Leah Williamson has signed a new contract with Arsenal Women.
The 29-year-old has been plagued by injuries this season, missing the first half of the season with a knee problem during Euro 2025 and has only made 10 appearances in all competitions so far.
The defender played the first 90 minutes of the Women’s Super League in January, starting in Arsenal’s 2-1 win over Lyon in the Champions League semi-final first leg on Sunday, and coming off the bench to score in Tuesday’s 7-0 win over Leicester.
Williamson has made 282 appearances for Arsenal since joining 20 years ago, scoring 17 goals and becoming vice-captain.
The centre-back lifted the Champions League trophy with captain Kim Little last season and has won one Women’s Super League title, four League Cups, two FA Cups and one FIFA Women’s Champions Cup in her 12 years with Arsenal’s first team.
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Women’s Super League highlights of Arsenal vs. Leicester
Lionesses Williamson led the team to back-to-back European Championships in 2022 and 2025, earning 67 caps and scoring five times.
On Tuesday, Arsenal extended the contract of defender Steph Catley, striker Stina Blackstenius renewed her contract last week and Little signed a contract for another year.
Arsenal continue to do business on and off the pitch
Arsenal have been smart about their business on and off the pitch.
Analysis by Laura Hunter of Sky Sports:
Leah Williamson’s contract news was cleverly timed by Arsenal. They beat Leicester just 12 hours ago, with the defender coming on midway through the second half in a 7-0 win. She scored the Gunners’ seventh goal, capping off their biggest margin of victory since May 2022.
Coach Rene Slegger’s side are in business mode on and off the pitch. They are committed to moving forward in the Champions League and WSL with full force, while also working to bring together the talent they believe will be important to take the team forward. The more pressure we apply, the more likely it is that Man City will slip away in the race.
The league title will eventually be out of their hands, but they will try until it becomes mathematically impossible. It may not be extended until May 16, the last day of the campaign.
Of course, Williamson has played a key role in building this new Arsenal, being an iconic leader and the face of the club. She would have had great offers elsewhere because of the profile of who she is and what kind of player she is. However, it is unlikely that she will change her mind.
He has only played 232 minutes in league play this season due to ongoing knee problems, but he could play an important role in the run-in. “It doesn’t feel like it’s over,” were her opening words in her contract interview.
The message coming from Arsenal is that the team as a whole is far from complete this season. I believe that big things can still be achieved. “We’re still on the journey, it’s never over,” Williamson told arsenal.com. And if he can get to the finish line in such great form, the rewards could be substantial. They are unbeaten in 13 league games and have also reached the European semi-finals against Lyon, so there is still plenty of room for them to play.
