Khiara Keating – Professional Biography
Full Name: Khiara Ilhaan Keating
Date of Birth: 27 June 2004
Place of Birth: Ardwick, Manchester, England
Height: 1.67 m (5 ft 6 in)
Position: Goalkeeper
Current Club: Manchester City (No. 35)
Nationality: English (of English and Jamaican heritage)
Early Life and Youth Career
Khiara Keating was born and raised in Ardwick, Manchester. Her early passion for football was nurtured by her mother, who formed a local team for her to join. Initially playing as a striker, Keating’s path shifted dramatically at the age of six when she trialled for Manchester United as a goalkeeper. She remained in United’s youth ranks until she was 11, before making the move to Manchester City’s academy in 2015.
Her heritage reflects a blend of English and Jamaican roots, which she proudly embraces.
Club Career
Manchester City and Loan Spells
Keating began attracting senior attention during the 2020–21 season, making the bench for Manchester City’s Women’s Super League fixtures. To gain competitive experience, she joined AFC Fylde on loan at the start of the 2021–22 season. However, injuries in the City squad saw her quickly recalled.
Her senior debut for Manchester City came on 12 January 2022 in the FA Women’s League Cup against Leicester City, followed by her league debut just four days later against Aston Villa.
In January 2023, Keating secured another loan move—this time to Coventry United in the Women’s Championship—making four appearances before returning to Manchester City.
Breakthrough Season (2023–24)
The 2023–24 season proved to be a turning point in Keating’s career. She began the campaign as City’s starting goalkeeper, impressing with a run of consistent performances that earned her an October nomination for the WSL Player of the Month award. In November 2023, she signed a three-year contract extension, describing her rapid rise as “surreal.”
By December, Keating held the third-highest save percentage in the league and had firmly established herself as City’s first-choice goalkeeper, overtaking England international Ellie Roebuck. Her standout moment came in the FA Cup fifth round against Arsenal in February 2024, where she delivered a series of exceptional saves to secure a 1–0 win—drawing widespread praise from fans and pundits alike.
She went on to claim the 2023–24 WSL Golden Glove with nine clean sheets, becoming the youngest goalkeeper ever to win the award. She also recorded the most minutes played by any English under-21 player in that WSL season.
Recent Seasons
By May 2025, Keating had amassed over 50 senior club appearances, including league, cup, and European fixtures. She remains a pivotal figure in Manchester City’s squad, combining agility, sharp reflexes, and a growing reputation as one of England’s brightest goalkeeping talents.
International Career
Youth Teams
Keating’s England journey began with a single appearance for the under-15 team. She progressed to the under-19 squad, debuting in October 2021 during a European Championship qualifier against the Republic of Ireland—keeping a clean sheet in a 1–0 victory.
In 2022, she featured in all three group stage matches of the U-19 European Championship finals. Later that year, she stepped up to the under-23 squad and eventually made her debut in November 2024 against Norway in a goalless draw.
Senior Team
Keating earned her first senior call-up in October 2023 for UEFA Nations League matches against Belgium. In June 2025, she was selected for England’s squad for the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025. While she did not feature on the pitch, she was part of the team that went on to win the tournament, securing England’s second consecutive European title.
Personal Life
In July 2024, Keating and her mother faced charges related to possession of nitrous oxide. Both pleaded not guilty, and in June 2025, the charges were dropped. Later that summer, she was fined for failing to pay vehicle tax.
Off the pitch, Keating is recognised for her resilience, discipline, and ability to overcome challenges—traits that have contributed to her rise in professional football.
Career Statistics (as of 10 May 2025)
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Manchester City: 40 league appearances, plus domestic cup and European matches.
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AFC Fylde (loan): 7 appearances.
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Coventry United (loan): 4 appearances.
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Total Senior Club Appearances: 67
Honours
With Manchester City
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FA Women’s League Cup: 2021–22
With England
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UEFA Women’s Championship: 2025
Individual
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Manchester City Rising Star Award: 2022–23
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WSL Golden Glove: 2023–24
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WSL Player of the Month: February 2024
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PFA WSL Team of the Year: 2023–24