Maddy Cusack death updates — Sheffield United star dies at 27 after signing new deal as cause not yet revealed
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 meeting with .
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…
More Lionesses pay respects to Maddy
A number of Lionesses have taken to social media to pay their respects to Maddy Cusack.
Aston Villa and England midfielder Jordan Nobbs wrote: “Sending all our love to Maddy’s family and friends.”
Tottenham and Lioness 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 England forward Lauren Hemp penned: “Awful awful news, my love and thoughts are with her family, friends and everyone at Sheffield.”
Maddy Cusack’s final social media post
Maddy wasn’t very active on social media, but her final post was heartbreaking.
She of herself to her account with a pen and her Sheffield United renewal contract for the season, which she captioned: “6 years & counting…
“Really happy to have signed another deal with Sheffield United. Exited for the season!”
Maddy had just signed a new contract
After signing with the Blades for another year, Maddy .
“It feels amazing,” Maddy said in an interview. “I think everyone knows how much I love this club.
“This club is my home, so to extend my contract for another year, yeah, I’m really excited and really pleased.”
In pictures: Mangers pay respects to Maddy
Paul Heckingbottom and Eddie Howe observed a minute’s silence for Maddy Cusack ahead of the Newcastle v Sheffield United game on Sunday.
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.”
Leah Williamson honours Maddy Cusack
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.
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.
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.
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.
England star honours late Maddy Cusack
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.
One of Maddy’s final interviews
After signing with the Blades for another year, Maddy .
“It feels amazing,” Maddy said in an interview. “I think everyone knows how much I love this club.
“This club is my home, so to extend my contract for another year, yeah, I’m really excited and really pleased.”
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.
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!”
Sheffield's matchday tributes
A minute's silence was held before kick-off and the club's matchday programme featured on the cover a black and white picture of Cusack in a Sheffield United shirt.
And fans gave a minute's applause in the eighth minute, since she wore the number eight shirt for Sheffield United.
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.”
Devastated Beth Mead honours Maddy
Arsenal and Lionesses legend Beth Mead has honoured Maddy Cusack following her tragic death last week.
She wrote: “Devastated by this news.
“Had the pleasure of playing with Maddy at youth.
“Thoughts and love to Maddy’s friends and family.”
In Pictures: Football world pays tribute to Maddy Cusack
Sheffield United players wore shirts in honour of Maddy Cusack ahead of Sunday'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.
Elsewhere, women's matches across the country took time to remember the Blades legend, who passed away last week aged 27.
What have police said?
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.”
‘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 yesterday 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… during the memorial ceremony for maddy cusack”
What clubs did Maddy Cusack play for?
Maddy Cusack's 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.
Was Maddy Cusack married?
Maddy Cusack kept her private life away from the public eye, but she was not believed to be married.
The star made over 100 appearances for Sheffield United's women's team, becoming the first-ever player to reach the milestone.
Over the weekend, teams and fans from around the country paid tribute to the beloved player in touching scenes.
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.’
Leah Williamson honours Maddy Cusack
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.
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.”
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.”