Denise O'Sullivan

{{quote box

|quote="I was definitely regarded as 'the girl that plays football'. Coming home from school, I'd have some food, get on my soccer boots and then my mam wouldn't call me for hours. I'd be out there playing non-stop, just playing with the boys."

|author=Denise O'Sullivan

|width=30%}}

O'Sullivan was born in Cork and grew up in Knocknaheeny. The youngest of nine children, her brother John Paul played soccer for Ireland at youth international level.{{cite news |last1=Mackey |first1=Liam |title=Denise O'Sullivan's journey from the streets of Knocknaheeny to being hailed as 'one of the world's best' |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-30963263.html |access-date=26 September 2020 |newspaper=Irish Examiner |date=12 November 2019}} O'Sullivan learned to play football on the streets with her siblings{{cite news |last1=Tiernan |first1=Eamonn |title=Canberra United's Irish superstar Denise O'Sullivan says goodbye |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/canberra-united-s-irish-superstar-denise-o-sullivan-says-goodbye-20181221-p50npa.html |access-date=26 September 2020 |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=21 December 2018}} and as a youth looked up to Roy Keane.{{cite news |last1=Hayes |first1=Michael |title=Cork soccer star tells her story in her own words in revealing blog |url=https://www.corkbeo.ie/sport/soccer/cork-soccer-star-tells-story-17457174 |access-date=26 September 2020 |newspaper=Cork Beo |date=21 December 2019}} She played for a boys' team, Nufarm Athletic, until age 11 when she had to leave due to rules against mixed-sex football. As a youth being one of the only girls playing football, O'Sullivan experienced pushback from some boys who felt football was a game for men and boys. This behaviour pushed her to prove them wrong. She recalled, "I used to always surprise them. They were stronger and faster, but I was technically better than them."{{cite web |last1=Proch |first1=Danielle |title=NCFC Insider: Denise O'Sullivan's Street Football Days |url=https://www.northcarolinafc.com/news_article/show/1105026 |publisher=North Carolina FC |access-date=26 October 2020 |date=May 12, 2020}} She credits her toughness and passing skills to her childhood playing with boys. "[Back then] you'd only have one or two touches and there would be a boy smashing you. So, you'd have to let the ball go fast."

O'Sullivan began her football career with Irish club Wilton United.{{cite web |url=https://www.wswanderersfc.com.au/news/wanderers-sign-nwsl-champions-hamilton-osullivan-and-williams |title=Wanderers sign NWSL Champions Hamilton, O'Sullivan and Williams |publisher=Western Sydney Wanderers |date=31 October 2019 |access-date=20 January 2021 |quote=Having started her youth career in her native country at Wilton United, O'Sullivan...}} On 27 July 2008, she won the FAI Women's Under-14 National Cup, scoring twice in the final against Longford Town.{{cite web |url=http://www.blarneyunited.com/Photo_Album_Folder/2007-8/0807-2008_U14_Girls_Natnl_Cup.htm |title=Women's (Junior) Wilton United 3 – 1 Longford Town |publisher=Blarney United |access-date=24 May 2018 |date=27 July 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401101736/http://www.blarneyunited.com/Photo_Album_Folder/2007-8/0807-2008_U14_Girls_Natnl_Cup.htm |archive-date=1 April 2012}} On 7 August 2011, she scored a goal in the FAI Women's Cup final, as Wilton United were defeated 3–1 by St Catherine's.{{cite web |url=http://www.fai.ie/domestic/news/st-catherine%E2%80%99s-claim-fai-umbro-women%E2%80%99s-senior-cup |title=St. Catherine's claim FAI Umbro Women's Senior Cup |publisher=Football Association of Ireland |date=7 August 2011 |access-date=24 May 2018}}

