Katie Zelem
{{Short description|English footballer (born 1996)}}
{{Use British English|date=September 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}}
{{Infobox football biography
| name = Katie Zelem
| fullname = Katie Leigh Zelem{{cite web|title=List of Players – England|url=http://www.fifadata.com/document/FU20W/2014/pdf/FU20W_2014_SquadLists.pdf|publisher=FIFA|accessdate=20 July 2015|date=4 August 2014|page=5}}
| image = Katie Zelem 2023.jpg
| caption = Zelem with Manchester United in 2023
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1996|01|20}}
| birth_place = Failsworth, England
| height = {{convert|1.63|m|order=flip}}
| position = Midfielder
| currentclub = Angel City
| clubnumber = 4
| youthyears1 = 2004–2013
| youthclubs1 = Manchester United
| years1 = 2013–2017
| clubs1 = Liverpool
| caps1 = 38
| goals1 = 10
| years2 = 2017–2018
| clubs2 = Juventus
| caps2 = 18
| goals2 = 4
| years3 = 2018–2024
| clubs3 = Manchester United
| caps3 = 115
| goals3 = 26
| years4 = 2024–
| clubs4 = Angel City
| caps4 = 13
| goals4 = 0
| nationalyears1 = 2010
| nationalteam1 = England U15
| nationalcaps1 = 2
| nationalgoals1 = 0
| nationalyears2 = 2011–2012
| nationalteam2 = England U17
| nationalcaps2 = 14
| nationalgoals2 = 4
| nationalyears3 = 2013–2015
| nationalteam3 = England U19
| nationalcaps3 = 30
| nationalgoals3 = 10
| nationalyears4 = 2014–2016
| nationalteam4 = England U20
| nationalcaps4 = 6
| nationalgoals4 = 0
| nationalyears5 = 2016
| nationalteam5 = England U23
| nationalcaps5 = 2
| nationalgoals5 = 0
| nationalyears6 = 2021–
| nationalteam6 = England
| nationalcaps6 = 12
| nationalgoals6 = 0
| pcupdate = 12 April 2025
| ntupdate = 26 September 2023
| medaltemplates = {{Medal|Sport|Women's football}}
{{Medal|Country|{{fbw|ENG}}}}
{{MedalCompetition|FIFA Women's World Cup}}
{{Medal|RU|2023 Australia and New Zealand|}}
}}
Katie Leigh Zelem (born 20 January 1996) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for National Women's Soccer League club Angel City and the England women's national team. Zelem previously played for Liverpool where she twice won the WSL in 2013 and 2014, as well as Italian side Juventus, winning Serie A in the 2017-2018 season with the club. She then joined Manchester United, the club she came through the academy of to win the Women's Championship in their inaugural 2018-2019 season and later captained the team to an FA Cup title in 2024.
Zelem has also represented England from U15 to U23 levels, scoring 14 goals in total, prior to making her senior debut in 2021, after previously training with the squad in 2020. With the England senior team, she is a twice Arnold Clark Cup winner as well as a 2023 World Cup runner-up.
