WSL: ‘Trailblazer’ Hannah Blundell wants to inspire other mothers in women’s soccer

Manchester United defender Hannah Blundell says she feels like a “pioneer” after returning seven months after giving birth – and is encouraging more female athletes to follow her example.

The 31-year-old came on as a substitute during her side’s 3-2 Women’s Super League (WSL) win over Brighton last week, making her the first Manchester United player in the professional era to play after giving birth.

Blundell gave birth to her daughter, Rumi, by caesarean section on March 31, and her return seven months later came 533 days after her previous appearance.

In an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, Blundell said she is coping with being a “pioneer” but wants her experience to inspire other female athletes.

“It’s kind of a new chapter for me, but what I’m really excited to be a part of is something I really want to push for more women in the game, to come back and still be able to play football,” Blundell said.

“Because football is a short career, but also having a family is something a lot of people want to do, and they shouldn’t have to do it because of playing football.

“Fortunately we have reached a point where more women are having children and then getting back into the game, which is nice to see.”

Blundell, who joined from Chelsea in 2021, was a regular for Manchester United in her first three seasons and was a starter when the club lifted the FA Cup for the first time in May 2024.

Four months later, United announced she was pregnant with her first child, and Blundell says she sometimes wondered if she would be the same athlete when she returned.

“I was kind of wondering, ‘What if I don’t come back the same player? What if my body doesn’t react positively to having a baby?'” Blundell said.

“But I think women’s bodies are incredible. I think what our bodies can go through and bounce back is amazing, and I think it should be shown much more.”

Blundell began building her fitness again in July, before appearing for United’s under-21s in September.

She made the squad for the match against Chelsea on October 3 and remained an unused substitute against Valerenga, Everton and Atletico Madrid last month before finally returning against Brighton.

Blundell hopes her journey from pregnancy to returning to first-team football will help inspire the community, making it easier for women to follow a similar path.

“I just hope people look at it and think I can do it,” Blundell said. “It doesn’t stop them or worry them – it’s as if more people are doing it.”

“I also hope it builds a community within different sports – that we all come together and build a pathway for women having children in elite and semi-professional sports, or just regular life. That we can come back and be the same player we were, or even better.”