After her performance in the 2011 FAI Women's Cup final,{{cite web |url=http://wnl.fai.ie/about-wnl/24-clubs/cork-womens-fc/149-cork-womens-fc-denise-osullivan-captains-u19s.html |publisher=Women's National League |date=20 October 2012 |access-date=23 May 2015 |title=Cork Women's FC Denise O'Sullivan captains U19's |archive-date=24 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524082433/http://wnl.fai.ie/about-wnl/24-clubs/cork-womens-fc/149-cork-womens-fc-denise-osullivan-captains-u19s.html |url-status=dead }} O'Sullivan signed with Peamount United, ahead of their 2011–12 UEFA Women's Champions League campaign. She made three appearances in the Champions League for the South Dublin club,{{cite web |url=https://us.soccerway.com/players/denise-o-sullivan/151353/ |publisher=Soccerway |access-date=23 May 2018 |title=Denise O'Sullivan player profile}} before returning to her hometown and joining newly founded Cork Women's FC, one of the six teams that competed in the Women's National League's (WNL) inaugural 2011–12 season.{{cite web |url=http://corkindependent.com/stories/item/5695/2011-45/The-dream-is-finally-becoming-a-reality |title=The dream is finally becoming a reality |author=Louise Cashell |work=Cork Independent |date=10 November 2011 |access-date=23 May 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120105210054/http://corkindependent.com/stories/item/5695/2011-45/The-dream-is-finally-becoming-a-reality |archive-date=5 January 2012}} On 13 November 2011, she made her debut in a 6–1 loss to Peamount United. On 15 January 2012, she scored her first goal in a 3–1 away win over Wexford Youths.{{cite web |url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/goreyguardian/sport/soccer/women-suffer-cork-setback-27350857.html |first=Dean |last=Goodison |newspaper=Irish Independent |date=17 January 2012 |access-date=23 May 2018 |title=Women suffer Cork setback}} In her first season, she scored six goals in 15 appearances and was named to the league's Best XI.{{cite web |url=http://wnl.fai.ie/news/110-wnl-award-winners-announced.html |publisher=Women's National League |date=1 May 2012 |access-date=23 May 2018 |title=WNL Award Winners Announced |archive-date=24 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180524082708/http://wnl.fai.ie/news/110-wnl-award-winners-announced.html |url-status=dead}} In July 2012, O'Sullivan re-joined Peamount United and made three appearances in the Champions League, scoring a goal in a 4–0 victory against Cardiff Metropolitan. After the club's exit from the Champions League, she returned to Cork{{cite web |url=http://www.extratime.ie/articles/8611/denise-osullivan-signs-peamount-for-champions-leag/ |newspaper=Extratime.ie |date=31 July 2012 |access-date=23 May 2018 |title=Denise O'Sullivan signs with Peamount for Champions League |first=Chris |last=O'Mahony}} and finished her second season with two goals in 11 appearances.{{cite web |url=http://www.extratime.ie/topscorers/2014/162/womens-national-league-2012-2013/ |newspaper=Extratime.ie |access-date=23 May 2018 |title=Top Scorers – 2012–2013 Women's National League}}{{cite web |url=http://www.extratime.ie/player/11113095/player/ |newspaper=Extratime.ie |access-date=24 May 2018 |title=Denise O'Sullivan player profile}}

On 10 July 2013, O'Sullivan joined Scottish champions Glasgow City, ahead of their 2013–14 UEFA Women's Champions League campaign.{{cite web |url=http://www.glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk/GlasgowCitysignRepublicofIrelandstarDeniseOSullivan.htm |publisher=Glasgow City F.C. |date=10 July 2013 |access-date=19 May 2018 |title=Glasgow City sign Republic of Ireland star Denise O'Sullivan |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520054318/http://www.glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk/GlasgowCitysignRepublicofIrelandstarDeniseOSullivan.htm |archive-date=20 May 2018 |url-status=dead}}{{cite news |url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/13113274.Irish_striker_is_second_City_signing/ |work=The Herald |date=11 July 2013 |access-date=19 May 2018 |title=Irish striker is second City signing}} She scored on her league debut, on 28 July, in a 2–0 win over Rangers.{{cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/23485965 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=28 July 2013 |access-date=19 May 2018 |title=Denise O'Sullivan helps Glasgow City defeat Rangers}} On 8 August, she made her Champions League debut for the club in a 7–0 home victory against ŽNK Osijek.{{cite web |url=http://www.glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk/GlasgowCitygetofftoperfectEuropeanstart.htm |publisher=Glasgow City F.C. |date=8 August 2013 |access-date=19 May 2018 |title=Glasgow City get off to perfect European start |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520123900/http://www.glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk/GlasgowCitygetofftoperfectEuropeanstart.htm |archive-date=20 May 2018 |url-status=dead}} Her goal in a 3–1 win over Standard Liège on 17 October helped Glasgow City progress into the last 16 of the Champions League.{{cite web |url=http://www.glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk/GlasgowCityintolast16afterdefeatingStandardLiege.htm |publisher=Glasgow City F.C. |date=17 October 2013 |access-date=19 May 2018 |title=Glasgow City into the last 16 after defeating Standard Liege |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520054432/http://www.glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk/GlasgowCityintolast16afterdefeatingStandardLiege.htm |archive-date=20 May 2018 |url-status=dead}} On 16 November, it was announced that O'Sullivan had signed new contract with the club.{{cite web |url=http://www.glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk/DeniseOSullivanagreesnewcontractwithGlasgowCity.htm |publisher=Glasgow City F.C. |date=16 November 2013 |access-date=19 May 2018 |title=Denise O'Sullivan agrees a new contract with Glasgow City |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520124027/http://www.glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk/DeniseOSullivanagreesnewcontractwithGlasgowCity.htm |archive-date=20 May 2018 |url-status=dead}} She finished the 2013 season with three goals in 12 appearances in all competitions.{{cite web |url=http://www.glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk/PlayerAppearances2013.htm |publisher=Glasgow City F.C. |access-date=19 May 2018 |title=Player appearances (2013) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520054410/http://www.glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk/PlayerAppearances2013.htm |archive-date=20 May 2018 |url-status=dead}}{{cite web |url=http://www.glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk/GoalsScored2013.htm |publisher=Glasgow City F.C. |access-date=19 May 2018 |title=Player goals (2013) |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915191144/http://www.glasgowcityladiesfc.co.uk/GoalsScored2013.htm |archive-date=15 September 2019 |url-status=dead}}