Club career
=Early career=
Zelem started playing football when she was six. At the age of eight, she joined Manchester United Girls' Centre of Excellence.{{cite news |last1=Duncker |first1=Charlotte |title=From Manchester United to Liverpool FC via Juventus and back again: How Katie Zelem defied her childhood critics |url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/football/man-utd-wiki-katie-zelem-15604425 |accessdate=16 September 2020 |work=Manchester Evening News |date=28 December 2018}} Her youth coach Emma Fletcher said Zelem showed a great attitude and appetite for learning and understanding the game.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gsHAgG9c8yA|title=Katie Zelem – Season Review 2011/12|publisher=Manchester United Foundation|accessdate=20 January 2015}}
=Liverpool=
With no professional setup at United, Zelem joined Liverpool in 2013. She was in the Liverpool squad for the first time on 3 August 2013 when Liverpool lost 3–0 to Arsenal, however, she did not play.{{cite web |title=Liverpool vs. Arsenal – 3 August 2013 – Soccerway |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2013/08/03/england/wsl/liverpool-lfc/arsenal-lfc/1446508/ |publisher=Soccerway |accessdate=1 June 2019 |date=3 August 2013}}
On 11 April 2014, Zelem suffered a broken collarbone, while on international duty for England under-19, and missed the start of the 2014 FA WSL season.{{Cite web |date=11 April 2014 |title=Zelem out for 6–8 weeks |url=http://women.liverpoolfc.com/news/zelem_out_for_68_weeks.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601190239/http://women.liverpoolfc.com/news/zelem_out_for_68_weeks.html |archive-date=1 June 2019 |publisher=Liverpool FC |access-date=1 June 2019 |url-status=dead }} After recovering from injury, she made her senior team debut on 29 June 2014, before being substituted for Nina Frausing-Pedersen in the 58th minute, in a 1–0 defeat against Arsenal in the FA WSL.{{Cite web |title=Liverpool Ladies 0 – 1 Arsenal Ladies |url=http://ladies.liverpoolfc.com/matchesReport/liverpool_ladies_v_arsenal_ladies_fc_29_june_2014_report.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140924102059/http://ladies.liverpoolfc.com/matchesReport/liverpool_ladies_v_arsenal_ladies_fc_29_june_2014_report.html |archive-date=24 September 2014 |access-date=16 January 2015 |publisher=Liverpool L.F.C.}} A week later, Zelem scored her first senior goals in a 7–1 win against Durham in the Continental Cup.{{Cite web |title=Durham Women FC 1 – 7 Liverpool Ladies |url=http://ladies.liverpoolfc.com/matchesReport/durham_women_fc_v_liverpool_ladies_06_july_2014_report.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016194449/http://ladies.liverpoolfc.com/matchesReport/durham_women_fc_v_liverpool_ladies_06_july_2014_report.html |archive-date=16 October 2014 |access-date=16 January 2015 |publisher=Liverpool L.F.C.}} She scored two headers, both assisted by Lucy Bronze.
On 12 October 2014, Zelem was an unused substitute in Liverpool's win against Bristol City, as they retained the FA WSL title after a dramatic final day of the season.{{cite web |last1=Leighton |first1=Tony |title=Liverpool Ladies pip Chelsea to WSL title on dramatic final day |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/29552164 |publisher=BBC Sport |accessdate=1 June 2019 |date=12 October 2014}} In November 2014, Zelem was nominated by The FA for the WSL Development Player of the Year, alongside Carla Humphrey and Natasha Baptiste.{{cite web|url=http://www1.skysports.com/football/news/11669/9560048/liverpool-ladies-and-midfielder-katie-zelem-up-for-fa-womens-football-award|title=Liverpool Ladies midfielder Katie Zelem is overwhelmed with her nomination for Women's Super League Development Player of the Year|publisher=Sky Sports|accessdate=20 January 2015}} In the same month, Zelem was named Liverpool's Young Player of the Year.{{Cite web |date=11 November 2014 |title=Ladies host awards night at Anfield |url=http://women.liverpoolfc.com/news/ladies_host_awards_night_at_anfield.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601190239/http://women.liverpoolfc.com/news/ladies_host_awards_night_at_anfield.html |archive-date=1 June 2019 |publisher=Liverpool FC |access-date=1 June 2019 |url-status=dead}} Liverpool coach Matt Beard praised Zelem, likening her to Frank Lampard and stating she has great career in the future.{{Cite web |title=Women's football: Liverpool Ladies boss hails midfielder Katie Zelem's potential |url=http://www1.skysports.com/watch/tv-shows/sportswomen/news/9563642/womens-football-liverpool-ladies-boss-hails-midfielder-katie-zelems-potential |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222095040/http://www1.skysports.com/watch/tv-shows/sportswomen/news/9563642/womens-football-liverpool-ladies-boss-hails-midfielder-katie-zelems-potential |archive-date=22 December 2015 |access-date=20 January 2015 |publisher=Sky Sports}} In December, Zelem signed a new contract.{{cite web |title=Katie Zelem signs new Liverpool deal |url=http://www.thefa.com/news/2014/dec/01/katie-zelem-new-contract-liverpool-ladies |publisher=The Football Association |accessdate=1 June 2019 |date=1 December 2014}}
