An Epochal Open Letter from Leah Williamson to the England Women’s National Team, Arsenal Football Club, Fans, and the Entire Women’s Football Community
Dear England, Arsenal, and the Global Women’s Football Family.
As I sit in a rare quiet time contemplating on the great adventure I’ve been fortunate to embark on, I’m moved beyond words by the tremendous support, unwavering belief, and infinite love I’ve had throughout my career. This letter is from the bottom of my heart, thanking you all for shaping the woman, leader, and footballer I am today.
To the England Women’s National Team, my sisters in lionhearted pursuit, you are my pride. Wearing the Three Lions on my chest has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Throughout triumph and adversity, we’ve stood together, pushing boundaries and rewriting history. Captaining our nation to victory, inspiring the next generation, and doing so together has been more important than the game itself. You’ve taught me about resilience, solidarity, and the strength of women working together.
To Arsenal WFC, my home, foundation, and family. Arsenal has been more than simply a place for me to play; it’s also where I’ve matured, struggled, and soared. This club instilled in me qualities such as humility, determination, and respect, which I carry with me on and off the field. Arsenal developed me not only as a professional player, but also as a role model, leader, and torchbearer for the women’s game.
To our supporters, you are the driving force behind everything we do. You have filled stadiums with cheers, streets with pride, and hearts with faith. You’ve turned your passion into a mission, raising the profile of women’s football with each banner waved, match attended, and young girl who dared to dream because of you. Your shouts reverberate long after the final whistle. And you never let me forget that I’m not on this path alone.
To the global women’s football community, you’ve kindled an unstoppable movement. The camaraderie, the pioneering endeavors, and the unwavering pursuit of equality and excellence—it’s a revolution. From teammates to opponents, coaches to spectators, journalists to volunteers, you are all a part of this magnificent story. You’ve demonstrated that football is more than just a game; it’s a catalyst for change, empowerment, and worldwide solidarity.
And to the young females watching: believe in your worth, power, and dreams. Understand that your voice matters. You are more than just the future—you are the present. If my journey has motivated even one of you to pursue the seemingly unattainable, then every challenge I’ve faced has been worthwhile.
Thank you for allowing me to share this dream. Thank you for encouraging, challenging, and loving me throughout it all. I carry your support as armour and your faith as wings.
With infinite gratitude,
Leah Williamson
Captain. Defender. Believer.