Rachel Yankey: Former Arsenal and England Forward Says Ignorance Around Leah Williamson Must Be Challenged to Improve Equality.

Rachel Yankey: Former Arsenal and England Forward Says Ignorance Around Leah Williamson Must Be Challenged to Improve Equality.

 

Former Arsenal and England forward Rachel Yankey has spoken out about the need to challenge ignorance surrounding women’s football, saying that the lack of awareness about players like Leah Williamson highlights how much more needs to be done to achieve equality in sport.

Yankey, one of the pioneers of the modern women’s game in England, said she was disappointed but not surprised that some members of the public still don’t recognise the name of the England women’s captain, who lifted the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 trophy and remains one of the most prominent figures in British sport.

Her comments came after reports that Williamson’s achievements were overlooked in a public discussion about English football captains — a moment Yankey described as a reminder that “visibility and education still matter.”

> “If people don’t know who Leah Williamson is, that tells us there’s still work to do,” Yankey said. “Leah led England to a major trophy. She’s been a fantastic ambassador for the game, on and off the pitch. But if her name still doesn’t ring a bell for some, that’s not her fault — it’s a reflection of how women’s sport is treated.”

Yankey, who made over 100 appearances for England and spent more than a decade at Arsenal, said ignorance is not always deliberate but must still be challenged if progress is to continue.

> “It’s not always about blame,” she continued. “A lot of people simply haven’t had the exposure to women’s football that they’ve had with the men’s game. But that’s exactly why it’s so important to keep talking about it, to show it on TV, to teach it in schools, and to celebrate our role models.”

“Equality Means Visibility”

Since England’s triumph at Euro 2022, women’s football has seen record attendances, broadcast deals, and growing investment. However, Yankey believes the momentum must be protected and not taken for granted.

> “It’s brilliant to see more fans, more sponsors, and more coverage,” she said. “But if we stop challenging stereotypes, we risk going backwards. Equality means visibility — it means the next generation of boys and girls know Leah Williamson’s name just as easily as they know Harry Kane’s.”

Yankey also pointed out that equality goes beyond recognition. She called for continued improvements in facilities, pay, and support structures within the women’s game.

> “We’ve come a long way, but there are still disparities in how the women’s game is resourced,” she said. “That affects not only performance but also how seriously people take it. Challenging ignorance means investing properly — showing that women’s football is valued.”

Inspiring the Next Generation

As one of the first female footballers to become a household name in England, Yankey understands how powerful role models can be. She believes players like Williamson, Lucy Bronze, and Mary Earps are reshaping public perceptions and inspiring young people everywhere.

> “When I was growing up, we didn’t have many female footballers to look up to,” Yankey recalled. “Now, young girls — and boys — can see players like Leah winning trophies and leading teams with pride. That’s how you change attitudes: by showing what’s possible.”

Yankey’s message is clear — the fight for equality in football is not over, and awareness is just as important as achievement.

> “Ignorance doesn’t disappear by itself,” she said. “It disappears when people challenge it, when they learn, when they see the game for what it really is — exciting, competitive, and full of talent. Leah Williamson represents that, and we should all be proud of her.”

For Rachel Yankey, equality isn’t just about recognition; it’s about respect — and ensuring that every player, regardless of gender, receives the acknowledgment their achievements deserve.