England captain Leah Williamson signs new two-year deal with Arsenal
The 29-year-old defender, who has made over 250 appearances for the Gunners, commits her future to the club amid injury setbacks
Quick Look
- England captain Leah Williamson has signed a new two-year contract with Arsenal Women, committing her future to the club where she has spent her entire senior career since making her debut in 2014.
- The 29-year-old defender, who joined the club's academy aged nine, has made over 250 appearances and helped Arsenal win the WSL, two FA Cups, four League Cups, the 2024-25 Champions League, and the inaugural Women's Champions Cup in 2026.
- Despite injuries limiting her to just four league appearances this season, including a knee injury at Euro 2025, Williamson remains a key leader for the Gunners.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Leah Williamson is one of English football's most prominent figures, having captained the national team to consecutive European Championship titles. Her career at Arsenal spans from academy level to over 250 senior appearances, making her one of the club's most decorated players. However, a series of leg injuries, particularly a knee injury sustained during Euro 2025, have restricted her to just four WSL appearances this season.
England captain Leah Williamson has signed a new contract with Women's Super League side Arsenal. BBC Sport understands the 29-year-old defender has signed a two-year deal.
Williamson, who joined Arsenal's academy aged nine, has spent her entire senior career with the club, chalking up more than 250 appearances in all competitions since making her debut in 2014.
"Everyone at the club looks forward to Leah's continued leadership and performances here at Arsenal," said the club, via a statement.
She has helped Arsenal win the WSL, two FA Cups, and four League Cups as well as the 2024-25 Champions League, when she was named in the team of the season, and the inaugural Women's Champions Cup in 2026.
Williamson made her international debut in 2018 and has won 67 caps for England, captaining the Lionesses to back-to-back Women's Euros crowns in 2022 and 2025.
A knee injury picked up during the 2025 tournament is one of a number of leg injuries to plague Williamson throughout this season, restricting her to just four league appearances.
Williamson is the fourth player to commit her future to the club in recent weeks, with Kim Little, Stina Blackstenius, and Steph Catley all signing new deals.
There has been some anxiety among fans regarding Williamson's contract situation but there was always confidence from the club that they would agree a new deal.
The England captain has been instrumental during her career at Arsenal and is one of the first names on the team sheet when fit. Injuries post-Euro 2025 have disrupted this campaign but Williamson has still played a crucial role as a leader. Her vision, ability to build out from the back and to dictate the flow of the game makes her one of the world's best centre-backs.
Arsenal have a strong squad and have done well with England team-mate Lotte Wubben-Moy exceptional in Williamson's absence. But knowing Williamson will be at Arsenal next season is a significant boost to Renee Slegers' side, who are building a squad they hope can dominate for years to come.
The Gunners, who are chasing back-to-back European titles, have also tied down Blackstenius and Catley, and they are hoping to bring in Spain full-back Ona Batlle and England midfielder Georgia Stanway, among other signings this summer. The club's forward-planning has paid off and they are in good shape as they build for next season.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Williamson will return to regular first-team action by the start of the 2026-27 season
Likely · Within months
Arsenal will complete signing of Ona Batlle this summer
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- How long will Williamson's recovery from her latest injury take?
- Will she regain her starting place in the Arsenal XI next season?
- What are the specific terms of the new contract?
