SHEFFIELD United women’s star Maddy Cusack has died aged 27, the club confirmed in a heartbreaking statement Thursday afternoon.
Rising Sheffield United star Cusack tragically passed away last week, with tributes pouring in from across the football world.
Maddy had just entered her sixth season with the club after signing a new deal in July.
Clubs across the women’s game held a minute’s silence before matches this weekend, including Sheffield’s meeting with Newcastle United.
In a club statement, The Blades said: “Ahead of the Newcastle game, we will celebrate & honour the life of Maddy Cusack, a loved & respected figure of the Sheffield United family. There will forever be a void in the hearts of everyone connected to the club & a number of activities have been planned to remember her. We would politely ask supporters to be in their seats for 4.15pm to partake.”
The cause of death has not yet been revealed but police have confirmed they are not treating it as suspicious.
Read our live blog for the latest news and updates…
Maddy Cusack was more than just a Sheffield United player
Maddy Cusack joined Sheffield United in 2019, taking on not only the role of one of the most prominent midfielders in the women’s squad, but also acting as a marketing executive for the club.
Last season, she made her 100th appearance for the team, becoming the first player to do so.
She was also a “valued colleague” at the offices in Bramall Lane.
Maddy started off by working with the Sheffield United Community Foundation before moving to the Club in 2021 to help in marketing operations for the Blades.
Credit: Getty Lionesses pay respects to Maddy Cusack
A number of England’s Lionesses have taken to social media to pay their respects to Maddy following her tragic death.
England and Aston Villa midfielder Jordan Nobbs wrote: “Sending all our love to Maddy’s family and friends.”
Tottenham and England forward Beth England posted: “This is devastating news.
“My thoughts and love go out to her family, friends and everyone at Sheffield United. Rest in peace, Maddy.”
Manchester City and Lioness Lauren Hemp, who plays as a forward, said: “Awful awful news, my love and thoughts are with her family, friends and everyone at Sheffield.”
Well-wishers take to social media to praise Sheffield United tributes
Following the moving tributes paid by players and fans as Sheffield United faced Newcastle at Bramall Lane this afternoon, people have taken to X — formerly Twitter — to react.
One wrote: “This is terribly sad a young bright star, too soon… Rest in peace, Maddy C. I do hope that stadium and or Sheffield will find ways to forever Maddy’s memory be kept alive.”
Another penned: “A beautiful tribute. Rest in peace Maddy”
While a third said: “U should rest that Number 8 in her Honour”
School honours ‘inspirational’ Maddy Cusack
In a heartbreaking tribute to the late Maddy Cusack, a primary school she visited has described the inspirational impact she had on its children.
Ecclesall Primary School shared a photo of Cusack and said: “We are really saddened to hear that footballer Maddy Cusack died earlier this week aged just 27.
“Maddy was one of 3 players from Sheffield United who came to inspire girls to play football at a joint event with Sheffield Girls’ in March 2023 (in the falling snow)! Our thoughts are with her family, friends and the wider Sheffield United, Sheffield United Women community. A really inspirational woman!”
What clubs did Maddy Cusack play for?
Maddy Cusack ability allowed her to play for a number of teams in the country.
The midfielder represented Birmingham and Aston Villa before signing a contract with Sheffield United in 2019.
Who was Maddy Cusack?
Cusack was a talented midfielder who hit the 100-appearance milestone for Sheffield United.
And not only was she good on the pitch, Cusack also worked as a marketing executive for the football club.
The Blades’ chief executive officer mentioned that the midfielder was very popular and that she will be “sadly missed.”
In pictures: Maddy’s family pay tribute ahead of Sunday’s game
Tony Currie, Sheffield United Women player Sophie Barker and Maddy Cusack‘s mum and sister took to the field to lay a wreath before the 4:30pm kick-off between The Blades and Newcastle on Sunday.
The stadium honoured Maddy with a minute’s silence after the United star died aged 27.
Credit: PA Real Madrid pays tribute
Global football giants Real Madrid have paid tribute to Maddy Cusack following her tragic death at just 27.
Taking to X, the Spanish side said: “Real Madrid, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the death of Maddy Cusack, a Sheffield United player, and would like to express their condolences and love to her family, her teammates, her club and her loved ones.
“Rest in peace.”
Maddy Cusack’s death ‘not suspicious’, say police
Derbyshire Police have confirmed they are not treating Maddy Cusack’s death as suspicious following her passing aged 27.
A statement read: “We were called to a property in Lady Lea Road, Horsley, just after 6.35pm on Wednesday 20 September.
“A woman, in her 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her family are aware and are being supported by specialist officers.”
Leah Williamson honours Maddy
Arsenal and England legend Leah Williamson has paid tribute to Maddy Cusack following her tragic death.
She wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “Sending all my love and condolences to Maddy’s family at this awful time!”
Maddy made her Sheffield United debut in 2019 and went on to become the first-ever player to earn 100 caps for the club’s women’s team.
Blades fans hail Newcastle supporters following heartfelt tribute
Sheffield United fans have hailed Newcastle supporters after away attendees paid tribute to Maddy Cusack at yesterday’s match.
One Blades fan took to X and said: “Must say I found it quite emotional that Newcastle United fans, without prompting, started off the prolonged applause for Maddy Cusack at the end of #SUFC’s eulogy to her. That was such a fantastic & appreciated gesture.”
While another added: “It was outstanding and made it even more emotional! An honour to be there for the tribute to a truly wonderful person.”
