Ellie Roebuck (born 23 September 1999) is an English professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Liga F club Barcelona and the England national team. She previously played for Manchester City and represented Great Britain at the Olympics. With City, Roebuck won the Women's Super League once, and the FA Cup and League Cup three times each.

Ellie Roebuck
Roebuck with England in 2022
Personal information
Full name Ellie Roebuck[1]
Date of birth (1999-09-23) 23 September 1999 (age 25)
Place of birth Sheffield, England
Height 1.74 m (5 ft 8+12 in)[1]
Position(s) Goalkeeper
Team information
Current team
Barcelona
Number 25
Youth career
–2015 Sheffield United
2015–2018 Manchester City
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2016–2024 Manchester City 93 (0)
2024– Barcelona 1 (0)
International career
2015–2016 England U17 12 (0)
2017 England U19 4 (0)
2018– England 11 (0)
2021– Great Britain 4 (0)
Medal record
Women's football
Representing  England
UEFA Women's Championship
Winner 2022 England
UEFA–CONMEBOL Finalissima
Winner 2023 England
FIFA Women's World Cup
Runner-up 2023 Australia and New Zealand
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 22:50, 7 December 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 19 February 2023 (UTC)

Early life

edit

Ellie Roebuck was born on 23 September 1999[2] in Sheffield, South Yorkshire, England. She grew up a fan of Sheffield United,[3] getting her first season ticket at the age of five, as well as admiring FC Barcelona – for her eighth birthday, her family went to the Joan Gamper Trophy match at the Camp Nou.[4]

Roebuck started playing grassroots football with Beighton Magpies in Sheffield; as part of the "Where Greatness Is Made" campaign, a plaque honouring Roebuck was installed at the club.[5] She then joined Sheffield United's Centre of Excellence, staying until she was 15.[6][7]

Whilst at Manchester City, she attended Connell Sixth Form College to complete a sports qualification.[8]

Club career

edit

Manchester City, 2015–24

edit

2015–17

edit

Roebuck joined the Manchester City development squad when she was 15.[6][7] She began to be involved with the first team in 2017, but did not play in any of the competitions they won.[9]

2018–20

edit

In January 2018, Roebuck signed her first professional contract with Manchester City.[10] A month later, she made her senior breakthrough from the development squad, due to an early injury to Karen Bardsley, keeping a clean sheet in a 0–0 league draw against Chelsea.[11] She then played in the 2018 FA WSL Cup final that they lost 0–1 in March, a disappointment that had manager Nick Cushing encourage Roebuck to "write her own story" rather than be affected by the team's achievements.[9]

On 23 May 2019, Roebuck, having been part of the side that won both the FA Cup and League Cup, extended her contract with Manchester City for another two years.[12] At the end of the 2019–20 season, Roebuck was awarded the inaugural Barclays FA WSL Golden Glove having kept ten clean sheets in 16 league appearances.[13] She had a 90.9% save percentage for the season.[9]

2021–23

edit

Roebuck missed much of the 2021–22 season with a calf injury, limiting her to 10 league appearances out of 22, her lowest since 2017. In addition she missed several international fixtures.[14]

She came back strong in the 2022–23 season as City's main goalkeeper: having suffered an exodus of major players, the team got off to a rocky start before mounting an unbeaten 14-match run in the league. They then went out of the 2022–23 FA Women's League Cup in the semi-finals in February, after which they began to lose more games.[15] In March 2023, Roebuck was outwitted by Sam Kerr in the early stages of the final of the 2023 Women's FA Cup that they lost 2–3.[16]

Roebuck made important saves in a league loss to Liverpool on 7 May 2023,[17] before having a poor performance against Manchester derby rivals Manchester United on 21 May 2023, in what was her last game for the club.[18] Eventually losing 1–2, City conceded a goal due to defensive errors in the second minute, and Roebuck received a red card 40 minutes later for a bad tackle outside of the box.[19][20]

