Simone Magill, captain of the Northern Ireland women’s football team and striker for Birmingham City, has announced she is expecting her first child.

The 31-year-old shared the news with her Birmingham City teammates on Wednesday before revealing it on Instagram alongside husband Mark.

“Something tells me next year is going to be the best one yet,” Magill posted, confirming the news to her followers.

Magill to Miss Remainder of Season and World Cup Qualifiers

Magill will be unavailable for both club and country for the foreseeable future, ruling her out of Birmingham City’s WSL2 campaign and Northern Ireland’s 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifiers, which begin in March.

The forward, who has earned 95 international caps, also recently missed Northern Ireland’s UEFA Women’s Nations League play-off against Iceland.

Birmingham City to Support Magill Through Pregnancy

Birmingham City FC confirmed that Magill will continue with “light training” during her pregnancy and receive full medical and performance support from the club’s staff.

Head coach Amy Merricks praised the club captain, saying:

“Si will make an amazing parent. We’re excited to have a Bluenose baby and will support her throughout her journey.”

Magill has not featured for Birmingham since September due to a hip injury and was named Northern Ireland captain in October 2024 by head coach Tanya Oxtoby.

A Key Figure in Northern Ireland Women’s Football

Since making her international debut as a teenager in 2010, Magill has become one of Northern Ireland’s most influential players. She played a pivotal role in securing the nation’s historic qualification for Euro 2022 — their first appearance at a major tournament — despite suffering a serious knee injury in the opening match against Norway.