O'Sullivan made nine appearances in the 2014–15 UEFA Women's Champions League campaign and scored four goals, including a brace in a 4–0 victory against Zhytlobud-1 Kharkiv on 14 August 2014. After lifting the domestic treble and being part of the first Scottish team to ever reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League, she was voted SWPL Players' Player of the Year.{{cite web |url=http://www.glasgowcityfc.co.uk/latest/2014/11/27/denise-osullivan-named-swpl-players-player-of-the-year |publisher=Glasgow City F.C. |date=27 November 2014 |access-date=19 May 2018 |title=Denise O'Sullivan named SWPL Players' Player of the Year |archive-date=5 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705150801/http://www.glasgowcityfc.co.uk/latest/2014/11/27/denise-osullivan-named-swpl-players-player-of-the-year |url-status=dead}} On 16 December 2014, she signed a new two-year contract with Glasgow City.{{cite web |url=https://www.glasgowcityfc.co.uk/latest/2014/12/16/denise-osullivan-extends-her-stay-with-the-champions |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705151649/http://www.glasgowcityfc.co.uk/latest/2014/12/16/denise-osullivan-extends-her-stay-with-the-champions |url-status=dead |archive-date=5 July 2018 |publisher=Glasgow City F.C. |date=16 December 2014 |access-date=19 May 2018 |title=Denise O'Sullivan extends her stay with the Champions }} In August 2015, she was named SWPL Player of the Month.{{cite web |url=http://www.glasgowcityfc.co.uk/latest/2015/9/30/denise-osullivan-is-swpl-player-of-the-month |publisher=Glasgow City F.C. |date=30 September 2015 |access-date=19 May 2018 |title=Denise O'Sullivan is SWPL Player of the Month |archive-date=5 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705151216/http://www.glasgowcityfc.co.uk/latest/2015/9/30/denise-osullivan-is-swpl-player-of-the-month |url-status=dead }} She was also named Glasgow City Players' Player of the Year, Coaches' Player of the Year and Fans' Player of the Year in both 2014 and 2015.{{cite web |url=http://www.glasgowcityfc.co.uk/latest/2016/3/19/city-to-dash |publisher=Glasgow City F.C. |date=19 March 2016 |access-date=19 May 2018 |title=Denise O'Sullivan transfers to Houston Dash |archive-date=5 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705204109/http://www.glasgowcityfc.co.uk/latest/2016/3/19/city-to-dash |url-status=dead}}

File:Denise-osullivan-042217.png

On 19 March 2016, O'Sullivan signed with the Houston Dash,{{cite web |url=https://www.houstondynamo.com/post/2016/03/19/houston-dash-sign-irish-forward-denise-o-sullivan |publisher=Houston Dynamo FC |date=19 March 2016 |access-date=26 May 2018 |title=Houston Dash sign Irish forward Denise O'Sullivan}} who paid Glasgow an undisclosed "four figure" transfer fee, which was the first time a Scottish women's club was paid a compensation fee for a player.{{cite news |last1=Campbell |first1=Alan |title=Alan Campbell on women's football: Denise O'Sullivan's transfer makes history as Dash splash the cash |url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/sport/14386256.alan-campbell-on-womens-football-denise-osullivans-transfer-makes-history-as-dash-splash-the-cash/ |access-date=26 September 2020 |work=The Herald |date=27 March 2016}} She made her first appearance during the 2016 season in a 0–0 home draw with Sky Blue on 30 April, coming on as a substitute in the 46th minute.{{cite web |url=https://www.houstondynamo.com/post/2016/04/30/dash-held-scoreless-draw-sky-blue-fc |publisher=Houston Dynamo FC |date=30 April 2016 |access-date=26 May 2018 |title=Dash held to scoreless draw by Sky Blue FC}} On 7 May, she came on as a substitute at halftime and scored her first goal in a 2–1 away victory against 2015 champion FC Kansas City.{{cite web |url=https://www.houstondynamo.com/post/2016/05/07/houston-defeats-fc-kansas-city-2-1-first-away-victory-series |publisher=Houston Dynamo FC |date=7 May 2016 |access-date=26 May 2018 |title=Houston defeats FC Kansas City 2–1 for first away victory in the series |archive-date=27 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527201413/https://www.houstondynamo.com/post/2016/05/07/houston-defeats-fc-kansas-city-2-1-first-away-victory-series |url-status=dead }} She finished the 2016 season with 2 goals and 5 assists in 18 appearances.

During the 2017 season, O'Sullivan appeared in 11 games for Houston and tallied an assist. When Randy Waldrum, who had brought her to the club, was sacked, interim coach Omar Morales restricted her to minimal playing time. In the middle of the season on 26 July, she requested to be placed on waivers to be picked up by another team.{{cite web |url=http://www.the42.ie/denise-osullivan-2-3594275-Sep2017/ |newspaper=The42 |first=Eoin |last=O'Callaghan |date=17 September 2017 |access-date=26 May 2018 |title=It was affecting everything, my happiness. In the end I said, 'I'm going to stand up for myself here'.}}

