One-club Woman: Leah Williamson signs new two-year Arsenal deal

Arsenal Women have officially confirmed that Leah Williamson has signed a new two-year contract extension today, April 30, 2026. The England captain and lifelong Gunner will remain at the heart of the Arsenal defence until at least 2028.

By committing to Arsenal through the 2027/28 season, Williamson cements her legacy as a true one-club woman.

This new two-year deal ensures that the England captain who has been a Gunner since the age of nine will continue to lead the side she grew up supporting.

It’s more than just a contract; it’s a reinforcement of her status as an iconic figure in the modern game and a testament to a lifelong bond with North London. 

Early life and roots

Leah Cathrine Williamson grew up in a football-loving family, her mum played the game and was encouraged from a young age.

Her football journey started at age six when her gymnastics coach suggested the group kick a ball around at the end of sessions. She joined Scots Youth FC in Bletchley (a boys team, where she was the only girl) for about a year.

As a child, she was a passionate Arsenal supporter. A pivotal early moment came in 2006/07 when, at around age nine or ten, she served as a mascot for Arsenal Women during their UEFA Women’s Cup final win at Meadow Park. That experience left a lasting impression.

Joining Arsenal academy

In 2006, at age nine, Williamson joined Arsenal’s Centre of Excellence (academy). She progressed through all the youth age groups at the club she grew up supporting.

She started out primarily as a central midfielder but later transitioned into a centre-back role (with versatility to play in midfield or other defensive spots).

Her composure on the ball, passing range, and leadership stood out early. Her story is a classic “one-club player” tale in modern football, from academy mascot and local grassroots to captaining her country to multiple trophies while staying loyal to her club.

Williamson has won two FA Cups, three League Cups, one WSL title, one Champions League and one FIFA Champions Cup in her time with the club. She has also captained England to two European Championship titles in 2022 and 2025. She has 67 caps for her country, scoring five goals.

She is known as a composed, ball-playing defender who reads the game well and can dictate play from the back. Her leadership qualities made her a natural captain.

Her career has included setbacks, most notably a serious ACL injury to her right knee in 2023 (during a WSL match), which ruled her out for about 10 months and caused her to miss the 2023 World Cup.

She made a strong comeback and has dealt with subsequent knee management, calf, and hamstring issues, but has continued to perform at a high level when fit.

The defender played her first 90 minutes in the Women’s Super League in January and started in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Lyon in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final on Sunday before scoring after coming off the bench in the 7-0 thrashing of Leicester on Tuesday.

On Tuesday, Arsenal extended the contract of defender Steph Catley, while striker Stina Blackstenius renewed her deal last week and Little has signed for an additional year.

In the interview after extending her stay in North London, Williamson said “I don’t feel like I’m done. I think it’s really special to be somewhere where you care so much about the people, the project, the place. I don’t think it’s something to take for granted. After 20 years, I still feel wanted and I want to be here, so I don’t understand why it would have been time to leave this time”.

In footage accompanying the confirmation of the new deal, Williamson narrates a video that starts with her outside Highbury’s East Stand and ends with her walking out onto the pitch at the Emirates Stadium.

Williamson said: “This story starts at home.

“It’s made up of memories. For 20 years we have lived together. The bricks and walls might change but Arsenal never does.

“When I close my eyes I see them. Our story spilling out from the page and onto the pitch.

“This is a club steeped in history. To be part of it, to be shaped by it, brings me pride like you’d never believe.

“I’ve been lucky to share the pitch with legends. We’ve stood side-by-side, home and away, to keep pushing. Because we don’t stop dreaming and there are chapters still to write. “Let’s write them together.”

Her recent return to the scoresheet against Leicester serves as a timely reminder of the quality she brings to the side a blend of defensive steel and technical elegance that has defined her 20-year association with the club.