McDonald’s After Ballon d’Or! How Leah Williamson and Girlfriend Elle Smith Celebrated Arsenal & Lionesses Success in Paris

The glamour of Paris, the sparkle of football’s biggest individual awards, and a late-night McDonald’s run — it was the perfect combination for Leah Williamson and her model girlfriend Elle Smith after an unforgettable evening at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in the French capital.

Fresh from another remarkable year for both Arsenal W.F.C. and the England women’s national football team, Williamson was among the headline stars attending football’s most prestigious awards night in Paris. Dressed elegantly and glowing on the red carpet, the Lionesses captain once again proved why she remains one of the most recognisable faces in women’s football.

While the Ballon d’Or ceremony is usually associated with luxury dinners, champagne celebrations, and celebrity-packed after-parties, Williamson and Elle Smith decided to keep things surprisingly relatable after the glamorous event. Instead of ending the evening in an exclusive Paris nightclub, the pair reportedly celebrated with a visit to McDonald’s — delighting fans online who praised the couple for staying “down-to-earth” despite the high-profile occasion.

Photos circulating on social media showed Williamson smiling alongside Smith after the ceremony, with many supporters loving the contrast between the football world’s most glamorous event and the simplicity of fast food afterwards. Fans joked that “nothing beats McDonald’s after a big night,” while others called the Arsenal defender “the people’s captain.”

It capped off another hugely successful period for Williamson, whose influence continues to grow both on and off the pitch. The England captain has become one of the defining figures of women’s football in recent years, helping inspire a new generation after leading the Lionesses to historic success. Her performances for Arsenal have also kept her firmly among the elite defenders in the women’s game.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony itself was a celebration of the incredible growth of women’s football, with stars from across Europe gathering in Paris for the prestigious event. Arsenal and England players were heavily represented, underlining the continued dominance of the Women’s Super League and the Lionesses on the international stage.

Williamson’s appearance alongside Elle Smith also attracted huge attention online, with fans praising the couple’s stylish look at the event. Smith, a successful model in her own right, turned heads with her elegant fashion choice, complementing Williamson perfectly on the red carpet. Together, they quickly became one of the most talked-about couples of the evening.

Despite the glamorous setting, Williamson’s relaxed post-ceremony celebration seemed to resonate most with supporters. In an era where elite athletes are often viewed as distant celebrities, moments like these help explain why the Arsenal star remains so popular among fans. Whether lifting trophies, leading England on the pitch, or grabbing burgers after football’s biggest awards night, Williamson continues to present herself with authenticity and charm.

For Arsenal supporters, the evening was also another reminder of how influential their captain has become globally. Williamson is no longer simply a key defender for club and country — she is now a major figure in world football culture. From magazine covers to fashion events and international ceremonies, her profile continues to rise far beyond the game itself.

Yet, amid all the fame and attention, the image fans may remember most from the Ballon d’Or night is not the glittering red carpet or flashing cameras. Instead, it is the sight of Williamson and Smith enjoying McDonald’s together in Paris after the ceremony — a simple but memorable ending to a night celebrating football excellence.

As the Lionesses and Arsenal prepare for more major challenges ahead, Williamson’s popularity shows no signs of slowing down. And if success keeps coming, fans now know exactly how she might celebrate: with good company, smiles, and perhaps another late-night trip to McDonald’s.