On 28 July 2017, O'Sullivan was claimed off waivers by the North Carolina Courage.{{cite web |url=https://www.nccourage.com/news_article/show/850860 |publisher=North Carolina Courage |date=28 July 2017 |access-date=26 May 2018 |title=North Carolina Courage adds firepower to roster with Denise O'Sullivan |archive-date=27 May 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180527120708/https://www.nccourage.com/news_article/show/850860 |url-status=dead}} On 10 August, she made her debut in a 1–0 win over FC Kansas City. The Courage finished in first place during the regular season with a {{win-loss record|w=16|d=1|l=7}} record, winning the NWSL Shield and advanced to the Playoffs. The game that clinched the NWSL Shield for the Courage was against O'Sullivan's former team, Houston Dash. The Courage won 4–0.{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Allison |title=Courage win Shield with 4–0 shutout of Dash |url=https://equalizersoccer.com/2017/09/27/courage-win-shield-with-4-0-shutout-of-dash/ |access-date=26 October 2020 |publisher=The Equalizer}} On 8 October, O'Sullivan scored the game-winning goal in the 89th minute of the semi-final against the Chicago Red Stars.{{cite web |url=http://www.the42.ie/denise-osullivan-north-carolina-nwsl-3636561-Oct2017/ |newspaper=The42 |first=Eoin |last=O'Callaghan |date=9 October 2017 |access-date=26 May 2018 |title=Cork's Denise O'Sullivan grabs crucial game-winning goal as North Carolina book final place}} She made a total of nine appearances for the Courage in 2017 and scored one goal.

During the 2018 regular season, O'Sullivan made 22 appearances with 22 starts playing primarily as a holding midfielder. She played a total of 1,932 minutes on the pitch for the Courage. North Carolina finished in first place and won the NWSL Shield for the second consecutive season with a {{win-loss record|w=17|d=6|l=1}} record. O'Sullivan was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) on the team by her Courage teammates at the end of the season.{{cite web |url=https://www.nccourage.com/news_article/show/951673 |publisher=North Carolina Courage |date=20 September 2018 |access-date=28 October 2018 |title=NC Courage Announces Team Awards |archive-date=29 October 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181029030710/https://www.nccourage.com/news_article/show/951673 |url-status=dead}} On 22 September, O'Sullivan played the entire match as the Courage won the NWSL Championship 3–0 over the Portland Thorns FC, the first time the Courage had won the title.{{cite news |title=Ireland's O'Sullivan wins US NWSL Championship with NC Courage |url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2018/0922/995503-irelands-osullivan-wins-us-championship-with-courage/ |access-date=26 October 2020 |first=Ed |last=Leahy |publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann |date=23 September 2018}}{{cite magazine |title=NC Courage Beats Portland Thorns FC, Wins First-Ever NWSL Championship |first=Kaelen |last=Jones |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/09/22/nc-courage-first-nwsl-championship-portland-thorns-fc |access-date=26 October 2020 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=22 September 2018}} O'Sullivan was named MVP by her team.{{cite news |title=Ireland international O'Sullivan named North Carolina MVP in US Women's Soccer League |url=https://www.the42.ie/denis-osullivan-mvp-north-carolina-courage-ireland-womens-national-team-4248282-Sep2018/ |access-date=26 October 2020 |newspaper=The42 |first=Aaron |last=Gallagher |date=21 September 2018}}

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|quote = She's almost – out of the whole team – the one player we can't play without. That's what she's become. She has a massive impact on tactics because she controls the tempo, dictates the tempo and her job functions are multi-faceted. She's the first player on the team sheet every week in Courage country.

|author = North Carolina Courage head coach Paul Riley

|source = Goal{{cite news |last1=Ruszkai |first1=Ameé |title=Move aside Morgan & Lavelle: O'Sullivan is NWSL gem worth watching in Women's Super League |url=https://www.goal.com/en-us/news/move-aside-morgan-lavelle-osullivan-is-nwsl-gem-worth/cc290xe43uzj1tlbzhvx1u1q9 |access-date=26 October 2020 |date=9 October 2020 |publisher=Goal}}

|width = 35%

|quoted = 1

}}

During the 2019 season, O'Sullivan was a starter in 22 of the 24 games she played. The Courage finished in first place with a {{win-loss record|w=15|l=5|d=4}} record winning the NWSL Shield for the third consecutive season. On 11 October, the Courage announced that O'Sullivan had been voted MVP by the team for the second consecutive year. O'Sullivan had distributed 1,102 passes (50 per game) and had a pass success rate of 84%.{{Cite web |url=https://www.nccourage.com/news_article/show/1056235-denise-o-sullivan-highlights-nc-courage-team-awards-with-second-consecutive-mvp-win |title=Denise O'Sullivan Highlights NC Courage Team Awards with Second Consecutive MVP Win |first=Morgan |last=Brown |date=11 October 2019 |publisher=North Carolina Courage |access-date=20 January 2021 |archive-date=3 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211003191530/https://www.nccourage.com/news_article/show/1056235-denise-o-sullivan-highlights-nc-courage-team-awards-with-second-consecutive-mvp-win |url-status=dead}} After defeating Reign FC 4–1 in the semi-finals,{{cite magazine |title=Courage Survive Reign in Extra Time to Return to NWSL Final |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2019/10/20/north-carolina-courage-reign-fc-nwsl-playoffs |access-date=26 October 2020 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=20 October 2019}} O'Sullivan helped lead the Courage win their second NWSL Championship shutting out the Chicago Red Stars 4–0 in the final. O'Sullivan started and played the entire match.{{cite news |title=O'Sullivan's North Carolina Courage crush Chicago Red Stars to win second-straight title |url=https://www.the42.ie/denise-osullivan-4-4869843-Oct2019/ |access-date=26 October 2020 |newspaper=The42 |date=26 October 2019}} Teammate Sam Mewis said O'Sullivan was 'the "glue" that holds the team together, winning tackles and spraying the ball wide from a deeper position.'{{cite news |last1=Kassouf |first1=Jeff |title=Denise O'Sullivan might be the best player no one is talking about |url=https://equalizersoccer.com/2019/10/26/denise-osullivan-best-north-carolina-courage-player-nwsl-championship/ |access-date=26 October 2020 |publisher=The Equalizer |date=October 26, 2019}}

