Maddy Cusack: Sheffield United’s longest-serving women’s player and vice-captain dies at age of just 27

• Sheffield United have announced that Maddy Cusack has died at the age of 27
• Cusack, named vice-captain, had just started her sixth season with the Blades
• Cusack was the longest-serving player in the current Sheffield United squad

Sheffield United midfielder Maddy Cusack has died at the age of 27, the club have announced.

Cusack, named vice-captain last month, had just started her sixth season with the Blades in the Women’s Championship and was the longest-serving player in their current squad.

A statement on the club’s official website read: ‘Sheffield United Football Club is devastated to report the sad news of the passing of Maddy Cusack.

‘Maddy, a women’s team player since 2019 and marketing executive for the Football Club, passed away on Wednesday.

‘A respected player, Maddy, 27, last season reached the milestone of 100 appearances for Sheffield United Women.

Sheffield United midfielder Maddy Cusack has died at the age of 27, the club have announced

Tributes have poured in for the ‘popular’ 27-year-old, who died on Wednesday 

Cusack also worked as a marketing executive for the club and its Community Foundation

‘Additionally, she was a valued colleague in the offices at Bramall Lane, moving over from the Sheffield United Community Foundation to the club in 2021 to help market all areas of the Blades.’

Cusack joined the Blades halfway through their first campaign in the women’s second tier in January 2019 and last season became the first woman to reach 100 appearances for the club.

The former England youth international signed a new contract extension with the Blades in July.

United’s chief executive officer Stephen Bettis said: ‘This is heart-breaking news for everyone at Bramall Lane.

‘Maddy had a unique position of being part of a number of teams at Sheffield United and was popular with everyone that she came into contact with.

‘Her personality and professionalism made her a credit to her family – she will be sadly missed.

‘While taking in the news and moving forward, the club will offer as much support as possible to Maddy’s family, friends and colleagues.’

The Blades said talks over ‘suitable tributes and celebrating Maddy’s life’ will continue privately, adding: ‘The club and Maddy’s family would appreciate a period of privacy and will not comment further at this sad time.’

Cusack, named vice-captain last month, had just started her sixth season with the Blades

England women’s star Leah Williamson was among the players to post a message of support on X

Cusack also had a stint at Birmingham City during her career. The club said in a statement: ‘The club are saddened to learn of the passing of former player Maddy Cusack. All of our thoughts are with Maddy’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.’

England women’s captain Leah Williamson was among those to pay tribute to the Sheffield United star.

‘Sending all my love and condolences to Maddy’s family at this awful time!’ Williamson wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Sue Campbell, the FA’s director of women’s football, said: ‘We are all devastated to learn about the passing of Maddy Cusack. On behalf of the FA, the Lionesses, the Women’s Super League and the Women’s Championship, our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Maddy’s family, friends, teammates and everyone at Sheffield United. 

‘Maddy also represented England at age-group level and we will pay tribute to her at an appropriate point. We are in contact with the club and will continue to offer them our full support during this incredibly sad time.’ 

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