Simone Magill, who has earned 95 caps for Northern Ireland, was appointed captain in October 2024.
Northern Ireland captain Simone Magill, who also plays as a striker for Birmingham City, has announced her pregnancy.
The 31-year-old shared the news with her Birmingham teammates on Wednesday, subsequently announcing it on social media alongside her husband, Mark.
“Something tells me next year is going to be the best one yet,” Magill stated in her Instagram post.
Magill will be absent from Birmingham’s remaining matches this season, as well as Northern Ireland’s 2027 World Cup qualifying campaign, which commences in March.
Birmingham City, a WSL2 club, has stated that Magill will continue with “light training” with the team, and the club’s medical and performance staff will provide support “throughout her pregnancy and beyond.”
Amy Merricks, head coach at Birmingham, commented that Magill would “make an amazing parent.”
“We’re looking forward to supporting her on this journey through her pregnancy, and as her baby comes into the world, we’re excited to have a Bluenose baby,” Merricks remarked.
“We aim to keep Si involved in the environment as much as possible.
“She is keen to remain sharp and play a critical part in this season, and we’re looking forward to supporting her in her journey.”
Magill missed Northern Ireland’s Nations League play-off defeat against Iceland at the end of October and last played for Birmingham in September due to a hip injury.
She earned her first of 95 caps for Northern Ireland as a teenager in 2010 and was appointed captain by Tanya Oxtoby in October 2024.
Magill played a pivotal role in Northern Ireland’s qualification for Euro 2022 – the nation’s first major tournament – but suffered a knee injury in the opening match against Norway.