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 + Appearances and goals by national team and year National team Year Apps GoalsRepublic of Ireland 201710 201830 201960 202040 202181 202280 2023120202470202520Total512
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 +International goals scored by Heather Payne Cap Date Venue Opponent Score Result Competition 1 17 11 June 2021 Laugardalsvöllur, Reykjavík, Iceland 1-3 2-3 Friendly 2425 December 2023Windsor Park, Belfast2-06-1UEFA Nations League
Honours Florida State Seminoles NCAA Division I Women's Soccer Championship: 2021
References
External links Bristol City profile