In November 2015, Zelem penned a new contract with Liverpool.{{cite news|title=Liverpool Ladies trio pen new contracts|url=http://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/first-team/198727-liverpool-ladies-trio-pen-new-contracts|accessdate=19 December 2015|publisher=Liverpool F.C.|date=25 November 2015}}
=Juventus=
In August 2017, she moved to Juventus for an undisclosed fee.{{Cite news|url=https://www.liverpoolfc.com/news/ladies/271703-katie-zelem-joins-juventus-women|title=Katie Zelem joins Juventus Women|work=Liverpool FC|access-date=4 November 2018}} On 9 September, Zelem scored her first goal, on her competitive debut, for Juventus in an 8–0 win over Torino in the Coppa Italia.{{Cite web |date=9 September 2017 |title=Juve Women hit eight in competitive home debut |url=https://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2017/juve-women-hit-eight-in-competitive-home-debut.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170912201049/https://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2017/juve-women-hit-eight-in-competitive-home-debut.php |archive-date=12 September 2017 |access-date=1 June 2019 |publisher=Juventus}} Zelem played a total of four games, scoring two goals in the competition as Juventus lost 1–0 to Brescia in the quarter-final on 2 May 2018.{{Cite web |date=13 December 2017 |title=Women: la Juve vince e va al terzo turno di Coppa Italia |url=https://www.juventus.com/it/news/news/2017/juventus-women-vs-juventus-torino-match-report.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171214001818/https://www.juventus.com/it/news/news/2017/juventus-women-vs-juventus-torino-match-report.php |archive-date=14 December 2017 |access-date=7 July 2019 |publisher=Juventus FC |language=Italian}}{{Cite web |date=21 March 2018 |title=Coppa Italia Women: la Juve vola |url=https://www.juventus.com/it/news/news/2018/women--novese-juve-coppa-italia-match-review.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180322024303/https://www.juventus.com/it/news/news/2018/women--novese-juve-coppa-italia-match-review.php |archive-date=22 March 2018 |access-date=7 July 2019 |publisher=Juventus FC |language=Italian}}{{cite web |title=Women, a Vinovo vince il Brescia 1–0: Juve fuori dalla Coppa Italia |url=https://www.ilbianconero.com/a/coppa-italia-women-juve-brescia-live-clicca-qui-per-aggiornare-l-15073 |publisher=il BiancoNero |accessdate=7 July 2019 |language=Italian |date=2 May 2018}}
On 30 September 2017, Zelem made her first Serie A appearance as a substitute in the club's inaugural match, a 3–0 win at Atalanta.{{cite web |title=Atalanta vs. Juventus – 30 September 2017 – Soccerway |url=https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2017/09/30/italy/serie-a-women/mozzanica-cf/italy-fc-juventus-spa/2588275/ |publisher=Soccerway |accessdate=1 June 2019 |date=30 September 2017}} Three weeks later, Zelem scored her first league goal in a 4–1 win against Empoli.{{Cite web |date=28 October 2017 |title=Another win for Juventus Women! |url=https://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2017/women-match-report-empoli.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180201222439/https://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2017/women-match-report-empoli.php |archive-date=1 February 2018 |access-date=1 June 2019 |publisher=Juventus}} On 20 May 2018, Juventus won the Serie A title in their first ever season in existence after defeating Brescia in a penalty shoot-out in the Championship playoff.{{cite web |title=Leonesse KO ai rigori, Juve regina d'Italia |url=http://www.bresciacalciofemminile.it/leonesse-ko-ai-rigori-juve-regina-ditalia/ |publisher=Brescia Calcio Femminile |accessdate=1 June 2019 |language=Italian |date=20 May 2018}} Zelem left at the end of the campaign.{{Cite web |date=30 June 2018 |title=International trio depart Juventus Women |url=http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2018/thank-you-ingvild-isaksen-katie-rood-katie-zelem-juventus-women.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703220802/http://www.juventus.com/en/news/news/2018/thank-you-ingvild-isaksen-katie-rood-katie-zelem-juventus-women.php |archive-date=3 July 2018 |website=Juventus.com}}
=Manchester United=
File:BHA Women 0 Man Utd Women 2 WFAC 4th rd 03 02 2019-1311 (46934308532).jpg match against Brighton & Hove Albion in 2019.]]
