History of Alex Greenwood in Timeline

Alex Greenwood is an accomplished English professional footballer, currently captaining both Manchester City in the Women's Super League and the England national team. A versatile left-sided defender, she excels as both a centre-back and left-back. Her career includes stints at Everton, Notts County, and Liverpool, followed by a successful period at Olympique Lyonnais, where she secured Division 1 and Champions League titles. Greenwood also captained Manchester United, leading them to a Championship victory in their inaugural season. Renowned for her tackling, positional awareness, and passing ability, she is a set-piece specialist, frequently taking penalties, free kicks, and corners due to her left-footedness.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

September 1993: Alex Greenwood Born

On September 1993, Alex Greenwood, an English professional footballer, was born.

Others born on this day/year

August 2010: First Team Debut for Everton

In August 2010, Alex Greenwood made her first team debut for Everton in a UEFA Women's Champions League qualification match against KÍ and scored a penalty against FK Borec.

2010: Champions League Appearance

August 30, 2020 marked Greenwood's first Champions League appearance since 2010, as she entered as a substitute during Lyon's 3–1 victory over Wolfsburg in the final.

2011: Rachel Unitt signs for Birmingham City

After the 2011 FA WSL, the inaugural season of WSL, Rachel Unitt signed for Birmingham City.

2012: Played at UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship

In 2012, Greenwood played at the UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship.

2012: Plays for England U-19

In 2012, Greenwood played for England's under-19 team at the UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship in Turkey and she was named FA Young Player of the Year at The Football Association Women's Football Awards.

2012: Young Player of the Year

In 2012, Greenwood was named the Young Player of the Year.

2013: FA Women's Cup Final

In 2013, Greenwood played in Everton's 2–0 defeat by Arsenal in the FA Women's Cup final.

March 2014: Senior National Team Debut

In March 2014, Mark Sampson selected Greenwood for the 2014 Cyprus Cup, where she made her debut against Italy on 5 March 2014.

September 2014: First Goal for England

In September 2014, Greenwood scored her first goal for England in a 10–0 win against Montenegro.

2014: Everton Relegated

At the end of 2014 FA WSL, Everton were relegated and Greenwood requested a transfer.

2014: Greenwood Makes Senior Debut

In 2014, Greenwood made her senior debut for the England national team.

2015: Signs for Notts County

Ahead of 2015 FA WSL, Greenwood signed for Notts County on a two-year contract.

2015: FIFA Women's World Cup

At the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup, Greenwood shared England's left-back duties with Claire Rafferty and won a bronze medal.

2015: One Season with Notts County

Greenwood spent only one season, 2015 FA WSL, with Notts County.

January 2016: Joins Liverpool

In January 2016, Greenwood joined Liverpool.

2017: Scored First Goal

In 2017, Greenwood scored her first goal in each of the three seasons spanning her two-year spell with Liverpool.

July 2018: Joins Manchester United

On 13 July 2018, Greenwood joined Manchester United and would captain the team in its inaugural season.

August 2019: Transfer to Olympique Lyonnais

In August 2019, Manchester United agreed to transfer Greenwood to Olympique Lyonnais. She made her league debut on August 24 in a win against Olympique Marseille.

2019: SheBelieves Cup and World Cup Selection

In 2019, Greenwood was part of the England team that won the SheBelieves Cup and was selected for England's World Cup squad.

2019: FA Cup Final

One of Greenwood's first games with Manchester City was the 2019–20 Women's FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on 1 November 2020. City defeated Everton 3–1.

August 2020: Champions League Appearance

On 30 August 2020, Greenwood made her first Champions League appearance since 2010, entering as a substitute as Lyon beat Wolfsburg 3–1 in the final.

September 2020: Signs with Manchester City

On 9 September 2020, Greenwood returned to England, signing a three-year contract with Manchester City following the expiration of her Lyon contract.

November 2020: FA Cup Final

One of Greenwood's first games was the 2019–20 Women's FA Cup final at Wembley Stadium on 1 November 2020. City defeated Everton 3–1.

November 2021: Fourth Captain

On 30 November 2021, Greenwood first captained England after a series of substitutions in England's 20-0 victory over Latvia, becoming the fourth captain in that match.

September 2022: Plaque Installed in Bootle

In September 2022, a plaque honouring Greenwood was installed at Northfield Sports Association in Bootle as part of the "Where Greatness Is Made" campaign.

October 2022: Mural Created in Bootle

In October 2022, a mural by artist John Culshaw was created at 320 Stanley Road in Bootle to commemorate Greenwood's part in Euro 2022.

2022: UEFA Women's Euro 2022 Winner

Greenwood was a member of the England squad that won UEFA Women's Euro 2022.

February 2023: First England Captaincy

On 19 February 2023, Greenwood first captained England during an Arnold Clark Cup match.

May 2023: Included in 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup Squad

On 31 May 2023, Greenwood was included in the squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

October 2023: 100th Appearance for Manchester City

In October 2023, Greenwood made her 100th appearance for Manchester City in a WSL game.

October 2023: Awarded Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Sefton

On 19 October 2023, Greenwood was awarded the Honorary Freedom of the Borough of Sefton, the highest award the Council can bestow.

2023: Red Card

During a Manchester City Women vs Chelsea Women match in the 2023–24 Women's Super League season, Greenwood received two yellow cards and was sent off in the 38th minute, with the second card being for time-wasting.

September 2024: Named Manchester City Captain

On 20 September 2024, Greenwood was announced as Manchester City's club captain, succeeding Steph Houghton.

December 2024: Knee Injury

During a Champions League fixture against SKN St. Pölten on 12 December 2024, Greenwood suffered a knee injury which required surgery.

April 2025: Return From Injury

On 27 April 2025, Greenwood returned to the pitch after a four-month absence, coming on as a substitute during Manchester City's 1–0 league win against Leicester City.

June 2025: Named in England's Euro 2025 Squad

On 6 June 2025, Greenwood was named in England's squad for UEFA Women's Euro 2025.

July 2025: 100th England Appearance and Euro Win

In July 2025, Greenwood made her 100th appearance for England during their first match of the tournament. On 27 July 2025, Greenwood scored a penalty to help England to victory over Spain and to win their second consecutive European title.