Hayley Ladd: A Century of Caps and the Road to Euro 2025

Hayley Ladd is on the verge of a monumental milestone in her football career, as she prepares to earn her 100th cap for the Wales Women's Football Team. This achievement places her among the elite group of Welsh footballers who have reached a century of appearances for their country.

A Journey of Dedication Ladd made her debut for Wales in 2011 and has since been a stalwart in the team. Reflecting on her journey, Ladd said, "Winning 100 caps, if it comes, will be a really great honour, a proud moment for me and for my family." Her career has seen her evolve from a young player balancing football with her studies to a seasoned professional ready to lead Wales in their first major tournament at Euro 2025.

Evolution of Women's Football In her early days, Ladd experienced the challenges of a less developed women's football scene, wearing men's kits and playing in modest venues. "Things are much less of a battle than they were 14 years ago, that's just the reality of where the sport was then," she noted. The growth and professionalization of the game have provided Ladd and her teammates with better opportunities and support.

Career Highlights and Transitions Ladd's career has included stints with prominent clubs such as Arsenal, Bristol City, and Manchester United, where she played a pivotal role in their FA Cup victory. Her recent move to Everton was motivated by her desire to remain in peak condition for Euro 2025. "I feel really proud to have made the move to Everton. I feel incredibly happy to be with the club," Ladd shared.

Euro 2025 and Beyond The pride of individual success pales in comparison to the collective achievement of qualifying for Euro 2025. Ladd played a crucial role in Wales' dramatic play-off victory over the Republic of Ireland, a moment she describes as the absolute highlight of her career. "To finally get there after all that heartbreak, and when I say that - heartbreak - I really mean it, to finally get there was just the best feeling," she said.

Ladd's journey is a testament to her resilience and dedication, and she hopes her career will inspire the next generation of footballers. "We’ve enjoyed the fruits of that and hopefully for the next generation the progress will be a step further still," she concluded.