Since her return to Chelsea in 2018, Sophie Ingle, the midfield dynamo for Chelsea and Wales, has achieved a groundbreaking feat by setting a new benchmark in the Women’s Super League for the highest number of appearances.
On a memorable Saturday at Stamford Bridge, where Chelsea clashed with Liverpool, Ingle, at 32, marked her 184th WSL appearance, surpassing the previous record held by ex-Birmingham City and Tottenham defender Kerys Harrop.
With an impressive career that includes capturing the WSL championship four times, lifting the Women’s FA Cup thrice, and winning the Women’s League Cup, Ingle’s list of accolades is formidable.
This year, Ingle’s contributions to football were formally recognized when she was honored with an OBE.
Ingle’s journey in football began with Chelsea, followed by stints at Bristol Academy and Liverpool, before rejoining Chelsea in 2018. She has also donned the Wales jersey 120 times, and played four times for Great Britain.
Her equalizing feat of 183 appearances, previously held by Harrop, was achieved during a substitute appearance in Chelsea’s 3-0 triumph over Everton on November 12.
Reflecting on this milestone, Ingle shared, “Reaching this record is a significant moment for me. It reflects my longstanding journey in this league, which, amusingly, also hints at my age. It’s a privilege to achieve this with a prestigious club like Chelsea. The league has become increasingly competitive over the years, but this achievement is a personal triumph.”
Ingle’s tenure in the WSL comprises 115 games for Chelsea, 42 for Liverpool, and 27 for Bristol Academy. Her contributions include eight goals and 16 assists in the WSL.
Leading WSL Appearance Holders (as of November 18, 2023)
- Sophie Ingle (Chelsea, Bristol Academy, Liverpool, Chelsea) – 184
- Kerys Harrop (Birmingham City, Tottenham) – 183
- Kate Longhurst (Watford, Chelsea, Liverpool, West Ham) – 182
- Gilly Flaherty (Arsenal, Chelsea, West Ham, Liverpool) – 177
- Millie Bright (Doncaster Belles, Chelsea) – 177
- Steph Houghton (Arsenal, Manchester City) – 175
- Jill Scott (Everton, Manchester City, Aston Villa) – 175
- Jordan Nobbs (Arsenal, Aston Villa) – 174
- Mary Earps (Doncaster Belles, Birmingham City, Bristol Academy, Reading, Manchester United) – 172
- Angharad James (Bristol Academy, Notts County, Yeovil, Everton, Reading, Tottenham) – 170
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sophie Ingle Record
Who set a new record for the most appearances in the Women’s Super League?
Sophie Ingle, the midfielder for Chelsea and Wales, set a new record for the most appearances in the Women’s Super League with her 184th game, surpassing the previous record held by Kerys Harrop.
Which team does Sophie Ingle play for?
Sophie Ingle plays for Chelsea in the Women’s Super League and is also a player for the Wales national team.
How many major honours has Sophie Ingle won since rejoining Chelsea in 2018?
Since rejoining Chelsea in 2018, Sophie Ingle has won eight major honours, including four WSL titles, three Women’s FA Cups, and one Women’s League Cup.
What was Sophie Ingle’s recent milestone in her football career?
Sophie Ingle recently made her 184th appearance in the Women’s Super League, setting a new record for the most appearances in the league’s history.
How many times has Sophie Ingle played for the Wales national team?
Sophie Ingle has played 120 times for the Wales national team, in addition to her club career.
More about Sophie Ingle Record
- Sophie Ingle’s Career Profile
- Women’s Super League Records
- Chelsea Women’s Football Team
- History of Women’s Football in Wales
- Overview of Women’s FA Cup Achievements
- Women’s League Cup Highlights
5 comments
did anyone see that game against Liverpool? Ingle was on fire, totally deserved the record.
184 appearances, that’s insane! Wales should be super proud of Ingle, what a legend.
This is what happens when talent meets hard work. Sophie Ingle is setting the bar high for future generations in women’s football.
seriously, how does she do it? staying at the top of her game for so long, respect!
gotta admit, was sad to see Harrop’s record go but if anyone had to break it, glad it’s Ingle. Class act all the way!