The Strictly star once conceded that their life could have worked out very different had they not followed their dream
Football legend and Strictly Come Dancing contestant Karen Carney once revealed she’d likely be working at Sainsbury’s if her sporting career hadn’t taken off. The 38-year-old burst onto the scene with Birmingham City at the age of 14.
She would go on to represent England at four World Cups and Great Britain at the 2012 Olympic Games. Carney also earned 143 caps and netted 32 goals for the Lionesses.
Yet, her journey could have been vastly different had she not pursued her passion for the beautiful game. When announcing her retirement in 2019, Carney was asked where she’d be without football.
She said: “In the nicest possible way, my first job was at Sainsbury’s – my mum worked there and I was a bag packer. I would have worked my way up there.”
Carney continued: “I wasn’t good at school so I wouldn’t have gone to university. I’m so grateful for football and I don’t know where I would be without it, but I know I would have worked hard.”
Carney has been impressing viewers on the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing with her dance partner Carlos Gu, progressing through to the semi-finals.
Though, the former Arsenal midfielder has bravely spoken about how taking to the dance floor hasn’t been straightforward, as she’s been living with a hidden health condition throughout her life.
Carney suffers from Scheuermann’s disease, which causes a curvature at the top of her spine and affected how she played football during her career.
She said: “I suffered with it the whole of my football career but I never made it a thing – particularly with the dancing – because I always knew I could get on the pitch.
“Sometimes it was disheartening when I played and it did impact my career, but I just got on with it. It was just about being honest and working with what we can. I’m healthy and happy and that’s the most important thing.”
Discussing her Strictly experience, the former England international said: “I just want to show that I might not be the perfect dancer. I will not have the perfect posture, but I’ll certainly give it my best.
“Dancing is always about joy, it’s how much fun you have and how much joy you can bring to the audience. I think if you can achieve that, that’s the whole point.”
Following two spells at Birmingham, Carney made the switch to Arsenal, where she secured a historic quadruple during the 2006-07 campaign.
She then ventured across the Atlantic to play for Chicago Red Stars before heading back to Birmingham, lifting the 2012 FA Women’s Cup. Her trophy-laden career continued at Chelsea, where she claimed player of the year honours and secured the double in the 2017/2018 season.
Since hanging up her boots, Carney has established herself as a prominent pundit, providing analysis on both men’s and women’s football for TNT Sports and ITV.
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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
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