Maddy Cusack was a British footballer hailing from Sheffield. She was famous for her remarkable career with Sheffield United in the Women's Championship, where she excelled in a midfielder position. Her passion for soccer was evident from a young age, as her parents recognized her enthusiasm and enrolled her in the Nottingham Forest youth academy during her formative years. She continued to hone her soccer skills at esteemed academies such as Aston Villa and Steel City. Last season, Cusack achieved a significant milestone by completing her 100th match for Sheffield United, solidifying her position as the club's longest-serving player among the current squad members. In addition to her on-field achievements, she also served as the club's marketing executive for two years and was recently appointed vice-captain. Cusack's death at the age of 27 on September 20, 2023, profoundly impacted her family and all those who admired her talents on and off the field.
Maddy Cusack, the talented British footballer, excelled with Sheffield United in the Women's Championship as a midfielder. Her passion for soccer began early in Nottingham Forest's youth academy. In addition to her playing career, she served as the club's marketing executive and was recently named vice-captain. Her sudden passing at 27 on September 20, 2023, deeply affected her family and admirers.
Maddy Cusack was born on October 28, 1995, in Sheffield, England, under the name Madeleine Cusack. She was a British national with British-Irish heritage, born to her mother, Deborah Cusack, and grew up alongside her three siblings. Raised in a soccer-loving family, Maddy, and her siblings were avid supporters of the Derby County Soccer Club in England, with her brother Richard Cusack working as a soccer writer for Derbyshire Live. Her younger sister, Olivia, pursued a career as a social media and marketing coordinator at The Derby Runner. Maddy also had a younger sister, Felicia, born in 2005.
Maddy obtained her education at the University of Derby, where she achieved a first-class honors degree in marketing, public relations, and advertising. From a young age, Maddy was involved in football and joined the Birmingham City Centre of Excellence. Her senior debut for Birmingham City Women occurred in 2014, and she played a pivotal role in helping the team reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Women's Champions League.
Maddy Cusack embarked on her football career at Nottingham Forest Academy before making a switch to Aston Villa in 2012. Her journey continued with Birmingham City in 2017, followed by a stint at Leicester City a year later. In January 2019, she joined Sheffield United, where she achieved the distinction of being the first player to reach 100 appearances for the club. Praised by the manager, Neil Redfearn, as a dedicated and driven player, she balanced her football career with a role as a marketing executive at Sheffield United. Notably, she extended her contract with the club for another year in July 2023 and was subsequently appointed vice-captain a month later.
Internationally, Maddy received her first England U19 call-up during the 2013 UEFA Championship qualifying round, although she didn't make the final tournament squad. However, her opportunity came in 2014 when she was chosen for the 2014 Championship, showcasing her skills in all of the group stage matches.
Maddy Cusack, the longest-serving player in the Sheffield United women's squad, passed away at 27 on September 20, 2023. The exact cause of Maddy Cusack's passing is still unknown. Her memory was honored on September 24 with a minute's silence before Sheffield United's Premier League match against Newcastle United. Supporters, Amanda Staveley, and her family paid tribute, and the crowd applauded during the 8th minute in remembrance of her squad number.
The Football Association's director of women's football Baroness Sue Campbell said: "We are all devastated to learn about the passing of Maddy. 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 Cusack, a talented footballer, had amassed an estimated net worth of approximately $2 million at the time of her passing. She has been an integral part of the Sheffield United club since 2019, making her one of the longest-serving members and among the highest-paid athletes in the club, with an annual salary exceeding $500,000. Maddy had recently inked a new contract for her sixth season in July of that year. Her primary source of wealth stemmed from her successful football career, complemented by earnings from merchandise sales and brand endorsements, including her association with Delta Fitness Apparel in 2021.
Maddy Cusack was a striking footballer, standing tall at 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) and maintaining a body weight of approximately 132 lbs (60 kg). She possessed captivating blue eyes and sported blonde hair. Her athletic physique was complemented by a charming personality that added to her appeal both on and off the field.
Renowned British DJ and broadcaster, James Cusack, is a relative of Maddy Cusack. Following her tragic passing in September 2023, James expressed his grief through Instagram stories, fondly remembering her. In one of his stories, he humorously remarked, "One of the family had to be able to kick the ball properly, and it was never going to be me, was it? Rest in peace, Maddy." James Cusack has been a show presenter at British radio stations Heart and BBC Radio 1 since December 2020. In addition to his radio career, he has graced European music festivals as a DJ, sharing the stage with renowned artists like Olly Murs and CamelPhat.
Maddy Cusack hailed from a close-knit family of five, including herself and her three siblings. She had two sisters, Olivia Cusack and Felicia Cusack, and a brother, Richard Cusack. Growing up in a family passionate about soccer, they all rallied behind the Derby County Soccer Club in England. Richard Cusack pursued a career as a soccer writer, contributing his insights to the Derbyshire Live. Olivia, on the other hand, worked as a social media and marketing coordinator at The Derby Runner. Felicia, the youngest of the siblings, was born in 2005, completing their family circle. Maddy often featured her sister Olivia on her Instagram account, sharing glimpses of her personal and professional life with her devoted followers.
She initiated her career at the Nottingham Forest Academy, subsequently transferring to Aston Villa in 2012. In 2017, she made a transition to Birmingham City and then briefly played for Leicester City a year later. Finally, in January 2019, she joined Sheffield United.
In addition to her football pursuits, Maddy Cusack also ventured into a parallel career as a marketing executive. Her professional journey led her to take on the role of a marketing executive at Sheffield United, where she skillfully balanced her responsibilities in the world of sports with her marketing endeavors.