Why Jess Carter won't be involved in the London trophy parade?
Defender Jess Carter will not participate in the open‑top bus trophy parade or Downing Street celebrations in London. And here is why:
- Carter had to fly back to the U.S. immediately after the final to rejoin her club side Gotham FC, which did not grant her extra leave beyond her NWSL commitments. Unlike most of the European leagues, the NWSL is played from March to November.
- Despite other U.S.-based England players - Esme Morgan and Anna Moorhouse - being allowed to stay for festivities, Carter was obliged to return for an upcoming weekend match against the Chicago Stars.
- Carter faced sustained online racist abuse, stepped away from social media, and overcame intense scrutiny but played a vital role in the final against Spain, earning widespread praise for her resilience.
- Carter’s absence from the parade deepened appreciation for her on-field heroism and the personal challenges she overcame during the tournament.
Explore the full story here.
In This Story
The players this piece is about.
Sources
More Videos & Highlights
Watch the moments behind the story.
2 min read QB Originals Exclusive: Franny Černá on growing up in the USA, representing Czechia and how mainstream media treat women’s football
1 min read QB Originals LISAN ALKEMADE: PSV Eindhoven Goalkeeper on How Mainstream Media Treat Women's Football Goalkeepers
1 min read QB Originals QB Break with Franny Černá | Coffee, Football & Life in Prague
1 min read QB Originals “We Celebrated Like We Won the World Cup” - Klára Cahynová on Beating Barcelona
4 min read Off The Pitch Focus on the pitch, relax in the paddock: These footballers are F1 enthusiasts
4 min read Strong Story No longer a choice: Motherhood in modern women’s football
2 min read QB Originals BARBORA VOTÍKOVÁ: First Czech Woman at Arsenal. On & Off the Pitch
1 min read QB Originals First Game. New Country. Hattrick. Hallie Bergford Story
1 min read The Best Actions NWSL expansion sides suffer defeats in season debuts
1 min read QB Originals SUE SMITH: A True Pioneer of the Women’s Game
Japan return to U17 World Cup final after a decade. Nigeria already made African football history
U17 Women's World Cup semifinals: Who will reach the final?
U17 Women's World Cup 2026: live from Morocco
Spain vs North Korea: U20 Women’s World Cup final preview
U20 Women’s World Cup semi-final preview: Who will reach the final?
The Women's Africa Cup of Nations is here. Who are the Queenballer's players to watch?
Wolfsburg's Janou Levels before the quarterfinals: We’re in good form — now we have to show it.”
An emotional goodbye: Guro Reiten leaves Chelsea after seven years for NWSL champions Explore more from The Pulse
Keep discovering more stories from women's football.
