Nobbs makes record-breaking WSL appearance as Aston Villa lose to Brighton

Aston Villa’s Jordan Nobbs is now the outright leader for Women’s Super League appearances after playing her 193rd game.

The midfielder started on Saturday, though she could not help Villa avoid a 4-2 defeat to Brighton, who were inspired by full debutant Nikita Parris.

While Nobbs could not mark her special day with a victory, there can be no taking away from the 31-year-old’s achievement.

Nobbs’ tally includes eight appearances in the WSL Spring Series. Before Saturday, she was level with Chelsea’s Sophie Ingle, who is out injured.

The new all-time #BarclaysWSL appearance holder!

@JordanNobbs8 pic.twitter.com/s9g4GkXLw9

— Barclays Women’s Super League (@BarclaysWSL) October 5, 2024

She has started 158 games in total, and taken part in a hugely impressive 124 wins – only now-retired Stephanie Houghton has won more WSL matches (127).

Nobbs has scored 58 goals in the competition, a figure bettered by just six players, while only eight players have provided more assists than her 31. She has created 312 goalscoring chances for her team-mates, with Beth Mead (339) having crafted more.

The majority of Nobbs’ appearances came for Arsenal, as she played 157 times for the Gunners. Saturday’s loss at Brighton marked her 36th WSL match for Villa, who she joined in 2023.

Her 21 starts in the 2016-17 campaign, meanwhile, has marked the most matches she played in from the off during a single season.

Nobbs, who has won 71 caps for England, has won the WSL on three occasions (2011, 2012 and 2018-19), winning the FA Cup four times.