In November 2019, O'Sullivan signed a multi-year contract with the Courage. Head coach Riley said, "She is one of the first names on the team sheet every week. She is a massive influencer in the way we play. She has a genius soccer IQ that makes her a brilliant reader and manipulator of the game. She is a tremendous footballer and passer of the ball and she breaks up the opponent's playmaking ability with an intuitive reading of the game."{{cite news |last1=Kriger |first1=Rachael |title=Denise O'Sullivan signs multi-year contract to remain with NC Courage |url=https://equalizersoccer.com/2019/11/20/denise-osullivan-signs-multi-year-contract-to-remain-with-nc-courage/ |access-date=26 October 2020 |publisher=The Equalizer |date=20 November 2019}} However, she made only five appearances for the Courage in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season before going on loan to Brighton. O'Sullivan made 23 appearances with 23 starts in the 2021 season, helping the Courage finish in sixth place.{{cite news|url=https://fbref.com/en/squads/85c458aa/2021/North-Carolina-Courage-Stats|title=2021 North Carolina Courage Stats (NWSL)|website=FBref.com|access-date=2024-11-16}}

O'Sullivan played every minute of the preseason 2022 NWSL Challenge Cup, in which the Courage defeated the Washington Spirit 2–1 in the final. She made 19 appearances and 18 starts in the regular season as the Courage finished seventh, missing the playoffs.{{cite web|url=https://fbref.com/en/squads/85c458aa/2022/North-Carolina-Courage-Stats|title=2022 North Carolina Courage Stats (NWSL)|website=FBref.com|access-date=2024-11-16}}

O'Sullivan was named captain of the Courage ahead of the 2023 season.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHxUAz46Hcc|title=Our New Captain|publisher=YouTube|author=North Carolina Courage|date=2023-02-10|access-date=2024-03-17}} On April 19, 2023, she scored a last-minute goal against the Orlando Pride to draw 1–1 in the Challenge Cup group stage.{{cite news|url=https://www.wralsportsfan.com/o-sullivan-s-goal-in-stoppage-time-salvages-1-1-tie-for-nc-courage-in-orlando/20820551/|title=O'Sullivan's goal in stoppage time salvages 1-1 tie for NC Courage in Orlando|date=2023-04-20|website=wralsportsfan.com|access-date=2024-11-16}} She helped the Courage defend that title as they defeated Racing Louisville 2–0 in the final.{{cite news|url=https://www.nccourage.com/news/champions-courage-claim-challenge-cup-with-2-0-win-saturday/|title=Champions! Courage claim Challenge Cup with 2-0 win Saturday|date=2023-09-09|publisher=North Carolina Courage|access-date=2024-08-12}} She was named to the NWSL Second XI at the end of the season. She started all 20 games in which she played and ranked top five in the league in pass accuracy and duels won.{{cite news|url=https://www.nccourage.com/news/courage-land-four-on-nwsl-best-xi-presented-by-mastercard/|title=Courage land four on NWSL Best XI, presented by Mastercard|date=2023-11-16|publisher=North Carolina Courage|access-date=2024-11-16}}

On July 29, 2024, O'Sullivan contract was extended to keep her with the Courage through the end of 2026.{{cite news|url=https://www.nccourage.com/news/courage-captain-denise-osullivan-signs-through-2026/|title=Courage Captain Denise O'Sullivan signs through 2026|date=2024-07-29|publisher=North Carolina Courage|access-date=2024-08-03}}

File:Canberra United vs Perth Glory W-League Round2CanPer - OSullivan (48781247357).jpg

On 18 October 2018, O'Sullivan was signed by Canberra United as their guest player for the 2018–19 W-League season and was given the number 11 shirt.{{cite web |url=https://www.canberraunited.com.au/news/nwsl-champion-osullivan-signs-canberra |date=18 October 2018 |access-date=28 October 2018 |publisher=Canberra United |title=NWSL Champion O'Sullivan signs in Canberra}} As a guest player in the W-League, she is permitted to play seven non-consecutive games.{{cite news |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-30876775.html |title=Hotshot Denise O'Sullivan makes Canberra guest move |first=Cian |last=Locke |newspaper=Irish Examiner |date=19 October 2018 |access-date=9 March 2021}} On 28 October 2018, she made her debut in a 2–0 home victory against Melbourne City.{{cite web |url=https://www.canberraunited.com.au/news/report-united-kick-season-11-a-win |title=Report {{!}} United kick-off Season 11 with a win|first=Caleb|last=Lawrence|date=28 October 2018 |access-date= 28 October 2018 |publisher=Canberra United }} The Sydney Morning Herald reported that O'Sullivan had been "a sensation" in her seven games for the club.