2023–24

edit

In the 2023–24 season, Roebuck was included in the matchday squad six times, but did not play.[18] On 30 March 2024, Roebuck disclosed that she had suffered an infarct in her occipital lobe earlier in the season.[21] When she received the test results, Roebuck was worried she would not be able to play football again, before being reassured that she would recover.[22] In announcing the reason for her absence, she said she had noticed symptoms for a while but would have "no lasting damage to her brain function or vision" and was recovering well. At the time, she had not featured in the season, nor for the England national team in the same period.[21][23][24] Roebuck had already been connected to a move to European champions Barcelona in January 2024,[25] and spent time there during her recovery with former City teammate Keira Walsh;[4] Roebuck's departure was announced by Manchester City on 18 May 2024.[26]

Barcelona, 2024–

edit

Having not played for City since May 2023,[18] Roebuck signed a pre-contract for Barcelona in April 2024, to join at the end of the season.[27] On 19 June 2024, Barcelona announced the signing of Roebuck on a two-year deal.[28] Roebuck said of the move that she was looking forward to play for the club, calling it "the perfect team" for how she likes to play with the ball at her feet.[29] Barcelona had been kept in the know of Roebuck's stroke and recovery for the whole process, and she undertook further rehabilitation when she joined the team in preparation to play again.[4] Her rehabilitation included travelling with the squad to the United States during pre-season, without being available to play. She was included in a Barcelona matchday squad for the first time on 9 October 2024, for their 2024–25 Champions League match against Manchester City.[30] Nineteen months after her previous match, Roebuck made her debut for Barcelona on 7 December 2024 in a 4–1 win against Real Betis; a strong debut, she was denied a clean sheet in the last minute through an error in the outfield.[31][32][33]

International career

edit

England

edit

Youth

edit

Roebuck played in the 2016 U-17 European Championship, helping her team win third place.[34] This qualified England for the 2016 U-17 World Cup in Jordan,[34] where Roebuck played in all four games until her team was defeated in the quarterfinals by defending champions Japan.[35] Roebuck was part of the England squad that won the bronze medal in the 2018 U20 World Cup in France, however, she was an unused substitute in all fixtures behind Sandy MacIver.[36][37] In April 2017, she played in the second qualifying round for the 2017 U-19 European Championship in the 7–0 win against the Czech Republic.[38]

Senior

edit

In October 2018, England manager Phil Neville named Roebuck and Manchester City team-mate Georgia Stanway in his squad for the first time.[39] Roebuck made her senior team debut as a 79th minute substitute for Mary Earps on 8 November 2018 against Austria.[40] She made her first start, before being replaced by Earps at half time, in a 2–1 win against Spain on 9 April 2019.[41]

In June 2022, Roebuck was included in the England squad which won the Euro 2022.[42][43]

On 31 May 2023, Roebuck was named to the squad for the 2023 World Cup in July 2023.[44]

Great Britain

edit

On 27 May 2021 it was announced that Roebuck had been selected as one of the two goalkeepers in the Great Britain team for the 2020 Olympics.[45] She made her debut on 21 July 2021 in a 2–0 win against Chile.[46] She played in all four games until they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Australia.

Style of play

edit

As a goalkeeper, Roebuck "enjoys dribbling, enjoys playing on the ball". She can recover balls and stop attackers with her feet when coming off her line, and also use her footwork to attack, playing out from the back by being involved in passing sequences, or being able to pass out long herself.[47] Having the skill to break lines through passing out from her area, she can also use her ability on the ball to create space.[29]

Career statistics

edit

Club

edit
As of match played 7 December 2024.[48][49]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National cup[a] League cup[b] Continental[c] Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Manchester City 2016 WSL 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2017 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
2017–18 11 0 1 0 0 0 5 0 17 0
2018–19 WSL 15 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 17 0
2019–20 16 0 1 0 6 0 6 0 29 0
2020–21 20 0 1 0 0 0 5 0 1[d] 0 27 0
2021–22 10 0 3 0 2 0 0 0 15 0
2022–23 17 0 2 0 1 0 2 0 22 0
2023–24 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total 93 0 9 0 10 0 18 0 1 0 131 0
Barcelona 2024–25 Liga F 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
Career total 94 0 9 0 10 0 18 0 1 0 132 0

International

edit
Statistics accurate as of match played 19 February 2023.
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
England 2018 1 0
2019 3 0
2020 1 0
2021 2 0
2022 3 0
2023 1 0
Total 11 0
National team Year Apps Goals
Great Britain 2021 4 0
Total 4 0