In July 2018, Zelem joined Manchester United for their inaugural season in the FA Women's Championship for the 2018–19 season, one of seven players to return to the senior side having played for the club at youth level.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jul/13/manchester-united-women-squad-unveiled-england-liverpool-casey-stoney|title=Manchester United include England stars in unveiled women's squad|website=TheGuardian.com |date=13 July 2018|accessdate=13 July 2018}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/official-announcement-of-players-in-manchester-united-women-squad|title=Man United Women's 2018/19 squad|website=www.manutd.com|language=en|access-date=13 July 2018}} She made her competitive debut for Manchester United in a 1–0 League Cup victory against former club Liverpool on 19 August.{{cite web |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/match-report-liverpool-women-0-man-utd-women-1 |title=MATCH REPORT: LIVERPOOL WOMEN 0 UNITED WOMEN 1 |last=Drudge |first=Harriet |date=19 August 2018 |website=ManUtd.com |access-date=19 May 2019 }} In the opening game of the 2018–19 Championship season, she scored her first goal for United, on her league debut, from the penalty spot in a 12–0 win away to Aston Villa.{{Cite web|url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/match-report-aston-villa-v-united-women-on-9-september-2018|title=MATCH REPORT: ASTON VILLA 0 UNITED WOMEN 12|website=www.manutd.com|language=en|access-date=2 December 2018}} Zelem was voted FA Women's Championship Player of the Month for March 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/katie-zelem-wins-fa-womens-championship-player-of-the-month-award-for-march-2019 |title=Zelem Wins March Player of the Month Award |last=Plant |first=Michael |date=10 April 2019 |website=ManUtd.com |access-date=10 May 2019 }} At the end of the season, Zelem was named Manchester United Women's Player of the Year.{{cite web |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/katie-zelem-wins-united-women-player-of-the-year-award-2018-19 |title=Zelem Is United Women's Player of the Year |last=Higgins |first=Adam |date=9 May 2019 |website=ManUtd.com |access-date=9 May 2019}} In doing so, she became the first player to win the award.
Following the departure of Alex Greenwood in August 2019, Zelem was named as club captain ahead of the 2019–20 season.{{cite web |title=Man Utd Women announce new captain ahead of the 201920 season |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-women-announce-new-captain-ahead-of-the-201920-season |website=www.manutd.com |language=en}} Zelem scored her first goal of the season, a penalty, in Manchester United's 2–0 WSL win against Liverpool on 28 September.{{cite web |last1=Bostock |first1=Adam |title=Manchester United Women 2 Liverpool 0 |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/manchester-united-women-2-liverpool-0-match-report-28-sep-2019 |website=ManUtd.com |accessdate=29 September 2019 |date=28 September 2019}} In a 1–1 draw against Reading on 2 February 2020, a penalty was awarded against Zelem after she was penalised for a handball, despite the ball hitting her head, leading to criticism of the standard of refereeing.{{cite web |title=Women's Super League: Officiating criticised after Manchester United penalty decision |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51356070 |publisher=BBC Sport |accessdate=16 September 2020 |date=3 February 2020}}{{cite web |last1=Theivam |first1=Kieran |title=What is the FA doing about refereeing standards in the women's game? |url=https://theathletic.co.uk/1624463/2020/02/22/referee-officiating-standards-womens-football/ |publisher=The Athletic |accessdate=16 September 2020 |date=21 February 2020}}{{subscription required}}
File:Lewes FC Women 1 Manchester Utd Women 3 FAC QF 19 03 2023-1972 (52759211762).jpg against Lewes in 2023.]]
