But what a career she has had and it included some great years with Sunderland Ladies, as well as captaining England, playing at the Olympics, winning a Best of Wearside Award and an MBE.
Here's 9 times we got her on camera - all from the Echo archives as we say 'well done Steph for a remarkable career'.
1. One of our own
Former Sunderland Ladies player Steph Houghton who has announced her intention to retire at the end of the season.
2. A great honour
A wonderful 2005 memory when Steph and Jill Scott were picked for the England squad.
Here they are with Sunderland Ladies manager Mick Mulhern.
3. Captain fantastic
Steph pictured in action for Sunderland against Everton in an Echo archive photo from November 2006.
4. On the ball
Steph shows her football talents in an Echo archive photo from 2007.