England U19 defender Issy Hobson has signed her first professional contract with her childhood club Everton.
The 18-year-old has signed a contract until the end of the 2026-27 season, after recently establishing herself as a regular in Brian Sorensen’s matchday squads.
Hobson is a lifelong fan of Everton, having held a season ticket for the men’s side over the past 13 seasons.
She graduated from Everton’s academy during the 2023-24 season and spent part of the 2024-25 season on loan at Sheffield United.
Hobson was also loaned out to Nottingham Forest at the start of the current campaign, but was recalled by the Toffees at the start of October.
What did Issy Hobson say after signing her first contract with Everton?
After signing her first professional contract with Everton, Issy Hobson told the club’s website: “I honestly don’t think I can put it into words what it means to sign this contract.
“I am so, so grateful for this opportunity. It is something I have been working towards since I was a three-year-old Everton fan sitting in the stands. I think grateful is the only word I can use to describe it and for everyone who has helped me get into this position and reach this goal.”
She added: “Growing up an Everton fan and playing for Everton for 11 years now, it has always been my dream and I always knew it would happen because in my head there was no other path for me. It was always to be an Everton player.”
🔵 Lifelong Blue Issy Hobson has signed her first professional contract with Everton, keeping the defender with her childhood club until the end of June 2027.
— Everton Women (@EvertonWomen) November 6, 2025
What WSL record does Issy Hobson hold?
Hobson became the youngest goalscorer in Women’s Super League history at the age of 16 years and 180 days, back in April 2024.
The defender headed in a 95th-minute equaliser in a 1-1 draw with Arsenal after Alessia Russo had appeared to give Arsenal the victory.
It was a costly goal for Arsenal, who ultimately finished five points behind champions Chelsea.
After the game, she said: “I’ve been at Everton for my whole life, so it’s even more special.
“It’s something I’ve been dreaming of since I started playing football and for it to contribute to getting a draw against Arsenal is the best feeling ever.”
Hobson’s Everton career
Hobson made her Everton debut in March 2024 during a narrow Women’s Super League defeat to Manchester City.
She became the youngest Toffees debutant since Nikita Parris in 2010, and went on to become the youngest goalscorer in WSL history just one month later.
Hobson made 13 appearances for Everton between March 2024 and January 2025, before she was sent on loan to Sheffield United to get some more experience.
She made three more appearances for the Toffees at the end of last season before her one-month loan spell with Nottingham Forest this campaign.
Hobson, who has made three appearances for England’s U19 side, has been included in Sorensen’s recent matchday squads but is yet to come off the bench.