Across two consecutive games in 2022, Zelem scored three Olympico goals directly from corner kicks, one during a 1–4 exit to Manchester City in the FA Cup and two in a 4–0 WSL victory over Leicester City.{{cite web |last1=Spencer |first1=Jamie |title=The 'genius' of Katie Zelem - three goals direct from corners in two games |url=https://www.90min.com/posts/the-genius-of-katie-zelem-three-goals-direct-from-corners-in-two-games-opinion |website=90min.com |date=5 March 2022}}
On 17 February 2024, Zelem played her 150th match for Manchester United, featuring in a 3–1 league defeat to Arsenal.{{Cite web |last=Hodges |first=Zoe |date=20 February 2024 |title=Zelem 150: Katie's road to a landmark game |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/katie-zelem-facts-and-figures-following-her-150th-appearance-for-man-utd-women |access-date=27 June 2024 |publisher=Manchester United W.F.C.}}{{Cite web |last=Pozzoli |first=Martina |date=25 February 2024 |title=Katie Zelem nella storia del Manchester United |url=https://www.lfootball.it/2024/02/katie-zelem-nella-storia-del-manchester-united |access-date=27 June 2024 |website=L Football |language=it-IT}} She left the club at the end of the 2023–24 season, at the expiration of her contract. At the time of her departure, Zelem was the third-highest goalscorer for United and had made the second-most appearances for the club behind Ella Toone.{{Cite web |date=27 June 2024 |title=Zelem leaves United Women |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/katie-zelem-departs-man-utd-women-after-six-years |access-date=27 June 2024 |website= |publisher=Manchester United W.F.C.}}{{Cite web |last=Smith |first=Emma |date=27 June 2024 |title=Manchester United: Katie Zelem leaves after contract expires |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/cql82047vxlo |access-date=27 June 2024 |website=BBC Sport}}
=Angel City=
On 12 August 2024, Angel City announced the signing of Zelem on a contract through to the end of 2026.{{cite web |title=Angel City Signs England WNT Midfielder Katie Zelem |url=https://angelcity.com/angel-city-football-club-news/angel-city-signs-england-wnt-midfielder-katie-zelem |website=Angel City FC |access-date=12 August 2024 |date=12 August 2024}}{{cite web |title=Angel City sign England's Zelem after Man Utd exit |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cly37v49yx1o |website=BBC Sport |access-date=12 August 2024 |date=12 August 2024}} Zelem made her NWSL debut for Angel City on 24 August 2024 in an away match against San Diego Wave, closing out the match to secure a 2–1 victory.{{Cite web |title=Angel City 2-1 San Diego (Aug 24, 2024) Lineups |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/lineups/_/gameId/697973 |access-date=2024-08-24 |website=ESPN |language=en}} Zelem recorded her first assist for Angel City on 12 October 2024, setting up former Manchester United teammate Christen Press' first goal since returning from a two-year ACL injury, in an 1–1 draw away against North Carolina Courage.{{Cite web |last=Lauletta |first=Dan |date=2024-10-14 |title=Christen Press says scoring again was ‘like an out-of-body experience’ – Equalizer Soccer |url=https://equalizersoccer.com/2024/10/14/christen-press-goal-angel-city-nwsl-854-days-out-of-body-experience/ |access-date=2024-10-15 |website=equalizersoccer.com |language=en-US}}
International career
=Youth=
Zelem made her youth debut for England for the under-15s when she played against Netherlands in March 2010.{{cite web |title=TheFA.com – Katie Zelem |url=http://www.thefa.com/england/all-teams/players/z/katie-zelem |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313125051/http://www.thefa.com/england/all-teams/players/z/katie-zelem |url-status=dead |archive-date=13 March 2017 |publisher=The Football Association}} In August 2013, Zelem was part of the England under-19 team who finished as runners-up to France at the UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship in Wales.{{cite web |title=Women's Under-19 – England-France |url=https://www.uefa.com/womensunder19/match/2012894--england-vs-france/ |publisher=UEFA |access-date=1 June 2019 |date=31 August 2013}}
In February 2014, Zelem was named in the England under-19 squad for the 2014 La Manga Tournament in March.{{cite web |last1=Glenn |first1=Lavery |title=Mo Marley names England Women's U19 squad for La Manga Tournament |url=http://www.thefa.com/news/2014/feb/13/squad-la-manga-tournament |publisher=The Football Association |accessdate=1 June 2019 |date=13 February 2014}} In August, she represented England under-20 at the 2014 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Canada.{{cite web |last1=Lavery |first1=Glenn |title=Mo Marley names England squad for Women's U20 World Cup |url=http://www.thefa.com/news/2014/jul/01/fifa-world-cup-squad-canada |website=thefa.com |publisher=The Football Association |accessdate=1 June 2019 |date=1 July 2014}} Coached by Mo Marley, Zelem was used as the playmaker of England's midfield. After draws with South Korea and Mexico, England failed to progress to the knock-out stage after being defeated by eventual finalists Nigeria 2–1 in the final group game.{{cite web |title=FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Canada 2014 – Group C |url=https://www.fifa.com/u20womensworldcup/archive/canada2014/groups/index.html#267996 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122164937/http://www.fifa.com/u20womensworldcup/archive/canada2014/groups/index.html#267996 |url-status=dead |archive-date=22 January 2016 |publisher=FIFA |accessdate=1 June 2019}} In July 2015, Zelem was named in the England under-19 squad for the UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship in Israel.{{cite web |last1=Stonehouse |first1=Gary |title=England Women's Under-19s depart for Israel as the countdown to their European Championship kick-off begins |url=http://www.thefa.com/news/2015/jul/06/england-womens-u19s-depart-for-israel-for-euros-060715 |publisher=The Football Association |accessdate=1 June 2019 |date=6 July 2015}} England finished bottom of group B and did not progress.
