Aston Villa and former England striker Rachel Daly has been honoured with an MBE in recognition for her services to association football.
Daly is one of the most iconic names in English football and she has finally been recognised for her achievements.
The 33-year-old was in attendance at Windsor Castle this week where she met with the Prince of Wales.
Prince William honoured Daly as a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) after what has been an illustrious career so far.
After she received her honour, Daly said on Instagram: “A really proud day for me & my family. It’s an absolute honour to receive my MBE.”
Rachel Daly ๐๐๐ ๐
Congratulations, @RachelDaly3 ๐ pic.twitter.com/3WaWdXFFeE
โ Aston Villa Women (@AVWFCOfficial) October 1, 2025
Daly receiving her MBE coincided with her becoming a centurion in the WSL.
The vastly experienced striker made her 100th league appearance last weekend against Arsenal. Daly has made 67 of her 100 league caps with Aston Villa and she is now just nine games away from being the club’s record appearance holder.
Daly is still very much a part of the Villa setup despite her age and she has started every game in the WSL so far this season.
The former Lioness also made 84 appearances for England, scoring 16 goals. Daly announced her retirement from international football in 2024, just two years after helping her nation win its first European Championship.
What next for Rachel Daly?
Although she doesn’t look to be struggling in the WSL it is surely nearly time for Daly to call time on her career.
Having made her professional debut in 2011, Daly has been playing at the highest level for almost 15 years.
With the veteran only nine games away from breaking Aston Villa’s appearance record, she should achieve that milestone within the next few months.
Villa have got off to a slow start this season with two draws and one loss in their first three games. The Clarets come up against West Ham on Sunday as they hunt for their first win of the campaign.