For the 2019–20 W-League season, O'Sullivan was loaned once again to an Australian club, joining her North Carolina Courage teammates Lynn Williams and Kristen Hamilton at Western Sydney Wanderers as a guest player.{{cite web |url=https://www.the42.ie/denise-osullivan-western-sydney-warriors-fc-4870407-Oct2019/ |title=After starring in her US side's second-straight title triumph, O'Sullivan set for another stint in Australia |date=29 October 2019 |access-date=20 January 2021 |newspaper=The42 |first=Emma |last=Duffy}} She made her debut for the club on 22 November during a 1–0 against Newcastle Jets FC. During a 4–0 win against Canberra United on 26 December, she scored in the 59th minute doubling the team's advantage.{{cite web |title=Clinical Wanderers go top with four-goal win over Canberra |url=https://www.w-league.com.au/news/canberra-united-v-western-sydney-wanderers-w-league-goals-video-highlights-report |publisher=W-League |access-date=19 January 2021 |date=26 December 2019 |archive-date=8 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308163159/https://www.w-league.com.au/news/canberra-united-v-western-sydney-wanderers-w-league-goals-video-highlights-report |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |title=Canberra United vs. Western Sydney Wanderers 0–4 |url=https://us.soccerway.com/matches/2019/12/26/australia/w-league/canberra-united/western-sydney-wanderers-fc/3180399/ |publisher=Soccerway |access-date=19 January 2021}} O'Sullivan was a starting midfielder in all seven games that she played. Western Sydney finished the regular season in fourth place.{{cite web |title=2019/2020 W-League |url=https://us.soccerway.com/national/australia/w-league/20192020/regular-season/r51823/ |publisher=Soccerway |access-date=19 January 2021}} Their fourth place finish earned the team a berth to the semi-finals where they were defeated 5–1 by eventual champions, Melbourne City.{{cite news |title=Melbourne City dominate Wanderers to progress to W-League grand final |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2020/mar/15/melbourne-city-dominate-wanderers-to-progress-to-w-league-grand-final |access-date=19 January 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=15 March 2020}}

In September 2020, O'Sullivan moved on loan to English FA WSL club Brighton & Hove Albion through 31 December 2020.{{cite news |title=Denise O'Sullivan: Brighton & Hove Albion Women sign Republic of Ireland striker |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/54101520 |access-date=26 September 2020 |publisher=BBC Sport |date=10 September 2020}} She wanted to be available for Ireland's rescheduled UEFA Women's Euro 2022 qualifying Group I fixtures. Travelling back and forth from the United States would force her to undergo three separate two-week periods of quarantine within nine weeks.{{cite news |last1=Ryan |first1=Eoin |title=Denise O'Sullivan joins Brighton on loan to boost Irish Euro 2021 hopes |url=https://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/2020/0828/1161835-osullivan-joins-brighton-to-boost-irish-euro-hopes/ |access-date=26 September 2020 |publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann |date=28 August 2020}} She made her debut for Brighton as a half-time substitute for fellow Corkonian Megan Connolly in a 0–0 draw at Manchester City on 13 September 2020.{{cite news |title=Denise O'Sullivan makes debut as Brighton hold star-studded Manchester City |url=https://www.the42.ie/womens-super-league-3-5203819-Sep2020/ |access-date=26 September 2020 |newspaper=The42 |date=13 September 2020}} She was a starting midfielder in eight of the nine matches she played.

File:Denise O'Sullivan in San Jose.jpg

O'Sullivan was part of the under-17 team that finished in second place at the 2010 UEFA Women's Under-17 Championship, after losing on penalties in the final against Spain. At the 2010 FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup in Trinidad and Tobago, she scored in the quarter-final defeat against eventual runners-up Japan, after helping Ireland finish top of a group that included Brazil, Canada and Ghana.{{cite web |url=https://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/news/y=2014/m=3/news=sullivan-irish-are-dreaming-canada-2302801.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702155602/http://www.fifa.com/womensworldcup/news/y=2014/m=3/news=sullivan-irish-are-dreaming-canada-2302801.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=2 July 2015 |publisher=FIFA |date=24 March 2014 |access-date=23 May 2018 |title=O'Sullivan: Irish are dreaming of Canada}}

On 17 September 2011, O'Sullivan made her senior debut and scored both goals in a 2–0 UEFA Women's Euro 2013 qualifying Group 4 win over Wales in Newport.{{cite web |url=http://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/victories-for-womens-senior-and-u19-teams |title=Victory for Women's senior and U19 teams |publisher=Football Association of Ireland |date=17 September 2011 |access-date=23 May 2018}} She headed Ireland into the lead over Scotland in their Euro 2013 qualifier at Tynecastle Stadium in April 2012, but the Scots staged a late comeback to win 2–1.{{cite web |url=http://www.rte.ie/sport/soccer/irish/2012/0406/316386-ireland-beaten-by-scots-in-vital-qualifier/ |title=Scotland 2–1 Ireland |access-date=12 May 2012 |date=6 June 2012 |publisher=Raidió Teilifís Éireann}}

