Leading From The Back: My journey to the top of women's football

by Steph Houghton

Available to pre-order now!

The inspiring memoir of one of football's greatest players - Steph Houghton - in which she recounts the highs and lows of making it to the top of her game as England Captain, star of the London Olympics, and Man City stalwart, via Sunderland, Leeds and Arsenal.

With 121 caps for the Lionesses, Steph has been at the heart of the women's football revolution, inspiring girls and young women around the world but in her own understated way.

Leading from the Back is Steph's incredibly honest account of what it takes to make it to the pinnacle of women's football when the odds are well and truly stacked against you.

Inside, she shares her dreams of becoming professional as a young girl in Sunderland; how reaching that status has been a long and often difficult journey, with many personal struggles both on and off the pitch. In between, she recounts the amazing highs of playing for her country, making history at the Olympics, lifting cups for her team, and the awe-inspiring people she has encountered along the way.

This is not only Steph's personal story, but also the story of women's football in England and internationally. Steph is credited as being one of the greatest influences in growing the women's game to the biggest it has ever been.

A remarkable journey of unwavering determination that reveals the grit needed to stay true to yourself, and what it really takes to be a leader; this is the full and incredible story of a sports pioneer, 'Super Steph'.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Sports

304 pages, Hardcover

Published November 7, 2025

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 3 out of 5]

informative and frank autobiography discussing her football career from origins in the north east to Manchester city

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 Very clunky, but amazing to see how far the women's game has come & how much Steph has dealt with over her career!

[Miriam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steph is a champion and hearing the barriers she was part of breaking down is impressive and important to anyone who cares about equality. I love how much she cares about her family, kindness, and bettering the experiences for all involved in football.

As for the storytelling, I enjoyed the swearing and it clearly being true to Steph’s voice… but overall this biography was quite poorly written and could have done with a more engaging structure and one less “to be honest” to be honest.

[ireadyouread · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who would have thought I’d love a book on women’s football? What a story she’s had!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.0/5
Before reading this autobiography, I didn't knew much about Steph. I just knew her from football and her podcast. This book gave a really good insight into who Steph is on a personal level. The writing wasn't the best and the first 100 pages didn't hook me in. However, the pace picked up and especially admire how Steph wrote about the illness of her husband and how that affected her life and football. Furthermore, it was really interesting to read, how Steph and Sarina interacted and what challenges she faced when trying to get back into the England squad. Overall, the book shows how much Steph has done for women's football!

[Becs McMorrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought I admired Steph Houghton before reading her book. But now it has gone onto another level. What a powerhouse of a woman and player, with all the determination from the knock backs that have come with her career. And what a career it has been!

[Maxine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really great to read Steph's story and to find out just how much she and her agent Matt have done for the sport!
The writing style was a bit odd and repetitive for me.

[MRS J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without a shadow of doubt this woman is a legend. She inspires me every day.

[kcp · Rating 3 out of 5]

god i love the north east.

cry cry cry, that’s all i did

[Clara Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal story of perseverance, character, and realness. Well done Steph.

[Rebekah Cayzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a women’s football fan I was happy to receive Steph’s book for Christmas! I enjoyed reading about how her family helped her in her younger years to excel in football and allowing her opportunities to do what activities she wanted to try!
I loved reading about the different teams she has played for throughout her long and successful career!
I loved how she was frank, open and honest about how she has learnt to not let things get to her too much even though it’s hard sometimes to not let it get to you! Her openness about her husbands illness and how they are handling and coming to terms with it and how they still take the mick out of each other is amazing to read!

[Claire · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one. Love the personal story.. the focus and the drive. Really enjoyed understanding more about the change and rise of women’s football.

[Mrs H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

progress in women’s football from the inside.

Loved reading this having watched many of the matches Steph played in, also the insight into the change in women’s football. Looking forward to what the future holds for Steph and Stephen.

[David Stimpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Fantastic Footballer and Leader .. Steph was one of My Favourite Footballers .. She Worked So Hard to get where She did and now She Has retired She is still Leading .. A Good Book and an Honest Life ..

[Melissa McElroy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 rounded down.

[Rebecca Dancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

truly inspirational 🩵

[Paul · Rating 1 out of 5]

The worst sport’s autobiography I have ever read. I think I read the word ‘amazing’ 727372772 times. Doesn’t criticise Giggs or Sampson or put their behaviour in context. Poor.

[Danielle Bennett]

An inspiring read!