Honours

edit

Manchester City[48]

England

England U20

Individual

References

edit
  1. ^ a b "List of Players – England" (PDF). FIFA. 5 August 2018. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 May 2019. Retrieved 26 May 2019.
  2. ^ "Women's Olympic Football Tournament Tokyo 2020 Squad Lists" (PDF). Tokyo 2020. 5 August 2021. p. 6.
  3. ^ "Weekend Interview: Sheffield United fan Ellie Roebuck aims to keep England in safe hands at World Cup". The Yorkshire Post. 5 January 2019. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
  4. ^ a b c Tikas, Maria (29 July 2024). "Ellie Roebuck: de la grada del Camp Nou a la portería del Barça". Diario Sport (in Spanish). Retrieved 9 October 2024.
  5. ^ "England's Euro 2022 winners honoured with gold plaques at local football clubs". 90min. 22 September 2022. Archived from the original on 2 April 2023. Retrieved 2 April 2023.
  6. ^ a b "Success for girls". Sheffield United F.C. 5 June 2014. Retrieved 15 July 2018.
  7. ^ a b Rampling, Ali (4 August 2020). "Ellie Roebuck on England Dreams, Growing in Confidence at Manchester City & More". 90min.com. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
  8. ^ Whyatt, Katie (5 January 2020). "Ellie Roebuck: from taking GCSEs at a World Cup to becoming Super League's best keeper". The Telegraph. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
  9. ^ a b c Oatway, Caroline. "Cushing: Roebuck must write her own story". MCFC. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
  10. ^ Withey, Abi (26 January 2018). "Ellie Roebuck pens first professional City deal". mancity.com. Manchester City F.C. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  11. ^ Wrack, Suzanne (1 February 2018). "Manchester City survive Chelsea onslaught to stay top of WSL". The Guardian. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
  12. ^ "Ellie Roebuck: Manchester City Women keeper extends contract by two years". bbc.co.uk. BBC Sport. 23 May 2019. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  13. ^ Whyatt, Katie (16 July 2020). "Bethany England and Emma Hayes win top Women's Super League awards". The Telegraph. Retrieved 11 October 2020.
  14. ^ Rampling, Ali (13 May 2022). "Ellie Roebuck on her four-week injury that lasted five months". 90mins.com. Retrieved 25 May 2022.
  15. ^ Lindop, Beth (4 April 2023). "Ellie Roebuck makes Man City 'cup final' vow and opens up on World Cup dream". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
  16. ^ Lordanic, Marissa (22 March 2023). "Matildas duo shine in enthralling Women's FA Cup final". sport.optus.com.au. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
  17. ^ "Manchester City's Women's Super League title bid is over! Shock defeat to Liverpool also leaves Champions League hopes hanging by a thread | Goal.com UK". www.goal.com. 7 May 2023. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
  18. ^ a b c Harpur, Chloe Morgan and Charlotte. "Dropped by Manchester City and England, what now for Ellie Roebuck?". The Athletic. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  19. ^ Hartley, Laura (21 May 2023). "Man City Women player ratings as Ellie Roebuck sent off in fiery derby". Manchester Evening News. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
  20. ^ Unwin, Will (21 May 2023). "Lucía García keeps Manchester United's WSL title hopes alive with derby winner". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
  21. ^ a b "Man City's Roebuck on 'road to recovery' after stroke". BBC Sport. 30 March 2024. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  22. ^ Escubós, Marta (9 October 2024). ""És un somni fet realitat jugar en el millor club del món" – 09 ago 2024". L'Esportiu de Catalunya (in Catalan). Retrieved 9 October 2024.
  23. ^ "Ellie Roebuck: Manchester City and England goalkeeper recovering from 'occipital infarct'". Sky Sports. 30 March 2024. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  24. ^ Bosher, Luke (30 March 2024). "City's Roebuck suffers 'left occipital infarct', avoids lasting damage". The Athletic. Retrieved 30 March 2024.