O'Sullivan continued to be selected by national team coach Susan Ronan and participated in Ireland's failed 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification campaign. Alongside namesake Fiona O'Sullivan she was the team's joint-top goalscorer with three goals.{{cite news |title=WNT begins Send-Off Series against Ireland on Mother's Day |url=https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2015/05/wnt-begins-sendoff-series-against-ireland-on-mothers-day |access-date=26 September 2020 |publisher=United States Soccer Federation |date=9 May 2015}} She was named 2015 FAI Senior International Player of the Year.{{cite web |url=http://www.fai.ie/ireland/awards/senior-womens-international-player-of-the-year |publisher=Football Association of Ireland |access-date=23 May 2018 |title=Senior Women's International Player of the Year}}

She remained an important national team player under Ronan's successor Colin Bell, displaying good form in the unsuccessful 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifying series.{{cite news |last1=Farrell |first1=Sinead |title='She covers 12,000 metres a game. She's an absolute monster for that stuff' |url=https://www.the42.ie/denise-osullivan-north-carolina-courage-3982819-Apr2018/ |access-date=26 September 2020 |newspaper=The42 |date=19 April 2018}}

O'Sullivan emerged as a promising forward with the Irish youth national teams.{{cite news |title=Women's U17 Player Profiles |url=https://www.fai.ie/ireland/news/womens-u17-player-profiles |access-date=25 September 2020 |publisher=Football Association of Ireland |date=18 June 2010}} She developed into a midfield playmaker, described by her North Carolina Courage coach Paul Riley as one of the most "gifted and complete" in world football: "She has a massive impact on tactics because she controls the tempo, dictates the tempo and her job functions are multi-faceted."{{cite news |last1=Whelan |first1=James |title=Denise O'Sullivan's Brighton move confirmed as USA stars join Manchester United |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/soccer/arid-40046219.html |access-date=26 September 2020 |work=Irish Examiner |date=9 September 2020}}

O'Sullivan is noted as an aggressive player and was nicknamed "junkyard" by her coach.{{cite news |url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/soccer/wanderers-midfield-maestro-hits-100-games-aims-for-matildas-return-20200118-p53smd.html |title=Wanderers' midfield maestro hits 100 games, aims for Matildas return |first=Vince |last=Rugari |newspaper=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=18 January 2020 |access-date=20 January 2021 |quote=If O'Sullivan is the destroyer - her coach in the US, after all, calls her a "junkyard" player...}} In November 2019, Ireland's head coach Vera Pauw declared O'Sullivan one of the best players in the world: "There is no player in the world at this moment that is a playmaker but also the motor in winning the ball back. She has everything." In December 2019, she was included in The Guardian's The 100 Best Female Footballers In The World and was described as "a combative presence in the Courage midfield [and] the heartbeat of Paul Riley's successful side."{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/ng-interactive/2019/dec/03/the-100-best-female-footballers-in-the-world-2019 |title=The 100 best female footballers in the world 2019 |last=Laverty |first=Rich |work=The Guardian |access-date=26 September 2020 |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |date=6 December 2019}}

:Scores and results list Republic of Ireland's goals first. Score column indicates score after each O'Sullivan goal. Updated as of 23 November 2024.

Glasgow City

• SWPL: 2013, 2014, 2015
• SWPL Cup: 2014, 2015
• Scottish Women's Cup: 2013, 2014, 2015

North Carolina Courage

• NWSL Championship: 2018, 2019
• NWSL Shield: 2017, 2018, 2019
• NWSL Challenge Cup: 2022, 2023

