After more than a decade at Arsenal, Katie McCabe is set to leave the side at the end of this season.
McCabe signed from Raheny United in December 2015, departing her native Ireland to make the next step in her professional career. She rejected offers of interest from Chelsea and Manchester City to choose the Gunners, being rewarded with a medal for winning the FA Women’s Cup in 2016.
However, her start to life in North London was disrupted through injuries and rotations, and the-then 21-year-old agreed to move on loan to play in Scotland for Glasgow City in the summer of 2017. Upon her return to N5, Joe Montemurro made clear that she was a big part of the plans.
‘She departs as a club legend’
A flexible option at winger and fullback, McCabe moved into the role of a left back more permanently under Montemurro. She was an integral part of the Arsenal team that won the Women’s Super League in 2019, playing more minutes than any other individual in the squad. She signed a contract extension with the club that year, and the Ireland international has gone from strength to strength.
Recognition and back-to-back League Cup glory
McCabe was nominated for the Team of the Season for the 2020/21 campaign in which she registered 5 goals and 12 assist in the WSL, becoming the joint-top assister in the division. She also won the award of Arsenal Player of the Year, and two years later, she scooped the same club accolade.
Back-to-back Women’s League Cup crowns came her way in 2023 and 2024, but the biggest feats were yet to come when Jonas Eidevall departed, and Renee Slegers stepped in as the head coach.
McCabe was part of the group that got their hands on the Champions League title in May 2025 with memorable displays against Real Madrid, OL Lyonnes and Barcelona on the way to silverware. A place at the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup came at the beginning of 2026, and once the Gunners gained this honour, the defender had won every trophy available to her as an Arsenal player.
Wheatley pays tribute to a club legend
Arsenal have allowed McCabe to leave this summer as her latest deal is about to expire. But the words of Director of Football Claire Wheatley are an indication of the respect for her contribution.
“Over more than a decade at Arsenal, Katie has made a significant and lasting contribution to the history and success of our football club. Katie has led with passion and commitment, giving everything for the badge and forging a special bond with our supporters. She departs as a club legend, and we are so proud of our shared journey together.”