Leah Williamson, Arsenal Women’s captain and one of modern football’s most iconic figures, has been chosen for TIME’s list of the 100 most influential people in sports in 2025. The award, given by TIME magazine, is one of the highest honors for sportsmen who are not just champions in their sport but also changemakers, leaders, and cultural forces outside of it. For Williamson, it is a moment that underlines her long-term effect on and off the pitch.
Williamson, known for her poise under pressure, tactical brilliance, and unwavering leadership, has become a symbol of power and advancement in women’s football. From captaining England to the historic UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 victory to leading Arsenal through a challenging WSL season and Champions League fights, she has defined what it means to be a modern football legend.
But TIME makes it plain that this recognition is about much more than trophies.
“Leah Williamson is the heart of a movement,” says TIME contributor Alex Scott, a former Arsenal and England player. “Her courage, voice, and belief in equality have pushed the game to new heights. She has not only inspired a generation, but she has permanently altered the trajectory of women’s football.
In the last year, Williamson has been at the center of discussions around athlete welfare, fair pay, and young girls’ access to sports. She has worked as an ambassador for several organizations, including UNICEF, Common Goal, and Kick It Out, utilizing her platform to highlight injustice and promote diversity in the game.
Following a difficult injury setback in 2023 that prevented her from competing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Williamson made a powerful return to both club and country. Rather than shy away from the spotlight, she utilized the opportunity to speak out about the mental health challenges that athletes experience during rehabilitation. Her candor garnered her tremendous praise from fans, peers, and even opposing players.
Williamson maintained his composure in response to the TIME 100 recognition. “To be included on this list feels surreal,” she stated in a statement. “But for me, influence has never been about popularity—it’s about using your voice to lift others, to change mindsets, and to build something better for the future.”
As the Women’s Super League grows in popularity and power, Leah Williamson remains at the forefront—a symbol of quality, activism, and progress. With this TIME 100 award, her role in the worldwide sporting debate is not only acknowledged but also memorialized.