Safia Middleton-Patel
Safia Middleton-Patel (born 21 September 2004) is a Welsh professional footballer who plays as a goalkeeper for Manchester United in the Women's Super League and for the Wales national team.
Club career
- Middleton-Patel began in Liverpool’s youth setup before joining Manchester United in 2020. She helped United’s academy win the 2021–22 WSL Academy League and Academy Cup double.
- She was first named in a senior matchday squad in February 2022 and signed her first professional contract in January 2023. In August 2025, she signed a new deal with Manchester United through June 2028.
- She has spent time on loan to gain first-team experience:
- Blackburn Rovers (November 2021, dual registration)
- Leicester City (March 2022, emergency goalkeeper loan)
- Coventry United (February 2023; debut February 12; three league appearances)
- Blackburn Rovers again (April 2023; one appearance)
- Watford (January–May 2024; six league appearances, two clean sheets; Watford relegated)
- Middleton-Patel made her Manchester United first-team debut in December 2024 in the 2024–25 Women’s League Cup, a 5–3 win over Newcastle United.
International career
- She has represented Wales at youth levels (U17 and U19) and earned her senior Wales debut on 15 February 2023, starting against the Philippines at the Pinatar Cup in a 1–0 win.
- In 2025 she was named in Wales’ squad for UEFA Women's Euro 2025. By playing at the tournament, she became the first Welsh player of Asian heritage to appear at a major international tournament.
- She also earned a Player of the Match award in a 1–1 UEFA Women’s Nations League draw with Sweden in April 2025.
Personal life
- Middleton-Patel was born in Wales to an Indian father and a Welsh mother. In September 2023, she publicly revealed her autism diagnosis.
Career statistics
- Club (as of November 19, 2025): 14 senior appearances in all competitions for clubs, 0 goals (as a goalkeeper).
- Wales: 7 senior caps, 0 goals (as of 2025).
Honours
- Manchester United: Women’s FA Cup runner-up, 2024–25.
- Manchester United Academy: WSL Academy League and Academy Cup double, 2021–22.
This page was last edited on 1 February 2026, at 20:32 (CET).