“She’s Not THAT Good…” — Leah Williamson’s Viral Practice Clip Has Fans FIGHTING in the Comments
A 20-second training ground clip was all it took to send social media into a frenzy — and this time, the storm surrounds none other than Leah Williamson, Arsenal Women’s captain and England’s Euro-winning leader. A short video, posted by Arsenal Women’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, shows Williamson effortlessly shutting down a pressing attacker with a clean tackle before launching a 40-yard diagonal pass to a winger in stride. The moment was subtle — tactical intelligence and composure wrapped into one — but it quickly triggered a digital firestorm.
The clip went viral within hours, amassing over 7 million views and tens of thousands of comments. While many praised the England star’s vision and timing, others weren’t convinced.
> “Relax, it’s just a practice clip. She’s not THAT good.”
“This is basic defending. Why is this even trending?”
“Overrated. If a man did this, it’d barely get a reaction.”
These comments sparked a heated debate in the replies, with fans — and even former players — jumping in to defend Williamson’s credentials.
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Praised by Many, Criticized by Loud Few
To some, the backlash was baffling. Leah Williamson is far from a fringe player. She captained England to victory at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, a historic moment in English football, and has been a key figure in Arsenal’s defensive setup for years. Her tactical understanding, calm under pressure, and passing range are often cited as world-class — particularly for a center-back.
> “People forget she’s one of the best ball-playing defenders in the game,” one user wrote.
“This isn’t hype — it’s recognition,” another fan added.
Despite this, the clip drew its fair share of armchair analysts and critics who argued the move was being exaggerated because it came from a women’s footballer.
> “You’d never see this much reaction to a men’s training clip,” a commenter said, suggesting the excitement was inflated due to current efforts to spotlight the women’s game.
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A Deeper Conversation: Misogyny in the Modern Game?
The flood of criticism ignited a broader discussion about how female footballers are perceived and critiqued online. While it’s fair to analyze performance, some of the comments crossed into misogynistic territory, focusing less on her play and more on questioning her legitimacy as a footballer.
Former England international Alex Scott weighed in with a pointed tweet:
> “Leah Williamson is a tactical leader. If this was a men’s player, it would be analyzed for five minutes on Match of the Day. Instead, she gets mockery.”
The situation highlights a recurring issue: the double standard in how women in sport — particularly football — are evaluated compared to their male counterparts.
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Arsenal and England Fans Rally Behind Their Captain
In contrast to the criticism, the overwhelming show of support from the football community served as a reminder of Williamson’s impact on and off the pitch. Her calm style, leadership, and football IQ have earned her respect across Europe.
> “She’s not flashy, but she’s a thinker,” one fan wrote. “You can tell she’s steps ahead when she plays.”
“England doesn’t win that Euros without her. Period.”
Even neutral fans jumped into the conversation, noting that whether people liked the clip or not, it’s good that people are talking about women’s football with such intensity.
> “This is what we wanted — eyes on the game. Let them argue. It means people care,” a top-liked comment read.
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- What’s Next for Williamson?
Williamson, 27, is currently recovering her form after an ACL injury that saw her miss much of the 2023–24 season, including the Women’s World Cup. The training clip marked one of the first times fans had seen her back in fluid motion, commanding from the back as she did during her peak.
If anything, the controversy surrounding the clip has only amplified her spotlight ahead of the new WSL season. And for a player who leads with poise, composure, and tactical brilliance — the noise around her might just be the background music to another dominant campaign.
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Whether you love her game or question the hype, one thing is certain: Leah Williamson has everyone watching — and talking.