Tue, Jul 14 Morning Edition English (UK)
Storylab.uk Storylab Daily Briefing
Updated 10:04 16 stories today
Blog Business Local Politics Tech World

Arsenal Players – Guide to 2025/26 Squad and All-Time Greats

William Cooper • 2026-07-08 • Reviewed by Sofia Lindberg






Arsenal Players 2026-27: Current Squad, All-Time Greats & Women’s Team


Arsenal Women’s Football Club is one of the most decorated teams in English football history. With a confirmed 2025–26 squad featuring stars like Alessia Russo, Kim Little, and Leah Williamson, the club continues to set standards domestically and in Europe. This guide covers the current roster, all-time greats, historic achievements, and what lies ahead for the 2026–27 season.

The club’s most recent fully confirmed squad belongs to the 2025–26 season, with Alessia Russo named Player of the Season after scoring 24 goals in 40 games. Key players include captain Leah Williamson, midfield anchor Kim Little, and forwards Beth Mead and Chloe Kelly.

As of July 2026, the 2026–27 squad is not yet finalized, though several players have already switched squad numbers. The team remains the most successful in English women’s football, holding records for league titles, FA Cups, and European triumphs.

Who Are the Current Arsenal Players in the 2025‑26 Squad?


Current Squad (25/26)
10 key players
Most recent confirmed roster
🏆
All‑Time Best
Kim Little
Multiple Ballon d’Or winner
👩
Historic Achievements
15 League Titles
Most successful English women’s club
📅
2026‑27 Outlook
Squad in transition
Number changes announced

The 2025–26 Arsenal Women’s squad is the most recently confirmed roster. The team finished 2nd in the Women’s Super League and includes a mix of experienced internationals and developing talent.

  • Arsenal Women are the most successful club in English women’s football with 15 league titles.
  • Alessia Russo was named 2025/26 Player of the Season with 24 goals in 40 games.
  • Kim Little is a club legend and multiple Ballon d’Or winner.
  • The team won the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2007 and 2025.
  • Arsenal won the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup in 2026, the first club ever to do so.
  • The 2024–25 season saw a continental treble completed without a single defeat.
  • The 2026–27 squad is still in transition, with four players switching numbers.
Arsenal Women Key Facts (2025–26 Season)
Fact Data
Current Squad Size (Confirmed) 10 key players
Current Captain Leah Williamson
Club Legend Kim Little (midfield anchor)
UEFA Champions League Wins 2007, 2025
FIFA Champions Cup Win 2026 (first club ever)
League Titles 15
Women’s FA Cups 14
2025/26 Player of the Season Alessia Russo (24 goals)
2025 Ballon d’Or Club Award Women’s Club of the Year

Who Are the Best Arsenal Women’s Players of All Time?

Fan discussions and historical records point to a number of players who defined Arsenal Women across different eras. The all‑time greats include multiple Ballon d’Or winners, record goalscorers, and captaincy icons.

Greatest Arsenal Women’s Players (Past & Present)

Kim Little is widely regarded as the club’s greatest ever player, a midfield maestro and multiple Ballon d’Or winner. Kelly Smith is considered one of England’s finest ever players, while Rachel Yankey holds records as a long‑serving icon and prolific scorer.

Faye White, the former captain and defensive leader, guided the team to the 2007 UEFA Women’s Champions League title. Alex Scott, a right‑back and England legend, was also part of that 2007 triumph. Ellen White, a top scorer in recent years, won the 2021 UEFA Euro with England.

Other greats include Jayne Ludlow (Welsh forward, 2007 UCL winner), Jen Beattie (defender, 2007 UCL champion), Viviane Miedema (prolific Dutch striker), and Julie Fleeting, described as one of Arsenal and Scotland’s greatest ever ballers.

Notable All‑Time Greats

The list of Arsenal Women legends includes Kim Little, Kelly Smith, Rachel Yankey, Faye White, Alex Scott, Ellen White, Jayne Ludlow, Jen Beattie, Viviane Miedema, and Julie Fleeting. These players have been recognised in fan rankings and historical records for their contributions to the club’s success.

What Is the Arsenal Women’s Squad for 2025‑26?

2025‑26 Roster Details

The following players form part of Arsenal’s active squad for the 2025–26 season, based on data from the Women’s Super League and club records. Leah Williamson serves as captain, while Kim Little continues as a midfield anchor.

No. Player Position Notes
6 Leah Williamson DF Captain
9 Beth Mead FW Regular scorer
10 Kim Little MF Club legend, midfield anchor
11 Katie McCabe DF/MF Key defender, versatile
18 Chloe Kelly FW Top forward, pace & power
8 Mariona Caldentey MF Spanish midfielder, creative
19 Caitlin Foord DF Australian defender, depth
23 Alessia Russo FW 2025/26 Player of the Season
15 Olivia Smith FW Young forward, developing
60 Mia Dixon MF Prospect, academy graduate

Note: Cecily Wellesley-Smith and Vivienne Lia are listed at other clubs until December 2026 and are not currently active with Arsenal.

Star Players to Watch

Alessia Russo, the 2025/26 Player of the Season, leads the attack with 24 goals in 40 games. Kim Little continues to dictate play from midfield, while Leah Williamson provides defensive leadership. Chloe Kelly and Beth Mead offer pace and power in forward positions.

Current Standings Context

Arsenal Women finished 2nd in the Women’s Super League during the 2025–26 season, with a squad that blends experienced internationals and academy graduates. The team remains competitive at both domestic and European levels.