  25. ^ Garry, Tom (13 January 2024). "England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck set for shock move to Barcelona". The Telegraph. ISSN 0307-1235. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  26. ^ "Roebuck, Stokes, Mace & Angeldahl leaving Man City". BBC Sport. 18 May 2024. Retrieved 19 May 2024.
  27. ^ more, Charlotte Harpur and. "City's Roebuck set for Barcelona move". The Athletic. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  28. ^ "Ellie Roebuck joins FC Barcelona until 2026". FC Barcelona. 19 June 2024. Retrieved 19 June 2024.
  29. ^ a b Caralt, Albert (19 June 2024). "Ellie Roebuck: de patir un infart cerebral a defensar la porteria del Barça". Ara.cat (in Catalan). Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  30. ^ "Lionesses goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck in a Barcelona squad for the first time for Champions League clash with former club Manchester City | Goal.com". www.goal.com. 8 October 2024. Retrieved 9 October 2024.
  31. ^ "Lionesses goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck makes comeback from stroke 19 months after last appearance with Barcelona debut - but denied dream clean sheet in last minute | Goal.com UK". www.goal.com. 8 December 2024. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
  32. ^ "Al Barça le sobra toda la segunda mitad ante el Betis (4-1)". La Vanguardia (in Spanish). 7 December 2024. Retrieved 8 December 2024.
  33. ^ "Barça 4–1 Betis: Johan joins 125th celebrations". FC Barcelona. 7 December 2024. Retrieved 7 December 2024.
  34. ^ a b "WU17 2016 Technical Report". wu172016.uefatechnicalreports.com. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  35. ^ Association, The Football. "Lionesses' World Cup campaign ended by holders Japan". www.thefa.com. Retrieved 19 October 2023.
  36. ^ "ENGLAND SQUAD NAMED FOR FIFA WOMEN'S U20 WORLD CUP". The FA. 23 July 2018. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  37. ^ a b "England U20s win bronze at World Cup". thefa.com. The Football Association. 24 August 2018. Retrieved 14 July 2019.
  38. ^ "Mollie Rouse Hits a Hat-Trick as the Lionesses Triumph in Turkey".
  39. ^ Whyatt, Katie (30 October 2018). "Uncapped Manchester City pair Georgia Stanway and Ellie Roebuck named in England Women squad". The Telegraph. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  40. ^ O'Neill, Jen (9 November 2018). "International Friendly Match Report: AUSTRIA 0–3 ENGLAND". shekicks.net. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  41. ^ "England get first win in road to France series with victory over Spain in Swindon". thefa.com. The Football Association. 9 April 2019. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  42. ^ Davies, Callum (15 June 2022). "England Women's final squad named for EURO 2022". England Football.com. The FA. Retrieved 12 July 2022.
  43. ^ England Squad. UEFA. Retrieved 12 July 2022.
  44. ^ "England squad named for 2023 Women's World Cup". www.englandfootball.com. 31 May 2023.
  45. ^ "Team GB: Steph Houghton, Sophie Ingle and Caroline Weir in Olympics squad". bbc.co.uk. 27 May 2021. Retrieved 30 May 2021.
  46. ^ "GB 2–0 Chile". bbc.co.uk. 21 July 2021. Retrieved 1 December 2021.
  47. ^ Mickey, Hans (15 January 2024). "Ellie Roebuck could fly as a Barça Femení goalkeeper". Blaugranagram. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  48. ^ a b "E. Roebuck". Soccerway. Retrieved 23 September 2017.
  49. ^ "FA WSL Player stats by Season". fawsl.com. Retrieved 27 May 2019.
  50. ^ Sanders, Emma (20 August 2023). "England beaten by Spain in Women's World Cup final". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 20 August 2023. Retrieved 20 August 2023.
  51. ^ Sanders, Emma (6 April 2023). "England beat Brazil on penalties to win Finalissima". BBC Sport. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
  52. ^ "England 3 – 1 Germany". BBC Sport. 23 February 2022. Retrieved 23 February 2022.
  53. ^ "Arnold Clark Cup: England hit six v Belgium to retain trophy". BBC Sport. 22 February 2023. Retrieved 23 February 2023.
  54. ^ Clayton, David (16 July 2020). "Ellie Roebuck bags FAWSL Golden Glove Award". mancity.com. Manchester City.
  55. ^ "Lionesses and Sarina Wiegman given Freedom of the City of London after Euros win". ITV News. 1 August 2022. Retrieved 1 August 2022.
edit