In a major boost for Arsenal Women, England captain Leah Williamson has signed a new contract with the club, committing her future to the Gunners for the next two years. The 29-year-old defender, a product of Arsenal's academy since age nine, has been a cornerstone of the team since her senior debut in 2014, amassing over 250 appearances across all competitions.
Williamson's resume is nothing short of stellar: she's helped Arsenal secure the Women's Super League title, two FA Cups, four League Cups, and the 2024-25 Champions League, where she earned a spot in the team of the season. She also played a key role in winning the inaugural Women's Champions Cup in 2026. On the international stage, Williamson has earned 67 caps for England since her 2018 debut, captaining the Lionesses to back-to-back Women's Euros titles in 2022 and 2025.
However, this season has been a challenging one for Williamson. A knee injury sustained during the 2025 Euros, along with other leg issues, has limited her to just four league appearances. Despite this, her leadership and influence remain undeniable. "Everyone at the club looks forward to Leah's continued leadership and performances here at Arsenal," the club stated.
Williamson is the fourth player to extend her stay at Arsenal in recent weeks, joining Kim Little, Stina Blackstenius, and Steph Catley in signing new deals. While there was some anxiety among fans over her contract situation, the club remained confident a deal would be reached. When fit, Williamson is one of the first names on the team sheet, known for her vision, ability to build play from the back, and knack for dictating the game's tempo—qualities that make her one of the world's elite center-backs.
Her absence has been felt, but Arsenal's depth has shone through, with England teammate Lotte Wubben-Moy putting in exceptional performances in Williamson's stead. Now, with Williamson locked in for next season, manager Renee Slegers' side receives a significant boost as they build a squad capable of dominating for years. The Gunners are chasing back-to-back European glory, and having their captain back in the fold is a powerful statement of intent.