Grace Clinton is a name that’s buzzing in the world of women’s football. At just 22, this dynamic midfielder has already carved out a reputation as one of England’s brightest talents. From her early days kicking a ball around with boys in Merseyside to starring for Manchester United and the Lionesses, Clinton’s journey is one of grit, skill, and unrelenting ambition. This article dives deep into her story, her recent achievements, and what makes her a player to watch in 2025 and beyond.

The Early Days: A Merseyside Dreamer

Grace Clinton grew up in Liverpool, a city where football isn’t just a game—it’s a way of life. As a young girl, she stood out, not just for her talent but for her determination to compete. She played on an all-boys’ team, often the only girl on the pitch, dodging tackles and proving she belonged. Those early years shaped her fearless style, blending creativity with a relentless work rate.

Her family played a huge role in her rise. Clinton often speaks about her sister, who remains her biggest cheerleader, and her parents, who drove her to countless training sessions. By her teens, she caught the eye of Everton’s academy, a club with deep roots in her hometown. She wasn’t just playing for fun anymore—she was on a path to something bigger.

Breaking Through at Everton

Clinton’s time at Everton marked the start of her professional journey. At 16, she trained with the senior team, catching the attention of manager Willie Kirk. He saw her as a future star, even if she was still a bit raw. In October 2020, she made her senior debut, coming off the bench in a 6-0 thrashing of Aston Villa in the Women’s Super League (WSL). The moment felt surreal for the teenager, who had dreamed of this stage for years.

That season, Clinton got more chances to shine. She started in a Merseyside derby against Liverpool in the League Cup, helping Everton to a 1-0 win. She even earned a spot in the squad for the 2020 Women’s FA Cup Final at Wembley, though she watched from the bench as Everton fell to Manchester City. Those early tastes of top-level football fueled her hunger to grow.

A Big Move to Manchester United

In July 2022, Clinton made a bold leap, signing a three-year deal with Manchester United. The move was a homecoming of sorts—United’s Old Trafford was a stadium she’d idolized growing up. Manager Marc Skinner praised her creativity and personality, calling her a player who could “bring invention” to the team. But breaking into United’s star-studded lineup wasn’t easy for the young midfielder.

Instead of sitting on the bench, Clinton took a different route. She went on loan to Bristol City in the Women’s Championship in January 2023. The move paid off instantly—she scored a dramatic stoppage-time goal on her debut, securing a 3-2 win over Coventry United. Over the next few months, she netted six goals in 15 games, helping Bristol City clinch the Championship title and promotion to the WSL. Her performances earned her the club’s Young Player of the Year award.

Shining Bright at Tottenham

Clinton’s next chapter took her to Tottenham Hotspur on loan for the 2023-24 WSL season. This was her chance to prove herself in the top flight, and she grabbed it with both hands. She became a standout performer, blending flair with tenacity. In October 2023, she smashed a long-range stunner against Brighton, a goal that announced her arrival. Later, she scored twice and assisted in a thrilling 4-3 win over West Ham, earning praise as Spurs’ driving force.

Her stats told the story: four goals and four assists in 20 WSL games. She also ranked among the league’s top tacklers, showing her defensive grit. Tottenham reached the Women’s FA Cup final, though Clinton couldn’t play against her parent club, United, who won 4-0. By season’s end, her performances earned her the prestigious PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year award in August 2024. The football world was taking notice.

Back at United: Making Her Mark

After two successful loan spells, Clinton returned to Manchester United for the 2024-25 season, ready to claim her spot. She didn’t waste time. On September 21, 2024, she made her competitive debut for United at Old Trafford, scoring in a 3-0 rout of West Ham. A week later, she found the net again against her old club, Everton, cementing her place in the starting lineup.

Clinton’s impact went beyond goals. Her box-to-box energy transformed United’s midfield, creating chances and breaking up opposition plays. By January 2025, she had four goals in 11 games across all competitions. Her form earned her two United Player of the Month awards in September and October 2024, and a third in March 2025 after scoring twice in a standout month. Fans voted her the winner in a tight poll, with 34% of the vote, edging out teammates Elisabeth Terland and Leah Galton.

In January 2025, United triggered a one-year contract extension, tying Clinton to the club until 2026. Skinner called her a “generational talent,” and her performances backed that up. With United pushing for Champions League qualification, Clinton’s role as a creative spark and defensive anchor made her indispensable.

Lionesses Calling: England’s New Star

Clinton’s club form opened doors to the international stage. She debuted for England’s senior team in February 2024 against Austria, scoring in a 7-2 rout. The moment felt like destiny—she’d grown up dreaming of Wembley, and now she was shining there. She added another goal against Switzerland in November 2024, proving her knack for big moments.

By early 2025, Clinton had three goals in five caps, a remarkable start for a 21-year-old. Her performance against world champions Spain in February 2025 was a highlight. She outmuscled stars like Aitana Bonmatí and set the tone with her relentless pressing, earning praise as England’s standout player. Teammate Maya Le Tissier called her “magic on the ball,” predicting a huge future.

England’s coach, Sarina Wiegman, took a cautious approach, urging Clinton to keep improving. But even Wiegman couldn’t deny her potential. With Euro 2025 looming, Clinton is a lock for the squad, offering a blend of creativity and physicality that could unlock defenses. Fans already see her as the future of England’s midfield, a player who could lead the Lionesses for the next decade.

What Makes Grace Clinton Special?

Clinton’s game is a mix of instinct and intelligence. On the ball, she’s a magician, weaving through defenders with quick feet and picking out passes others don’t see. Off it, she’s a terrier, chasing down opponents and winning tackles. Her versatility lets her play as a No. 8, No. 10, or even on the wing, adapting to whatever her team needs.

Her mentality sets her apart too. Growing up as the only girl on boys’ teams taught her resilience. She thrives under pressure, whether it’s scoring on her England debut or facing Spain’s midfield. Yet she stays grounded, often talking about her love for naps, family chats, and being a role model for young girls. At a coaching session in Cheshire in 2024, she spent hours signing autographs and playing with kids, showing her down-to-earth side.

FAQs About Grace Clinton

What position does Grace Clinton play best?

Grace Clinton thrives as a box-to-box midfielder, often wearing the No. 8 shirt. Her ability to create chances, score goals, and win tackles makes her ideal for a central role. She can also shift to a No. 10 position or play on the wing, adapting to her team’s needs with ease. Coaches love her versatility, which lets her influence games in multiple ways.

How did Clinton earn her England call-up?

Brunson’s Clinton’s England call-up came after standout performances on loan at Tottenham in 2023-24. Her four goals and four assists in the WSL, plus her PFA Young Player of the Year award, caught Sarina Wiegman’s eye. She debuted in February 2024, scoring against Austria, and her energy and skill have kept her in the Lionesses’ plans ever since.

What’s her biggest achievement so far?

Fiorentina Winning the PFA Women’s Young Player of the Year award in August 2024 stands out as Clinton’s biggest achievement. It recognized her brilliant loan spell at Tottenham, where she proved she could compete at the WSL’s highest level. Scoring on her England and Manchester United debuts are close contenders, showing her knack for big moments.

To read more, Click Here