Kirsty Hanson

Kirsty Hanson
Hanson with Scotland in 2025
Personal information
Full name Kirsty Rae Hanson
Date of birth (1998-04-17) 17 April 1998
Place of birth Halifax, England[1]
Height 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m)
Position Forward
Team information
Current team
 Tottenham Hotspur
Number 16
Youth career
–2015 Manchester United
2015–2016 Liverpool
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2016 Sheffield F.C. 8 (0)
2017–2018 Doncaster Rovers Belles 27 (12)
2018–2023 Manchester United 65 (19)
2022–2023 → Aston Villa (loan) 20 (7)
2023–2026 Aston Villa 57 (15)
2026– Tottenham Hotspur 0 (0)
International career‡
2015 Scotland U17 5 (0)
2015–2017 Scotland U19 14 (8)
2019– Scotland 44 (5)
* Club domestic league appearances and goals as of 29 June 2026
‡ National team caps and goals as of 2 December 2025

Kirsty Rae Hanson (born 17 April 1998) is a professional footballer who plays as a forward for English Women's Super League club Tottenham Hotspur and the Scotland national team. Hanson began her career in the youth ranks of Manchester United before spending a year with the Liverpool Development Squad. She made her senior debut with Sheffield FC before joining Doncaster Rovers Belles in late 2016. Hanson returned to Manchester United in July 2018, following the introduction of a senior team at the club.

Club career

Liverpool

Hanson was born in Halifax, West Yorkshire, and has a brother.[2] She began playing football around the age of five, and played with the local boy's team Warley Blues before joining West Riding Bradford's Centre of Excellence and Huddersfield Town.[3] Hanson spent her early years in the Manchester United Centre of Excellence, before joining Liverpool's reserve team due to the lack of opportunity to progress with her former club, who did not have a senior team.[3]

In June 2016, Hanson joined WSL 2 club Sheffield F.C. on loan for the remainder of the season.[4]

Doncaster Rovers Belles

In December 2016, Hanson became the Doncaster Rovers Belles' first signing ahead of the FA WSL 2 Spring Series,[5] where the team came second and were able to apply for promotion to the WSL. The Belles missed out on promotion to Everton, and remained in the WSL 2.[6]

She became a key figure for the squad's 2017–18 FA WSL 2 win, scoring 11 times, including three braces.[7][8][9]

Manchester United

Playing for Manchester United in February 2019

On 1 July 2018, Hanson joined the newly-formed Manchester United to compete in the FA Women's Championship, one of seven players to return to the senior side having played for the club at youth level.[10][11][12] She made her club debut on 19 August in a 1–0 Continental Cup victory against her former club Liverpool,[13] and marked her league debut with a brace in a 12–0 win against Aston Villa.[14] Manchester United were promoted to the Women's Super League at the end of the 2018–19 season.[15] Hanson made her first start of the 2019–20 season against Tottenham Hotspur on 13 October 2019, scoring the first goal as United won 3–0.[16] She was named FA WSL Player of the Month in October 2019.[17]

Ahead of the 2020–21 season, Hanson signed a one-year contract extension with an option for a further year.[18] On 3 February 2021, Hanson signed a new deal with Manchester United until 2024 with the option to extend it for a further year.[19]

Aston Villa

On 8 September 2022, Hanson joined fellow WSL side Aston Villa on loan for the 2022–23 season.[20]

On 11 August 2023, Aston Villa signed Hanson permanently on a two-year deal with the option to extend for a further year.[21][22] In the 2023–24 FA Women's League Cup quarter-final against Brighton & Hove Albion, Hanson scored the equaliser for Villa. Aston Villa advanced to the semi-final on penalties.[23] She was named Villa's Player's Player of the Season for her performance across the 2023–24 campaign.[24]

In March 2025, during a 3–1 defeat to Crystal Palace, Hanson made her 100th appearance in the WSL.[25] On 18 July 2025, it was announced that Hanson's contract had been extended to June 2027.[26] Her goal in a 2–0 win against West Ham on 5 October 2025 was named WSL Goal of the Month.[27] In May 2026, it was named Barclay's Goal of the Season.[28]

On 17 June 2026, Villa announced Hanson's departure after 4 seasons at the club.[29]

Tottenham Hotspur

Upon her departure from Aston Villa, it was announced that Hanson had signed a long-term contract with Tottenham Hotspur.[30]

International career

Hanson was eligible to represent England, having been born in Halifax, and Scotland, where her mother was born.[31]

She played for Scotland at the under-17 and under-19 levels, and scored their only goal at the 2017 UEFA Women's Under-19 Championship during a 1–1 draw against host nation Northern Ireland.[32]

In November 2019, after Martha Thomas was forced to withdraw through injury, Hanson received her first senior call-up to the Scotland national team for a UEFA Women's Euro 2021 qualifying match against Albania.[33] She made her debut in the 5–0 victory on 8 November and was named Player of the Match.[34] Hanson scored her first international goal on 19 February 2021 during a 10–0 UEFA Euro 2022 qualifying victory against Cyprus.[35]

