Katie McCabe’s name has become synonymous with Arsenal Women’s Football Club, but after 11 years, 305 appearances, and a trophy haul that would make any player envious, the curtain is set to fall on her North London chapter. The Republic of Ireland captain will depart at the end of the 2025/26 season when her contract expires, leaving behind a legacy that’s as much about her fire and connection with supporters as it is about the silverware she’s collected.
McCabe’s journey with Arsenal began in December 2015, when she arrived from Shelbourne, a promising young talent with a fierce competitive edge. Over the next decade, she would become a fixture in the squad, rarely missing a game and earning a reputation for her versatility—slotting in at left-back, center-back, and even further forward when the situation demanded it. Her tenacity, marauding runs down the flank, and knack for scoring long-range goals quickly endeared her to fans and teammates alike.
By the numbers, McCabe’s contributions are staggering: 305 appearances and 37 goals for the Gunners, one Women’s Super League title (clinched in 2019), three League Cups, an FA Cup, a UEFA Women’s Champions League crown (secured in 2025), and a FIFA Champions Cup. She has, quite literally, won every major trophy available during her Arsenal tenure. Internationally, she’s been just as impressive, captaining Ireland to 105 caps and 34 goals as of 2026—a true leader on every stage.
But it’s not just the stats that tell the story. McCabe’s time at Arsenal has been defined by her passion and commitment. As Arsenal’s Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley put it, “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.”
McCabe herself reflected on this bond in an emotional Instagram post: “I grew up here. I built something to be proud of here. I’ve achieved every major trophy here, and it’s shaped me as a player and as a person. But more than any trophy or achievement, it’s been the connection with all of you supporters that made this place so special for me. You’ve seen me at my best and at my worst. You’ve seen the passion, the emotion that I have and how competitive I am, but you’ve always appreciated the different, softer side of me off the pitch and that’s meant the world to me too. After more than a decade, it’s time for a new chapter to begin this summer for me.”
It wasn’t always certain that McCabe would leave. Arsenal’s initial stance was to allow her contract to run down, but as her influence grew ever more apparent—especially after a season where she filled in at center-back and maintained her high standards—the club reconsidered. Talks over a new deal continued right up until the week of her final home match, but ultimately, McCabe chose to seek new challenges elsewhere. Sources indicate Manchester City are among the clubs interested in signing her on a free transfer, highlighting the impact she’s had on the English game.
Her emotional farewell at the Emirates came after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Everton on May 13, 2026, a night when she was visibly moved at the final whistle. The match marked her last appearance at the stadium she’s called home for over a decade, but she’s expected to feature one last time for Arsenal in their season finale at Anfield against Liverpool on May 16. The club made the announcement ahead of that match to give McCabe the opportunity to say goodbye to the traveling supporters—a gesture befitting her status as a club legend.
McCabe’s legacy is not just about the trophies or her relentless drive. She’s been a two-time Arsenal Player of the Season (2021 and 2023), the first Irish player since Roy Keane to be nominated for the Ballon d’Or (in 2023), and a role model for young players across Ireland and England. Her leadership, both on the pitch and in the dressing room, has been a guiding force through periods of transition and triumph alike.
And transition is exactly what Arsenal are facing now. McCabe’s departure is just one of several high-profile exits this summer, with England forward Beth Mead, Spain defender Laia Codina, and Netherlands midfielder Victoria Pelova also moving on as the club seeks to lower the average age of its squad and rebuild for the future. Arsenal’s recruitment team has already set their sights on top young talent, with Spain international Ona Batlle close to joining from Barcelona, England midfielder Georgia Stanway expected to arrive from Bayern Munich, and Switzerland’s Geraldine Reuteler identified as a target after her exit from Frankfurt.
As for McCabe, her next destination remains the subject of much speculation. Manchester City’s interest is well documented, but with her reputation, there’s little doubt she’ll have her pick of Europe’s elite clubs. For Arsenal, the challenge now is to fill the void left by a player who’s been the heartbeat of their team for so long.
Meanwhile, the Women’s Super League as a whole is entering a period of change, with other stars like Chelsea’s Sam Kerr also set to depart at the end of the season. The league’s competitive balance is shifting, but the standard set by players like McCabe will endure.
For Arsenal fans, Saturday’s trip to Anfield will be a bittersweet occasion—a chance to celebrate a true great, to say thank you, and to look ahead to the next era. As the final whistle approaches, one thing is for certain: Katie McCabe’s legacy at Arsenal is secure, her story written in gold across the club’s modern history.