Individual

• WNL Best XI: 2011–12{{cite web |title=Denise O'Sullivan |url=https://www.fai.ie/ireland/player/250013496 |publisher=Football Association of Ireland |access-date=26 October 2020}}
• Echo Sportswoman of the Year: 2014{{Cite web |last=O’Riordan |first=Sean |date=2015-02-07 |title=VIDEO: Denise O'Sullivan hailed as a hometown star at Evening Echo awards |url=https://www.irishexaminer.com/news/arid-20311232.html |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=Irish Examiner |language=en}}
• SWPL Players' Player of the Year: 2014{{cite news |title=Ireland star O'Sullivan named Player of the Month after making impact felt in Australia |url=https://www.the42.ie/denise-osullivan-player-of-the-month-w-league-4957984-Jan2020/ |access-date=26 October 2020 |first=Emma |last=Duffy |newspaper=The42 |date=8 January 2020}}
• FAI Senior International Player of the Year: 2015, 2020{{Cite web |date=2021-09-01 |title=John Egan and Denise O'Sullivan win FAI international player of the year awards |url=https://www.breakingnews.ie/sport/john-egan-and-denise-osullivan-win-fai-international-player-of-the-year-awards-1178713.html |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=BreakingNews.ie |language=en}}
• PFA Ireland Senior International Player of the Year: 2018,{{Cite web |title=PFA Ireland Awards 2018 {{!}} Professional Footballers' Association of Ireland |url=https://www.pfai.ie/news/pfa-ireland-awards-2018 |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=www.pfai.ie}} 2019,{{Cite web |title=Sportsfile - PFA Ireland Awards 2019 - 1838327 |url=https://www.sportsfile.com/id/1838327/ |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=www.sportsfile.com |language=en}} 2020{{Cite web |title=The winner of the PFA Ireland International Women's Player of the Year 2020 is OSullivanDenise TheNCCourage Congratulations Denise! |url=https://x.com/PFAIOfficial/status/1336651474500280320}}
• NC Courage Most Valuable Player: 2018,{{Cite web |title=NC Courage MVP Denise OSullivan Signs Multi-Year Contract with the Team |url=https://www.nccourage.com/news/nc-courage-mvp-denise-osullivan-signs-multi-year-contract-with-the-team/ |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=NC Courage |date=20 November 2019 |language=en-US}} 2019
• RTÉ Sports Person of the Year shortlist: 2019{{cite news |title=Two Cork athletes on the shortlist of 10 for RTÉ Sportsperson of the Year |url=https://www.echolive.ie/corksport/Two-Cork-athletes-on-the-shortlist-of-10-for-RTE-Sportsperson-of-the-Year-dd6c0bb4-4204-49dd-9cc6-0a57fb114d27-ds |access-date=26 October 2020 |first=Eamonn |last=Murphy |newspaper=The Echo |date=18 December 2019}}
• NWSL Players' Team of the Year: 2019{{cite news |title='I just need the ball' – Lavished with praise and awards in the US, Denise O'Sullivan chases more |url=https://www.the42.ie/denise-osullivan-nwsl-2019-4865667-Oct2019/ |access-date=26 October 2020 |first=Eoin |last=O'Callaghan |newspaper=The42 |date=27 October 2019}}
• The Irish Times/Sport Ireland Sportswoman of Month: November 2019{{cite news |title=Denise O'Sullivan wins Irish Times/Sport Ireland Sportswoman of Month award |url=https://www.irishtimes.com/sport/soccer/international/denise-o-sullivan-wins-irish-times-sport-ireland-sportswoman-of-month-award-1.4081966 |access-date=12 January 2021 |first=Mary |last=Hannigan |newspaper=The Irish Times |date=14 November 2019}}
• W-League Player of the Month: December 2019
• Cork Person of the Month: January 2023{{Cite web |date=2023-02-14 |title=Another award for Denise |url=https://www.corkindependent.com/2023/02/14/another-award-for-denise/ |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=Cork Independent |language=en-US}}
• NWSL Best XI Second Team: 2023{{Cite web |last=NWSL |date=2023-11-06 |title=NWSL Announces Winners of 2023 Mastercard Best XI Awards {{!}} National Women's Soccer League Official Site |url=https://www.nwslsoccer.com/news/nwsl-announces-winners-of-2023-mastercard-best-xi-awards |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=NWSL |language=en}}
• Echo Sportswoman of the Month: July 2024{{Cite web |last1=O'Connell |first1=Barbara |date=2024-08-21 |title=Echo Women in Sport award: Denise O'Sullivan thrilled to hit the net on home turf |url=https://www.echolive.ie/corksport/arid-41459845.html |access-date=2024-11-22 |website=echo live |language=en}}
• Ireland Women's Supporters Club Player of the Year: 2024-25{{Cite web |title=Irish WNT CRISC/YBIG supporters player of the year very fittingly to Cork's own @OSullivanDenise |url=https://x.com/irelandwntsc/status/1929616483140644870}}

• List of foreign NWSL players
• List of foreign W-League (Australia) players

{{Portal bar||Women's association football|Ireland|Association football|Sports|Biography}}

{{reflist}}

• Grainey, Timothy (2012), Beyond Bend It Like Beckham: The Global Phenomenon of Women's Soccer, University of Nebraska Press, {{ISBN|0803240368}}
• Hong, Fan (2004), Soccer, Women, Sexual Liberation: Kicking Off a New Era, F.Cass, {{ISBN|9780714684086}}
• Hurley, Jacquie (2020), Girls Play Too: Inspiring Stories of Irish Sportswomen, Merrion Press, {{ISBN|9781785373398}}

{{Commons category}}

• {{NWSL player|8bc2b0ed38a346f2a782d7236d278aa3/denise-o-sullivan}}
• [https://www.nccourage.com/roster/denise-osullivan-2/ Denise O'Sullivan #10] at North Carolina Courage
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20170424091314/https://www.houstondynamo.com/players/denise-osullivan Denise O'Sullivan #13] at Houston Dash (archived)
• [http://www.extratime.ie/player/11113095/player/ Denise O'Sullivan] at Extratime.ie

{{North Carolina Courage squad}}

{{FAI Women's Senior International Player of the Year}}

{{2023 NWSL Teams of the Year}}

{{Republic of Ireland squad 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Osullivan, Denise}}

Category:1994 births

Category:Living people

Category:Association footballers from Cork (city)

Category:Republic of Ireland women's association footballers

Category:Republic of Ireland women's international footballers

Category:Glasgow City F.C. players

Category:Peamount United F.C. players

Category:League of Ireland Women's Premier Division players

Category:Cork City W.F.C. players

Category:Irish expatriate sportspeople in Scotland

Category:Expatriate women's footballers in Scotland

Category:Republic of Ireland expatriate women's association footballers

Category:Houston Dash players

Category:National Women's Soccer League players

Category:North Carolina Courage players

Category:Women's association football forwards

Category:Irish expatriate sportspeople in the United States

Category:Irish expatriate sportspeople in England

Category:Expatriate women's footballers in England

Category:Brighton & Hove Albion W.F.C. players

Category:Women's Super League players

Category:Republic of Ireland women's youth international footballers

Category:FIFA Women's Century Club

Category:2023 FIFA Women's World Cup players

Category:21st-century Irish sportswomen