Katie McCabe would be in “Ballon d’Or conversations” if she was English. That’s the verdict of Ireland manager Carla Ward , who reckons it’s “bonkers” that Arsenal have allowed the Girls in Green star to leave. McCabe is on the lookout for a new club, with Women’s Super League rivals Chelsea and champions Manchester City among those linked with the 30-year-old. The Dubliner’s 10-and-a-half year association with the Gunners has ended with McCabe being named on the WSL’s 2025/26 Team of the Season. And according
to Ward, she deserves even greater recognition. “I hope we don’t speak out of turn by saying this, but if Katie was English, I think everybody would be saying right now she should be in Ballon d’Or conversations,” said the Ireland manager, as she named her squad for the World Cup qualifiers against the Netherlands and France. “But it blows my mind that she’s not. She’s the best left-back in the world. And arguably, up there, there’s no better in the WSL. “And I mean,
I would question, is there any better full-back in the world right now? I’m not sure there is. “So, in answer to your question, I think any club not wanting Katie is bonkers.” McCabe’s age is thought to have played a key role in the decision by Arsenal to release her. But Ward said: “Mad. She’s absolutely in her peak. So if you remember when I came in after, I think the first couple of press conferences, I was asked, how do you get the
best out of Katie? “We haven’t, you know, maybe seen the best out of Katie for a while. “And I would argue – not saying this is down to me by the way – but I would argue the last four camps are the best we’ve ever seen Katie in an Ireland shirt and an Arsenal shirt. “So she’s got to be in her peak. Katie trains like she’s a 21-year-old hungry for success. That’s just Katie.” Arsenal’s loss, Ward added, could well be Ireland’s
gain in two huge games, starting against the Netherlands in Pairc Uí Chaoimh on June 5. With a third placed finish all but guaranteed and a play-off in the bag, two wins against two of European football’s top nations could secure automatic promotion. “Anything that motivates Katie is good for us,” said Ward, who added that McCabe’s club future would not distract her while in camp. “Katie’s a pro. Katie’s so passionate about this country and playing for this country. She’s no problem. Whenever (her
move is) announced, it’s announced,” she said. Goalkeepers: Courtney Brosnan (Everton FC), Sophie Whitehouse (Charlton Athletic), Grace Moloney (Sunderland). Defenders: Katie McCabe (Arsenal FC), Anna Patten (Aston Villa FC), Caitlin Hayes (Brighton & Hove Albion), Hayley Nolan (Crystal Palace), Aoife Mannion (Newcastle United), Jessie Stapleton (West Ham United), Chloe Mustaki (Nottingham Forest). Midfielders: Denise O’Sullivan (Liverpool)*, Tyler Toland (Durham), Megan Connolly (Lazio), Marissa Sheva (Sunderland), Lucy Quinn (Birmingham City), Ruesha Littlejohn (Crystal Palace), Jamie Finn (Sunderland), Aoibheann Clancy (Shelbourne), Jess Ziu (West Ham United). Attackers:
Saoirse Noonan (Celtic FC), Abbie Larkin (Crystal Palace), Leanne Kiernan (Liverpool), Emily Murphy (Newcastle United)*, Kyra Carusa (Kansas City Current – loan), Amber Barrett (Strasbourg). *Suspended for Netherlands fixture June 5: Ireland v Netherlands (Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 7.30pm) June 9: France v Ireland (Stade des Alpes, 8:00pm Irish time) Click here to sign up to our sport newsletter, bringing you the top stories and biggest headlines from Ireland and beyond .
Katie McCabe, Carla Ward, Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Ireland Women, World Cup qualifiers, Netherlands, France, Páirc Uí Chaoimh, Ballon d’Or