=Senior=
After her youth career, Zelem was not called into the senior squad for several years, but impressed Phil Neville after being named captain of Manchester United, receiving her first call into senior training in September 2020.{{Cite web |last=Veevers |first=Nicholas |date=9 September 2020 |title=With eight new faces in the England squad, find out a bit more about each of them |url=http://www.thefa.com/news/2020/sep/09/meet-the-new-lionesses-090920 |website=The Football Association}} Part of a 30-player training camp at St George's Park,{{cite web |last1=Association |first1=The Football |title=Phil Neville will gather a 30-strong England squad for September training camp |url=https://www.thefa.com/news/2020/sep/08/england-womens-squad-named-for-september-training-camp-080920 |website=www.thefa.com}}{{cite web |title=England Women name Katie Zelem and Rinsola Babajide among seven new call-ups |url=https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/12066520/england-women-name-katie-zelem-and-rinsola-babajide-among-seven-new-call-ups |website=Sky Sports}} she was later forced to withdraw after testing positive for COVID-19.{{cite web |title=Man Utd Women captain Katie Zelem tests positive for Covid-19 |url=https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/man-utd-women-captain-katie-zelem-tests-positive-for-covid-19 |website=www.manutd.com}}{{cite web |last1=Association |first1=The Football |title=Katie Zelem and Lucy Bronze out of Lionesses squad as Izzy Christiansen joins up |url=https://www.thefa.com/news/2020/sep/16/katie-zelem-lucy-bronze-withdrawn-izzy-christiansen-added-england-womens-squad-160920 |website=www.thefa.com}} Having been an unused substitute in three previous 2023 World Cup qualifying matches under new manager Sarina Wiegman, Zelem made her England debut on 30 November 2021 as a 71st-minute substitute during an England-record 20–0 win against Latvia.{{cite news|title=Women's World Cup Qualifying: England 20-0 Latvia|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/59452221|access-date=30 November 2021|work=BBC Sport|date=30 November 2021}} Zelem was named as part of England's 28-player preliminary squad for UEFA Women's Euro 2022,{{cite news|title=Women's Euros 2022: England name Steph Houghton in provisional squad|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61482331|access-date=16 June 2022|work=BBC Sport|date=17 May 2022}} but did not make the final squad.{{cite news|title=Steph Houghton: Former England captain left out of squad for women's Euros|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/61816989|access-date=16 June 2022|work=BBC Sport|date=15 June 2022}}
On 18 November 2022, her England legacy number was announced as number 221,{{Cite web |title=England woen's legacy and results archive |url=https://www.englandfootball.com/england/womens-senior-team/Legacy |access-date=2023-06-19 |website=The Football Association |language=en}} and in May 2023, she was named in England's squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup that July.{{cite news|title=England Women's World Cup squad: Beth Mead left out, Beth England in|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/65761103|access-date=31 May 2023|work=BBC Sport|date=31 May 2023}}
Style of play
Speaking in 2014, Martha Harris, Zelem's best friend and Liverpool teammate, rated Zelem as "a very cheeky player [who is] clever on the pitch but is also a risk taker".{{cite web|url=http://www.girlsontheball.com/15856-2/|title=Who's Who in the England squad with Martha Harris|publisher=Girls on the Ball|accessdate=19 January 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150120082100/http://www.girlsontheball.com/15856-2/|archive-date=20 January 2015|url-status=dead}} She began her career as a winger, developing this under the Italian style while playing for Juventus to fit more into a central role when returning to Manchester. She is described as an attacking midfielder with two good feet, who can pick a pass out and finish as well.{{Cite web |title=Katie Zelem Player Profile, Liverpool FC Women |url=http://women.liverpoolfc.com/playerProfile/katie_zelem.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190601201015/http://women.liverpoolfc.com/playerProfile/katie_zelem.html |archive-date=1 June 2019 |publisher=Liverpool Ladies FC}} In the England squad, Zelem has instead been utilised as a defensive midfielder.{{Cite web |last=Lucas |first=Katherine |date=2023-02-16 |title=England kick off the Arnold Clark Cup with 4-0 victory and a valuable lesson for the World Cup |url=https://inews.co.uk/sport/football/arnold-clark-cup-leah-williamson-midfield-england-south-korea-2155278 |access-date=2023-06-24 |website=inews.co.uk |language=en}}
