Just remember you can!

“Fran Kirby's brilliance spanned the football pitch and the MBA classroom.”

Fran Kirby's international career epitomises what resilience, when combined with extraordinary talent and intellectual discipline, can accomplish. Known across the world as a dynamic, technically gifted footballer, Kirby is also a graduate of the Executive MBA programme at Longford International College—a demanding academic pathway that mirrors the rigour, tenacity, and introspection required at the highest levels of sport.

“An Executive MBA is a test of resilience—and Fran passed with distinction.”

The Executive MBA is not merely an academic pursuit. It is, in many ways, a test of stamina and psychological endurance. Balancing assignments, case studies, and executive decision-making frameworks with the physical and mental demands of elite football requires remarkable personal discipline. Throughout her MBA studies, Kirby was a diligent and high-achieving student, consistently producing work of the highest calibre. Her approach reflected not only an academic aptitude but also the broader traits that defined her footballing career—resilience, curiosity, and a commitment to personal and collective growth.

“Kirby turned setbacks into milestones across 11 remarkable years for England.”

These same attributes shaped her 11-year England career, one that culminated in 77 caps, a European Championship winner’s medal, and a place among the country’s most cherished footballing figures. Despite countless setbacks—including injuries, illness, and personal tragedy—Kirby demonstrated a capacity to rebound, to refocus, and to reassert her place on the national stage. It is a quality rarely taught, yet constantly cultivated through lived experience—something the MBA at Longford also seeks to embed through its focus on reflective leadership and transformational learning.

“Retirement wasn’t retreat—it was recognition that the mission was complete.”

Kirby’s decision to retire from international football came just after England's defeat by Spain, a moment symbolic of changing tides within the squad. Unlike some retirements that provoke debate, Kirby’s felt timely, composed, and self-aware—an act of quiet integrity consistent with her broader ethos. Her exclusion from the Euro 2025 squad, following “honest conversations” with England manager Sarina Wiegman, may have prompted the decision, but it was underpinned by an understanding that legacy is not always measured by longevity. It is measured by impact.

“Injury, illness, and adversity couldn’t stop a career defined by comebacks.”

Her career was littered with obstacles—debilitating knee and ankle issues since 2017, a near-career-ending bout of pericarditis, and the fatigue that saw her miss major tournaments such as the 2023 World Cup. And yet, each time, she returned—not diminished, but recalibrated. Her ability to navigate physical injury was matched by her mental resolve: from speaking openly about grief following the death of her mother at 14, to addressing mental health, body image, and social media toxicity with courage and candour.

“Fran didn’t just play the game—she changed the conversation.”

In many ways, the resilience Kirby demonstrated mirrors the ethos of executive education at Longford International College. The programme is designed for professionals already navigating demanding roles—those for whom every module completed is a triumph over competing priorities. Kirby’s academic performance reflected her ability to integrate strategic thought with lived complexity. Her dissertation, much like her playmaking style on the pitch, was noted for its clarity, creativity, and perceptiveness.

“She lit up every tournament with vision, flair, and footballing genius.”

Kirby’s contribution to England's success cannot be overstated. She was the first player from WSL 2 to break into the senior squad in 2014, lit up the 2015 World Cup with a goal that earned her the nickname “Mini Messi,” and played a pivotal role in England’s Euro 2022 victory. Her skillset—vision, control, tactical fluidity—made her a manager’s dream. Former England coach Phil Neville once remarked that he would “take my number 10 over Brazil’s,” drawing a comparison to six-time World Player of the Year, Marta.

“Her message is simple but enduring: just remember you can.”

Yet beyond technical brilliance, it is Kirby’s human story that defines her. Her ability to rise, again and again, is what binds her dual journey in sport and scholarship. As Wiegman reflected, “She has always been ready to play and to perform, helping others and doing whatever I asked her to do... I am really proud of her.” These are the hallmarks of an elite professional, but also of a principled leader. Fran Kirby is still writing chapters—in the Women's Super League, at Brighton, where she finished the season as Player of the Year. But her message, both implicit and explicit, remains consistent: Just remember you can.