Arsenal’s England captain Leah Williamson has signed a new two-year deal at the club.
Arsenal have secured the future of England captain Leah Williamson by agreeing a fresh two-season deal with the Women’s Super League side. The 29-year-old defender, who joined Arsenal at under-nine level, has made over 250 appearances across all competitions since her senior debut in 2014. The club hailed her leadership and contributions in an official statement.
Williamson has been a cornerstone of Arsenal’s recent success, featuring in their WSL title triumph, two FA Cups, four League Cups, the 2024-25 Champions League, and the inaugural Women’s Champions Cup in 2026.
On the international stage, the defender earned her first England cap in 2018 and has since captained the Lionesses to consecutive Women’s Euros victories in 2022 and 2025, accumulating 67 caps. However, a knee injury sustained during the 2025 Euros has limited her to just four league appearances this season, compounding a series of leg issues that have disrupted her campaign.
Despite these setbacks, Williamson remains Arsenal’s first-choice centre-back when available, with her game-reading, deep distribution, and control of play cementing her status among the world’s elite defenders. Her influence extends beyond the pitch, with her presence in the dressing room proving invaluable for a side targeting sustained dominance.
Arsenal have managed well in Williamson’s absence, with England teammate Lotte Wubben-Moy stepping up impressively. The club’s proactive approach to squad retention secured recent extensions from key players like Kim Little, Stina Blackstenius, and Steph Catley, providing stability ahead of next season.
Williamson is the latest in a string of senior players to extend their stay at the Emirates Stadium, reinforcing Arsenal’s ambition to build a squad capable of competing at the highest level. The club is also eyeing further reinforcements, with Spain full-back Ona Batlle and England midfielder Georgia Stanway among potential summer targets.
Arsenal are pushing for consecutive European titles while strengthening their defensive core with Williamson’s contract extension. The retention of Blackstenius and Catley, alongside Williamson’s leadership, positions the Gunners as firm favourites to dominate women’s football in the years ahead.