Republic of Ireland international defender Jessie Stapleton joined West Ham United from League of Ireland Women’s Premier League side Shelbourne in July 2023. 

The 18-year-old had scored 21 goals in 71 appearances for Shelbourne, helping the Dubliners to a league and cup double in 2022. 

Born in Ballyfermot, Stapleton began playing football at eight years old for Cherry Orchard and, at eleven, became the first girl to be selected to represented the Dublin and District Schoolboys League. 

In 2021, Stapleton joined Shelbourne and enjoyed good form in the debut season at senior level, featuring across the side for Noel King's side. Her fine efforts earned her the WNL Player of the Month for October 2021, while she was also named in the WNL Team of the Season and nominated for the Young Player of the Year. On the final day of the 2021 campaign, Stapleton helped Shelbourne oberhaul Pamount United to win the National League Title. 

The 2022 campaign would see the youngster win the Young Player of The Year award and retain her place in the Team of the Season. Stapleton opeend the scoring in the FAI Women's Cup final as Shelbourne defeat Athlone Town 2-0 to lift the trophy, while also helping the side to claim the league title. 

Having represented the Republic of Ireland throughout her youth career, Stapleton first trained with the senior national team as a 13-year-old and was officially called up to the squad for the first time in November 2021. 

Just a few months later, in June 2022, Stapleton earned her first senior national cap at 17-years-old, coming on as a half-time substitute in a 1–0 friendly win over the Philippines in Turkey.

Follow Jessie on Social Media:

X (formally Twitter): @JessStapleton_

Instagram: jessiestapleton_