Leah Williamson has confirmed a new contract with Arsenal Women, solidifying her long‑term future at the North London club. The 29‑year‑old defender has endured a challenging start to the season, missing the opening months after sustaining a knee injury while representing England at Euro 2025.
Consequently, she has only managed ten appearances across all competitions to date. After a lengthy rehabilitation period, Williamson finally completed a full 90‑minute performance in the Women's Super League in January. Her return was highlighted by a start in Arsenal's 2‑1 victory over Olympique Lyonnais in the first leg of the Champions League semi‑final on Sunday.
She further made an impact on Tuesday, coming off the bench to score in the Gunners' emphatic 7‑0 demolition of Leicester City. Since joining Arsenal two decades ago, Williamson has amassed 282 appearances and 17 goals, earning the role of vice‑captain along the way. Her trophy cabinet now includes a Champions League medal won alongside captain Kim Little last season, one Women's Super League crown, four League Cups, two FA Cups and a FIFA Women’s Champions Cup earned during her 12 years as a first‑team regular.
On the international stage, Williamson has been instrumental for the England Lionesses, helping the side secure back‑to‑back UEFA Women’s European Championship titles in 2022 and 2025. She has earned 67 caps and scored five goals for her country. Arsenal have been active in the transfer market this week.
Defender Steph Catley also signed an extension on Tuesday, while striker Stina Blackstenius renewed her contract last week and captain Kim Little added another year to her deal. These moves underline the club’s strategy of retaining its core talent as they chase further domestic and continental success. Analyst Laura Hunter of Sky Sports noted that the timing of Williamson’s contract announcement was clever, coming just 12 hours after Arsenal’s 7‑0 rout of Leicester.
The defender’s goal capped the biggest margin of victory the club has recorded since May 2022. Hunter added that Arsenal, under manager Renee Slegers, are in "business mode" both on and off the pitch, aiming to lock down key players while pushing hard in the Champions League and the WSL. The pressure they apply could force rivals such as Manchester City to slip in the title race. While the league title may ultimately be out of Arsenal’s hands, the team will fight until it is mathematically impossible to catch them, a scenario that may not be decided until the final round of fixtures on 16 May.
Williamson remains a cornerstone of this renewed Arsenal project, regarded as an iconic leader and the face of the club. Despite likely interest from other top clubs, her loyalty to Arsenal appears unwavering. In her signing interview, Williamson emphasized her determination, opening with the words, "I don't feel like I'm done." She has logged only 232 league minutes this season due to lingering knee concerns, but she believes she can still make a vital contribution during the crucial run‑in.
"We're still on a journey, it will never end," she told Arsenal.com, underscoring the collective belief that the season is far from over. Arsenal currently sit unbeaten in 13 league matches and hold a lead in their European semi‑final against Lyon, leaving plenty of objectives to pursue. The club’s message to fans and players alike is clear: big things are still possible, and the rewards could be substantial if they maintain their form through to the end of the campaign.
For those following the Women's Super League, Sky Sports offers free highlights, live streaming options without a contract, and a real‑time league table. Fans can also stay updated via Sky Sports on WhatsApp for the latest news, videos, analysis and more. In addition to the on‑field action, there are promotional opportunities for supporters, such as the Super 6 competition where participants can enter for free for a chance to win £250,000.
The season continues to deliver excitement both on and off the pitch, with Leah Williamson’s new deal serving as a testament to Arsenal’s ambition and the enduring spirit of their squad.