in their new chapter.
"Finally, thank you to the fans for your support over the years. You've been there through the highs of major tournament football and lows of injury and I'm so grateful for the encouragement and positivity along the way."
Read more:
-
Aberdeen out to paint Hampden red as Dave Cormack joins fan display drive vs Celtic
-
Rangers ownership shake-up means nothing without smart signings, warns Kris Boyd
Meanwhile, Glasgow City chief executive Laura Montgomery paid a poignant tribute to Brown.
"If I was to pick an ideal player to play for our club, I would want someone who respects others, believes in and lives our values, lights up a room with their personality, encourages others at all times and energises the group," she said.
"They would be professional on and off the pitch, a winner, resilient, an incredible talent, two footed, fast, scores goals and big important goals at that when the pressure is on. Someone who checks in on her team mates to ensure they are ok, an international footballer, proud to represent her country and play at major international tournaments. Someone who always appreciates and always says thank you. I would pick Fiona Brown. "I am incredibly honoured we have had Fiona play for and represent our club. On behalf of all of us Fi, thank you."
Brown’s playing career includes three SWPL titles, two Scottish Cups, and two League Cups with Glasgow City, as well as a run to the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals.
Abroad, she enjoyed a successful spell in Sweden with Eskilstuna United and FC Rosengård, winning three Damallsvenskan titles and two Swedish Women’s Cups.
Her 61 caps and two goals for Scotland cement her legacy as one of the nation’s most dedicated and admired players.
As she prepares for her final months in the game, Brown does so with pride, reflecting on a career that is truly worthy of celebration.
Plus, she still has the opportunity to add to her trophy haul, with Glasgow City preparing for Saturday’s Scottish Cup semi-final against Motherwell and a thrilling SWPL run-in, where they sit just three points behind leaders Hibernian.