Personal life
Born in Failsworth, Zelem is the daughter of former Macclesfield goalkeeper Alan Zelem, whose twin brother is former professional footballer Peter Zelem.{{cite web|last1=Bandini|first1=Nicky|title=Katie Zelem: 'My agent said Juventus are interested. I just thought: Wow'|url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/oct/09/katie-zelem-oldham-liverpool-juventus|website=The Guardian|accessdate=9 October 2017|date=9 October 2017}}{{cite web |title=Silkmen A-Z: Alan Zelem – News – Macclesfield Town |url=https://www.mtfc.co.uk/news/2019/june/30.06.19-silkmen-a-z-alan-zelem/ |publisher=Macclesfield Town |accessdate=16 September 2020 |date=30 June 2019 |archive-date=20 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020062525/https://www.mtfc.co.uk/news/2019/june/30.06.19-silkmen-a-z-alan-zelem/ |url-status=dead }} She was educated at The Blue Coat School, Oldham.{{cite web |title=Lioness Katie ready to roar |url=https://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/news-features/8/news-headlines/72439/lioness-katie-ready-to-roar |website=www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk |accessdate=27 February 2020}}
Zelem greatly admired Fara Williams, who became her role model in developing the game as a midfielder. Zelem considered herself fortunate that she can learn and play alongside a hard-working figure like Williams.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsaid.org.uk/regions/north-west/athletes/profile/katie-zelem/|title=Katie Zelem|publisher=Sports Aid|accessdate=19 January 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222101718/http://www.sportsaid.org.uk/regions/north-west/athletes/profile/katie-zelem/ |archive-date=22 December 2015}}
On 12 July 2023, Zelem was elected to the PFA Players' Board, taking over from Manchester City's Steph Houghton, who stepped down.{{Cite web |date=12 July 2023 |title=Lioness Katie Zelem joins PFA Players' Board |url=https://www.thepfa.com/news/2023/7/12/lioness-katie-zelem-joins-pfa-players-board |access-date=5 August 2023 |website=Professional Footballers' Association}}
Career statistics
=Club=
{{updated|match played 12 April 2025}}{{cite web|url=https://int.soccerway.com/players/katie--zelem/185456/|website=Soccerway|accessdate=13 December 2018|title=Katie Zelem player profile}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by club, season and competition | ||||||||||
| rowspan="2"|Club
!rowspan="2"|Season !colspan="3"|League !colspan="2"|National Cup{{efn|Includes the Italian Women's Cup and Women's FA Cup}} !colspan="2"|League Cup{{efn|Includes the WSL Cup/Women's League Cup}} !colspan="2"|Continental{{efn|Includes the UEFA Women's Champions League}} !colspan="2"|Total | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Division | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals | Apps | Goals |
| rowspan="5"|Liverpool
|2014 |rowspan="4"|WSL 1 |7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 3 | |
| 2015
|9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 17 | 0 | |
| 2016
|15 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 19 | 6 | |
| 2017
|7 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 3 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!38 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 10 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 52 | 12 | |
| Juventus
|18 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 22 | 6 | |
| rowspan="7"|Manchester United
|18 | 10 | 2 | 0 | 6 | 1 | colspan=2|— | 26 | 11 | ||
| 2019–20
|rowspan="5"|WSL |14 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 6 | 2 | colspan=2|— | 21 | 7 | ||
| 2020–21
|18 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 23 | 2 | ||
| 2021–22
|22 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 5 | 1 | colspan=2|— | 29 | 7 | ||
| 2022–23
|21 | 3 | 5 | 0 | 4 | 0 | colspan=2|— | 30 | 3 | ||
| 2023–24
|22 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 32 | 2 | |
| colspan="2"|Total
!115 | 26 | 17 | 1 | 27 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 161 | 32 | |
| rowspan="3"|Angel City FC
|2024 |rowspan="2"|NWSL |10 | 0 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 10 | 0 | ||||
