Despite having to miss the Women's World Cup in 2023 because of an injury, by the time to 2025 Women's Euros rolled round Leah Williamson was back on top form and ready to captain the Lionesses to victory. After a series of tense matches and a final that went to penalties, Leah and the rest of the England team, including Alessia Russo and Chloe Kelly, took home the trophy for a second time in a row.
It's familiar territory for Leah, who lead her team to victory in the 2022 Euros too. As Leah firmly cements her status as an England icon, here's everything you need to know about her.
Who is Leah Williamson?
Leah is a footballer who made history captaining England to their historic wins at the Euros in 2022 and 2025, solidifying herself as the heart of their defence. Aside from the England national team, the star currently plays for Arsenal. She also won the Champion's League this summer with the Arsenal women's team.
How old is Leah Williamson?
Born the 29 March 1997 in Milton Keynes, Leah is currently 28 years old. What is Leah Williamson's star sign then? This also makes her an Aries – long thought to be the most athletic Zodiac sign.
Who is Leah Williamson's brother?
Leah has one younger brother, named Jacob. However, there's hardly any details out there about the him, as he lives a life away from the limelight.
During the Euros in 2022, Leah's mum Amanda joked that Jacob often feels the stress far more than her footballer daughter during matches. She joked, '[He has his] head in his hands, looking down and fingers in ears so he couldn't hear anything.'
What injury did Leah Williamson have during the World Cup?
The England Captain missed the 2023 World Cup after Arsenal confirmed that the defender ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament – otherwise known as an ACL – during a match against Manchester United in April. She picked up the injury in the 15th minute, whilst tussling with Katie Zelem for the ball. Whilst there was minimal contact, Leah landed awkwardly on her right leg – resulting in her being stretchered off the pitch.
An injury of that sort includes surgery and a long road to recovery, meaning Leah is in no fit state to be playing in the current World Cup.
At the time, Arsenal released a statement saying everyone at the club would be supporting Leah, adding the athlete would ‘now begin a period of rehabilitation and is set for an extended spell on the sidelines. She will undergo surgery in due course.’
What is an ACL rupture?
ACL ruptures are a common injury across women’s football, with female players considered to be more likely to rupture an ACL than their male counterparts. It’s not known exactly why, with theories ranging from the shape of women’s bodies and menstrual cycles (yeah, we're not sure either), to the fit of women’s football boots.
And Leah isn’t the only Lioness left on the sidelines due to this type of injury. Arsenal foreward Beth Mead has also been left out of the England World Cup, having not fully recovered from an ACL rupture last November.
Is Leah Williamson married?
No, Leah Williamson is not married. Leah has also not publicly confirmed if she is in a relationship, but she is rumoured to be dating former Miss USA, Elle Smith.
Is Leah Williamson writing a book?
In 2023, Leah announced that she had written a children’s book called The Wonder Team and the Forgotten Footballers as part of a collaboration with her cousin.
Does Leah Williamson have endometriosis?
Leah has previously opened up about how an endometriosis flare-up nearly caused her to miss out on leading the Lionesses to victory at the Euros. The athlete was diagnosed with the condition in 2021, with major pains leaving Leah questioning whether or not she could make it onto the pitch.
In an interview with Women's Health, Leah said 'Before the Euros I had a concussion, which they say can really impact your next period, and it was bad - like, really bad.'
'You know when you're on the bathroom floor and literally like, "I can't move." When it's too late to take the tablets because I'm in it now.'
'I was like, "It cannot happen." Like, I actually won't be able to play. [An endometriosis flare-up] is a big fear when you get to a tournament not injured.'
Endometriosis is a common condition, where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in other places, such as the ovaries and Fallopian tubes. Some of the symptoms can include pain in your tummy, back, and severe period pains. Treatments range from painkillers and hormone medicines, to surgery removing the endometriosis tissue.
Does Leah Williamson have Instagram?
Of course she does! You can follow her over on Instagram @leahwilliamsonn, where she shares snaps of everything from her holidays to chilled days with her teammates.