Lionesses’ standout Alex Greenwood in a relationship with former Premier League star compelled to retire at 29
The Lionesses have sustained their hold on the nation in 2023, as their journey to the World Cup final earlier this year has propelled Sarina Wiegman's players into becoming household names.
In 2023, for the second consecutive year, the England Lionesses dominated the sporting scene. Despite their heart-breaking defeat in the final, the European champions captured the nation’s attention once again. Sarina Wiegman’s team members have all become household names due to their remarkable performances on the field, leading to a surge in interest in the women’s game and its stars.
Among these notable figures is Alex Greenwood, a regular player for England and the captain of Manchester City as they vie for the WSL title. The 30-year-old has garnered significant support, even from followers of the men’s game, despite concluding his own professional journey earlier this year.
Greenwood has been in a relationship with her partner, Jack O’Connell, a former Sheffield United defender, since they met at Savio Salesian sixth-form college in Bootle. Since then, both their footballing careers have soared. While Greenwood’s career rose, so did O’Connell’s.
O’Connell emerged from the Blackburn Rovers academy but had only one senior appearance with the Lancashire team before departing for Brentford following several loan spells. He joined Sheffield United in 2016, playing a pivotal role in their ascent from League One to the Premier League, where he made 35 appearances. Unfortunately, persistent injuries plagued his last two seasons at Bramall Lane, leading to his retirement earlier this summer.
An Instagram statement of his read: “Announcing my retirement from football is incredibly tough. Sheffield United fans are already aware that I’ve been battling to salvage my professional career for the past three seasons. Today, I concede this fight. I’ve poured my all into recovering since my knee issues arose in June 2020, but sadly, this is a battle I cannot triumph in.”
He ensured to send a heartfelt message to his partner, Greenwood, amidst his poignant announcement. O’Connell expressed, “Stepping away from football will create a void in my life, yet I’ve come to terms with it. I am appreciative of the matches I’ve played, the moments lived on the pitch, and especially grateful to my teammates – many of whom will remain lifelong friends. It has truly been a dream fulfilled.
“Gratitude is due. Firstly, to my partner, Alex, whose unwavering support sustained me through my toughest times. She’s an incredibly skilled footballer, and witnessing her remarkable progression in her career has been a source of solace. I am her staunchest supporter.”
O’Connell diverted his focus from his own career by venturing Down Under to witness Greenwood’s near conquest of the world in Australia.
Speaking with Sky Sports about Greenwood, the former Sheffield United star remarked, “[I’m] immensely proud of her. I’ve been there from the very beginning. I used to watch Alex when she was just 16. The growth is phenomenal. I am also her biggest critic. The standards she sets for herself indicate there’s more to come. It’s stirring when I contemplate it, but I firmly believe she’s among the finest centre-halves globally, and there are still further heights for her to reach.”
