Heather Payne

Heather Margaret Payne (born 26 January 2000) is an Irish professional footballer who plays for Women's Super League 2 club Leicester City and the Republic of Ireland national team.

Club career After playing three seasons with Irish side Peamount United F.C. in the Irish Women's National League, Payne signed with Bristol City in the English first division, the FA WSL, in August 2018.

In August 2019, after a season with Bristol, Payne moved to the United States to take up a college scholarship with the Florida State Seminoles, who compete in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC).

On 25 August 2023, following 4 years in the American college system, Payne signed for England's women's top tier Women's Super League club Everton on a 2-year deal.

On 15 August 2025 Payne then signed for Women's Super League club Leicester City on a two year deal.

International Payne was named to the Ireland senior squad for a 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup-qualifying match against Northern Ireland in August 2018. She made her debut for the team on 31 August 2018 playing as a wing-back.

International appearances

International goals Scores and results list Republic of Ireland's goals first. Score column indicates score after each Payne goal. Updated as of 4 May 2026

Honours Florida State Seminoles NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship: 2021