Personal life

Hanson has a cocker spaniel named Hugo.[36] She is in a relationship with Sutton United player Amber Taylor.[37][38]

Hanson has a degree in sports coaching from Leeds Beckett University.[3]

Career statistics

Club

As of 19 June 2026
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup[a] League Cup[b] Total
DivisionAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
Sheffield F.C. 2016 WSL 2 800020100
Doncaster Rovers Belles 2017 WSL 2 931000103
2017–18 181100412212
Total 351410614215
Manchester United 2018–19 Championship 1753060265
2019–20 WSL 1131040163
2020–21 2052230257
2021–22 1711050231
Total 6514721809016
Aston Villa (loan) 2022–23 WSL 2074041288
Aston Villa 2023–24 1601051221
2024–25 1933121245
2025–26 221210302612
Total 77229114310026
Career total 1775017338423257

International

As of 19 June 2026
Scotland
YearAppsGoals
201910
202030
202161
202230
2023131
2024102
202581
2026 4 1
Total486

International goals

As of match played 2 December 2025. Scotland score listed first, score column indicates score after each Hanson goal.
No. Date Cap Venue Opponent Score Result Competition
1 19 February 2021 5 AEK Arena, Larnaca, Cyprus  Cyprus 4–0 10–0 UEFA Euro 2022 qualifying
2 22 September 2023 21 Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England  England 1–2 1–2 2023–24 UEFA Nations League A
3 31 May 2024 29 Hampden Park, Glasgow, Scotland  Israel 2–0 4–1 UEFA Euro 2025 qualifying
4 16 July 2024 32 Firhill Stadium, Glasgow, Scotland  Serbia 1–0 1–0
5 2 December 2025 44 Estadio Municipal de Chapín, Jerez de la Frontera, Spain  China 2–0 3–2 Friendly
6 5 June 2026 47 Bozsik Aréna, Budapest, Hungary  Israel 6–0 6–0 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification

