England star Lucy Bronze has been shortlisted for the BBC’s UK Sportswoman of the 21st Century.
British sport in the 21st century has been defined by women who have broken records, won global titles and inspired new generations.
From Olympic tracks to football stadiums, their achievements have reshaped what is possible and helped drive progress for women and girls in sport.
To recognise this, a panel of judges created a shortlist of 15 outstanding athletes for the BBC’s search for the UK’s Sportswoman of the 21st Century so far.
Each has excelled in her field, shown leadership beyond competition and left a lasting impact on the sporting landscape.
Lucy Bronze’s trailblazing football career
Lucy Bronze has been nominated for the BBC’s UK Sportswoman of the 21st Century and it is easy to see why.
Widely regarded as one of the best defenders of her generation, she has lifted five UEFA Women’s Champions League trophies with Lyon and Barcelona and proved herself against the very best in the game.
In 2020, she was crowned FIFA Best Women’s Player, recognition of her impact not just in England but across world football.
For England, Bronze has been at the heart of their rise, playing a key role in the Lionesses’ European Championship triumphs in 2022 and again in 2025.
Her resilience certainly showed during Euro 2025, when she battled through the full tournament with a fractured tibia and still finished the final despite picking up another injury.
Off the field, she’s not scared to use her voice. She has spoken out on issues that matter to both athletes and fans.
Bronze has been open about the abuse female athletes face online, shared her own experiences of living with autism and ADHD. She has also pushed for more research into injuries in the women’s game.
In recognition of her achievements, she was awarded an MBE in 2023.
Who else has been nominated for the UK Sportswoman of the Century?
Lucy Bronze is one of 15 sporting greats to be shortlisted by the BBC.
The shortlist was drawn from a longlist of more than 180 athletes across over 50 sports. From that group, the panel selected the 15 names now up for the honour.
Voting closes at 10am (BST) on August 29th. Here are the women she joins on the list;
- Nicola Adams, boxing
- Rebecca Adlington, swimming
- Maggie Alphonsi, rugby union
- Charlotte Edwards, cricket
- Jessica Ennis-Hill, athletics
- Katherine Grainger, rowing
- Tanni Grey-Thompson, para-athletics
- Kelly Holmes, athletics
- Laura Kenny, cycling
- Ellen MacArthur, sailing
- Kate Richardson-Walsh, hockey
- Ellie Simmonds, para-swimming
- Sarah Storey, para-swimming and para-cycling
- Chrissie Wellington, triathlon and Ironman