Which Players Defined Arsenal Women Between 2000 and 2010?

The Early Era of Dominance

The period from 2000 to 2010 saw Arsenal Women establish themselves as a dominant force in English and European football. Players like Kelly Smith, Rachel Yankey, and Faye White were central to the club’s success during this era.

Faye White captained the team to the 2007 UEFA Women’s Champions League title, a historic achievement that put Arsenal on the global map. Alex Scott and Jayne Ludlow were also key contributors to that Champions League victory.

Key Figures of the Decade

Rachel Yankey served as a record goalscorer and long‑serving icon throughout the 2000s. Kelly Smith, widely regarded as one of England’s greatest ever players, was at her peak during this period. Jen Beattie emerged as a reliable defender and later became a 2007 Champions League winner.

Arsenal Women Through the Decades: Key Milestones

  1. 2007 – Won the UEFA Women’s Champions League for the first time (only English club to win).
  2. 2024–25 Season – Became the only English club to win the continental treble while going undefeated in all competitions.
  3. 2025 – Won the UEFA Women’s Champions League for the second time.
  4. 2025 – Named Women’s Club of the Year at the Ballon d’Or ceremony.
  5. 2026 – Won the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, the first club ever to achieve this.
  6. July 2026 – Four players (Daphne van Domselaar, Olivia Smith, Caitlin Foord, and one unnamed player) switched squad numbers ahead of the 2026–27 season.

What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About the Squad?

Established Information Information That Remains Unclear
Alessia Russo was 2025/26 Player of the Season with 24 goals in 40 games. The full 2026–27 squad roster has not yet been officially released.
Kim Little is a multiple Ballon d’Or winner and club legend. Future transfers may alter squad composition week to week.
Arsenal Women have won 15 league titles and 14 FA Cups. All‑time “best” rankings vary by publication and criteria.
The team won the 2025 UEFA Women’s Champions League and 2026 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. Today’s starting lineup is subject to last‑minute injury changes.
Leah Williamson is the current captain. Contract statuses for some players remain unconfirmed.

What Context Explains Arsenal Women’s Historic Success?

Arsenal W.F.C. is statistically the most successful club in English women’s football and ranks among the top globally. The club’s dominance spans domestic competitions, with 15 league titles, 14 Women’s FA Cups, 7 Women’s League Cups, 10 Women’s National League Cups, and 5 Women’s FA Community Shields.

The 2024–25 season represented a pinnacle: Arsenal became the only English club to win the continental treble while going undefeated. This achievement, combined with the 2025 Ballon d’Or Women’s Club of the Year award and the 2026 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup victory, underscores the club’s sustained excellence.

The squad’s blend of experienced internationals like Kim Little and Leah Williamson with emerging talents such as Alessia Russo and Olivia Smith reflects a deliberate strategy of continuity and renewal. The club’s academy continues to produce graduates like Mia Dixon, ensuring a pipeline of future talent.

What Do Official Sources Say About Arsenal Women’s Players?

“Kim Little is an undisputed legend, midfield maestro, multiple Ballon d’Or winner.”

Fan discussion, r/ArsenalWFC

“Julie Fleeting is one of Arsenal and Scotland’s greatest ever ballers.”

Instagram fan tribute

“Arsenal W.F.C. is the most successful club in English women’s football.”

Wikipedia, Arsenal W.F.C.

Summary: Arsenal Women’s Legacy and Future

Arsenal Women’s Football Club stands as the most decorated team in English women’s football, with a 2025–26 squad featuring players like Alessia Russo, Kim Little, and Leah Williamson. The club’s all‑time greats include Kelly Smith, Rachel Yankey, and Faye White, while historic achievements span 15 league titles, multiple European trophies, and the 2026 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. As the 2026–27 season approaches, the squad remains in transition, with number changes already announced and discussions ongoing about a bigger, more flexible roster. For the most current lineup, checking official club channels an hour before each match remains the best approach. The club’s legacy as a trailblazer in women’s football is firmly established, and its future looks equally promising.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any academy graduates in the current Arsenal squad?

Yes, players like Mia Dixon are academy graduates, and Bukayo Saka is a graduate of the men’s academy (though the current article focuses on the women’s team).

How many players are in the Arsenal first team?

The 2025–26 first-team squad includes at least 10 confirmed senior players, with additional depth players rounding out the roster.

Who is the current Arsenal captain?

Leah Williamson is the current captain of Arsenal Women. Kim Little serves as a key midfield leader.

Has Arsenal Women won the UEFA Champions League?

Yes, Arsenal Women won the UEFA Women’s Champions League in 2007 and again in 2025.

What is the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup?

Arsenal Women won the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup in 2026, becoming the first club ever to win the competition.

Who is Arsenal Women’s all-time top scorer?

Rachel Yankey is a record goalscorer for Arsenal Women, though exact figures vary by source.

Is the 2026–27 squad finalized?

No, as of July 2026, the 2026–27 squad is not yet finalized. Four players have switched numbers, but no full roster has been released.

Which players have switched numbers for 2026–27?

Daphne van Domselaar, Olivia Smith, Caitlin Foord, and one unnamed player have switched squad numbers.

What was Alessia Russo’s 2025/26 season like?

Alessia Russo scored 24 goals in 40 games and was named 2025/26 Player of the Season.

How many league titles have Arsenal Women won?

Arsenal Women have won 15 league titles, the most of any English women’s club.


Additional sources

aktuellmagazin.at

William Cooper

About the author

William Cooper

Our desk combines breaking updates with clear and practical explainers.