Honours

Doncaster Rovers Belles

Manchester United

Individual

Aston Villa

References

  1. ↑ Gaskell, Simon (11 January 2017). "Leeds Beckett student signs for Doncaster Rovers Belles". Leeds Beckett University. Archived from the original on 5 June 2019. Retrieved 5 June 2019.
  2. ↑ Ghagan, Charlie (17 April 2020). "At home with Kirsty Hanson | Manchester United". www.manutd.com. Retrieved 19 June 2026.
  3. 1 2 3 Scargill, Tom (23 July 2021). ""I don't think I've made it yet, nowhere near" - Halifax born star Kirsty loving life at Manchester United". Halifax Courier. Archived from the original on 19 June 2026. Retrieved 19 June 2026.
  4. ↑ "Sheffield Delighted To Announce Second New Addition". Sheffield Football Club Ladies. 29 June 2016. Archived from the original on 11 October 2018. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  5. ↑ Oliver, Tim (21 December 2016). "Doncaster Rovers Belles announce signing of Scottish forward Kirsty Hanson". VAVEL. Archived from the original on 22 August 2020. Retrieved 11 October 2018.
  6. ↑ "FA chooses Everton for vacant WSL 1 spot". BBC Sport. 9 June 2017. Archived from the original on 28 May 2023. Retrieved 19 June 2026.
  7. ↑ "Doncaster Belles: Departing boss Emma Coates thrilled with perfect send-off". Doncaster Free Press. 31 October 2017. Archived from the original on 24 February 2025. Retrieved 19 June 2026.
  8. ↑ Frith, Wilf (28 January 2018). "Belles and Lionesses move clear of the rest - She Kicks Women's Football Magazine". SheKicks. Archived from the original on 20 July 2019. Retrieved 19 June 2026.
  9. ↑ Frith, Wilf (20 April 2018). "#FAWSL 2: Wins for Doncaster Rovers Belles & Spurs Ladies". SheKicks. Archived from the original on 13 December 2025. Retrieved 19 June 2026.
  10. ↑ "Manchester United include England stars in unveiled women's squad". 13 July 2018. Archived from the original on 19 September 2018. Retrieved 2 March 2019.
  11. ↑ "Kirsty Hanson". www.manutd.com. Manchester United Football Club. 1 July 2018. Archived from the original on 27 May 2019. Retrieved 2 March 2019.
  12. ↑ "United Women's Squad: Player By Player". Manchester United Football Club. 13 July 2018. Archived from the original on 28 July 2019. Retrieved 10 October 2018.
  13. ↑ "Lizzie Arnot gives Manchester United dream start". The FA. Archived from the original on 20 June 2026. Retrieved 19 June 2026.
  14. ↑ "Man Utd Women beat Aston Villa Ladies 12-0 in Women's Championship opener". BBC Sport. 9 September 2018. Archived from the original on 7 October 2024. Retrieved 19 June 2026.
  15. ↑ "Man Utd Women 7-0 Crystal Palace Ladies: Women's Championship title sealed by win". BBC Sport. 20 April 2019. Archived from the original on 8 April 2020. Retrieved 19 June 2026.
  16. ↑ Carney, Sam (13 October 2019). "Tottenham Hotspur Women 0 Manchester United Women 3". ManUtd.com. Manchester United F.C. Archived from the original on 8 April 2020. Retrieved 13 October 2019.
  17. 1 2 "October Player of the month". The FA. Archived from the original on 9 August 2025. Retrieved 9 November 2019.
  18. ↑ "Kirsty Hanson extends MU Women contract". www.manutd.com. 19 June 2020. Archived from the original on 26 June 2020. Retrieved 26 June 2020.
  19. ↑ "Kirsty Hanson: Manchester United and Scotland midfielder extends deal". BBC Sport. 3 February 2021. Archived from the original on 6 February 2021. Retrieved 3 February 2021.
  20. ↑ "Aston Villa sign Man Utd forward Hanson on loan". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 8 November 2022. Retrieved 9 September 2022.
  21. ↑ "Kirsty Hanson departs United Women". Manchester United. 11 August 2023. Archived from the original on 13 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
  22. ↑ "Kirsty Hanson joins Villa Women on permanent deal!". Aston Villa Football Club. 11 August 2023. Archived from the original on 11 August 2023. Retrieved 11 August 2023.
  23. ↑ "Aston Villa beat Brighton in shootout to reach semis". BBC Sport. Archived from the original on 7 February 2024. Retrieved 8 February 2024.
  24. ↑ "Kirsty Hanson | Scotland - Scottish FA". www.scottishfa.co.uk. Archived from the original on 20 June 2026. Retrieved 19 June 2026.
  25. ↑ Esparza, Gabriel S. (18 March 2025). "Kirsty Hanson hits a century with Aston Villa Women". Claret Villans. Archived from the original on 20 June 2026. Retrieved 19 June 2026.
  26. ↑ Club, Aston Villa Football (18 July 2025). "Hanson signs new contract". Aston Villa Football Club. Archived from the original on 2 August 2025. Retrieved 21 July 2025.
  27. ↑ "Hanson wins WSL Goal of the Month award". Aston Villa Football Club. 23 October 2025. Archived from the original on 23 October 2025. Retrieved 4 November 2025.
  28. ↑ Judd, Nick (18 May 2026). "Barclays Goal of the Season winner... | BWSL". WSL Football. Retrieved 19 June 2026.
  29. ↑ Aston Villa. "Kirsty Hanson departs". www.avfc.co.uk. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  30. ↑ ""It's an exciting time to be part of the club" - Hanson". www.tottenhamhotspur.com. 17 June 2026. Retrieved 17 June 2026.
  31. ↑ "SWNT Match Preview: Albania v Scotland". Scottish Football Association. 7 November 2019. Archived from the original on 18 June 2022. Retrieved 7 November 2019.
  32. ↑ "Uefa Women's U19 Championship: Northern Ireland 1–1 Scotland". BBC. 11 August 2017. Archived from the original on 1 November 2019. Retrieved 1 November 2019.
  33. ↑ @ScotlandNT (1 November 2019). "#SWNT Squad – Injury Update: IN: Kirsty Hanson OUT: Martha Thomas" (Tweet). Retrieved 3 November 2019 – via Twitter.
  34. ↑ "Kirsty Hanson Albania POTM". Scotland national team Twitter. 8 November 2019. Archived from the original on 8 November 2019. Retrieved 8 November 2019.
  35. ↑ "Cyprus-Scotland". UEFA. Archived from the original on 3 January 2021. Retrieved 19 February 2021.
  36. ↑ "Kirsty Hanson: Eight facts about our latest signing". Tottenham Hotspur. 18 June 2026. Archived from the original on 20 June 2026. Retrieved 19 June 2026.
  37. ↑ Grateful ✨ 🌹 Happy Valentine’s Day #valentinesday #girlfriend #love @ambxrfit. 14 February 2025. @kirstyyy_h18.
  38. ↑ Bennis, Aaron (22 August 2025). "Women: Amber Taylor Added to Ranks". Sutton United Football Club. Archived from the original on 19 June 2026. Retrieved 19 June 2026.
  39. ↑ "Brilliant Belles celebrate title win with three points". FAWSL.com. 13 May 2018. Archived from the original on 17 August 2018. Retrieved 11 May 2019.
  40. ↑ "Man Utd Women 7–0 Crystal Palace Ladies: Women's Championship title sealed by win". BBC Sport. 20 April 2019. Archived from the original on 8 April 2020. Retrieved 11 May 2019.
  41. ↑ "Barclays Goal of the Season winner..." WSL Football. 18 May 2026. Retrieved 18 May 2026.
  42. ↑ "Daly named Supporters' Player of the Season". Aston Villa Football Club. 15 May 2024. Archived from the original on 8 February 2026. Retrieved 9 March 2026.
  43. ↑ "Hanson wins WSL Goal of the Month Award". Aston Villa F.C. 23 October 2025. Archived from the original on 23 October 2025. Retrieved 23 October 2025.
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