What was Maddy Cusack’s cause of death?
No cause of death has been given for Maddy Cusack’s passing, aged just 27.
Following her death, Stephen Bettis, Chief executive officer for United, said: “This is heartbreaking 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.
“Whilst taking in the news and moving forward, the club will offer as much support as possible to Maddy’s family, friends and colleagues.”
Maddy’s teammates speak of ‘heartbreak’ following stars death
Maddy Cusack‘s Sheffield United Women teammates have taken to social media to pay touching tributes.
Defender Molly Graham posted: “Absolutely devastating news.
“Such a great person and team-mate.
“You will be missed hugely! Rest in peace Mads.”
Fellow defender Charlotte Newsham also wrote: ‘Beyond broken and shocked to have lost a team-mate and good friend.
“We will miss you so much Mads.’
Sheffield United’s prime
United’s heyday was undoubtedly the 30-year era from 1895 to 1925, when they were English champions in 1897-98, runners-up in 1896-97 and 1899-1900, and FA Cup winners in 1899, 1902, 1915, and 1925.
United have not won a trophy since 1925, with the exception of those related to promotion from lower levels, with their greatest cup achievements being multiple semi-final appearances in the FA Cup and League Cup.
School honours ‘inspirational’ Maddy Cusack
In a heartbreaking tribute to the late Maddy Cusack, a primary school she visited has described the inspirational impact she had on its children.
Ecclesall Primary School shared a photo of Cusack and said: “We are really saddened to hear that footballer Maddy Cusack died earlier this week aged just 27.
“Maddy was one of 3 players from Sheffield United who came to inspire girls to play football at a joint event with Sheffield Girls’ in March 2023 (in the falling snow)! Our thoughts are with her family, friends and the wider Sheffield United, Sheffield United Women community. A really inspirational woman!”
Fans slam ‘disappointing’ Sky Sports
Some football fans have taken to social media to criticise Sky Sports for its coverage of yesterday’s tributes to Maddy Cusack.
One X user said: “Disappointing that Sky Sports have given literally 10 seconds to Sheffield United’s tributes to Maddy Cusack, and given a longer package to the Solheim Cup.”
While another added: “Don’t think I’ve ever seen anything that sums up the modern state of sports media/broadcasting more than Sky Sports going for an ad-break…during the memorial ceremony for Maddy Cusack.”
What happened in yesterday’s Sheffield United game?
Newcastle have been searching for their A-game so far this season — and they certainly found it yesterday, as they smashed Sheffield United 8-0.
Paul Heckingbottom‘s job was on the line already before Sunday afternoon’s thrashing, and it now looks certain that he will be the first manager sacked this season.
Inside Maddy’s footballing career
Midfielder Maddy Cusack joined the Blades back in 2019 and also worked for the club as a marketing executive.
She signed a new deal back in July after making her 100th appearance last term.
Prior to signing for Sheffield United, Cusack also had spells with both Birmingham and Aston Villa.
Newcastle chief honours Maddy Cusack
Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley laid a wreath in memorial outside Bramall Lane ahead of yesterday’s game.
This came as part of a day of tributes to the late star, including a minute’s silence held before the match.
The Sheffield United players also wore shirts with Cusack’s name and number on the back prior to kick-off.
Who was Maddy Cusack?
Cusack was a talented midfielder who hit the 100-appearance milestone for Sheffield United.
Not only was she good on the pitch, Cusack also worked as a marketing executive for the football club.
The Blades’ chief executive officer mentioned that the midfielder was very popular and that she would be “sadly missed.”
In Pictures: Sheffield United players wear shirts in memory of Maddy and observe minute’s silence
Sheffield United players wore shirts in honour of Maddy Cusack ahead of yesterday’s clash vs. Newcastle.
The two sets of players players and fans in the stadium observed a minute’s silence before the 4:30pm kick-off got underway.
Maddy on match-day programme cover
Maddy Cusack is on the match-day programme cover as Sheffield United took on Newcastle in the 4:30pm kick-off at Bramall Lane yesterday.
In pictures: Mangers pay respects to Maddy Cusack
Paul Heckingbottom and Eddie Howe observing the minute’s silence for Maddy Cusack before Sheffield United were thrashed 8-0 by Newcastle.
‘Disrespectful’ Sky Sports cut to ad break during coverage of Maddy Cusack tribute
Incensed football fans have taken to X — formerly Twitter — to bemoan Sky Sport’s coverage of the tribute to Maddy Cusack before the Sheffield United v Newcastle game this afternoon.
One said: “So Sheff United do a tribute for Maddy Cusack, and what do sky sports do? Interrupt it with a ad break. The disrespect from the [clown emoji] is unbelievable.”
Another wrote: “SkySports cutting the tribute to Maddy Cusack in order to put an advert in for Ladbrokes. Absolutely disgusting”
While a third penned: “don’t think i’ve ever seen anything that sums up the modern state of sports media/broadcasting more than sky sports going for an ad-break (ladbrokes, of course) during the memorial ceremony for maddy cusack”
Sheffield United’s statement before Maddy Cusack’s match-day tributes
Sheffield United released a statement confirming: “Ahead of the Newcastle game, we will celebrate & honour the life of Maddy Cusack, a loved & respected figure of the Sheffield United family.
“There will forever be a void in the hearts of everyone connected to the club & a number of activities have been planned to remember her.
“We would politely ask supporters to be in their seats for 4.15pm to partake.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