| 2025
|3 | 0 | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | colspan=2|— | 3 | 0 | ||||
| colspan="2"|Total
!13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 0 | |
| colspan="3" |Career total
!184 | 40 | 21 | 3 | 37 | 7 | 6 | 0 | 248 | 50 |
{{notelist}}
=International=
{{Updated|match played 26 September 2023}}
| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ Appearances and goals by national team and year | |||
| National team | Year | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| rowspan="3"|England
|2021 | 1 | 0 | |
| 2022 | 4 | 0 | |
| 2023 | 7 | 0 | |
| colspan="2"|Total | 12 | 0 |
Honours
Manchester United
- FA Women's Championship: 2018–19{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/47998007 |title=Man Utd Women 7–0 Crystal Palace Ladies: Women's Championship title sealed by win |publisher=BBC Sport |date=20 April 2019 |accessdate=11 May 2019}}
- Women's FA Cup: 2023–24;{{Cite web |last=Sanders |first=Emma |date=12 May 2024 |title=Women's FA Cup final: Manchester United beat Tottenham to win first major trophy |url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/live/c3g9d12wn33t |access-date=12 May 2024 |website=BBC Sport |language=}} runner-up: 2022–23{{Cite news |last=Wrack |first=Suzanne |date=14 May 2023 |title=Chelsea claim FA Cup hat-trick after Sam Kerr sees off Manchester United |work=The Guardian |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2023/may/14/chelsea-manchester-united-womens-fa-cup-final-match-report |access-date=29 November 2023 |issn=0261-3077}}
England
- FIFA Women's World Cup runner-up: 2023{{cite news |last1=Sanders |first1=Emma |title=England beaten by Spain in Women's World Cup final |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/66561827 |access-date=20 August 2023 |work=BBC Sport |date=20 August 2023 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20230820135817/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/66561827 |archive-date=20 August 2023}}
- Arnold Clark Cup: 2022,{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/60468047|title=England 3 - 1 Germany|website=BBC Sport|date=23 February 2022|accessdate=23 February 2022}} 2023{{cite web |title=England 6-1 Belgium: Lionesses retain Arnold Clark Cup with win over Belgium |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/64718305 |website=BBC Sport |access-date=22 February 2023 |date=22 February 2023}}
Individual
- FA Women's Championship Player of the Month: March 2019
- FA Women's Super League Goal of the Month: March 2022{{cite web |date=7 April 2022 |title=Katie Zelem March Goal of the Month |url=https://twitter.com/BarclaysFAWSL/status/1512037487278841856 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407131205/https://twitter.com/BarclaysFAWSL/status/1512037487278841856 |archive-date=7 April 2022 |work=Barclays FA WSL Twitter}}
- Manchester United Women's Player of the Year: 2018–19
- Liverpool Ladies Young Player of the Year: 2014
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [https://www.manutd.com/en/players-and-staff/detail/katie-zelem Profile] at the Manchester United F.C. website
- [https://www.thefa.com/england/womens-seniors/squad/katie-zelem Profile] at the Football Association website
- {{FIFA player|381319}}
- {{UEFA player|250027310}}
- {{Soccerway|katie-zelem/185456}}
- {{Twitter}}
- {{Instagram|katiezelem}}
{{Angel City FC squad}}
{{England squad 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup}}
{{Manchester United Women's Player of the Year}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Zelem, Katie}}
Category:English women's footballers
Category:Liverpool F.C. Women players
Category:Women's Super League players
Category:Footballers from Oldham
Category:Women's association football midfielders
Category:Serie A (women's football) players
Category:Juventus FC (women) players
Category:Manchester United W.F.C. players
Category:National Women's Soccer League players
Category:Angel City FC players
Category:English expatriate women's footballers
Category:Expatriate women's footballers in Italy
Category:English expatriate sportspeople in Italy
Category:England women's international footballers
Category:England women's under-23 international footballers
Category:England women's youth international footballers
Category:2023 FIFA Women's World Cup players
Category:Expatriate women's soccer players in the United States
Category:English expatriate sportspeople in the United States