𝙻𝚎𝚊𝚑 𝚆𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚊𝚖𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚂𝚒𝚐𝚗𝚜 𝙺𝚒𝚖 𝙻𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚊 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝 𝚎𝚡𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚃𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟿 𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚘𝚗.

𝙻𝚎𝚊𝚑 𝚆𝚒𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚊𝚖𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚂𝚒𝚐𝚗𝚜 𝙺𝚒𝚖 𝙻𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚊 𝚌𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝 𝚎𝚡𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚃𝚑𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑 𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟿 𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚘𝚗.

 

London, England — In a landmark moment for Arsenal Women and one that underscores the club’s long-term commitment to continuity and leadership, captain Leah Williamson has played a central role in securing a major contract extension for fellow club legend Kim Little, whose new deal will now run through the 2029 season. The announcement, made at Meadow Park earlier this morning, signals the club’s intention to anchor its future on the stability and excellence of its most decorated and influential figures.

Little, who first joined Arsenal in 2008 and has since become one of the most respected midfielders in world football, expressed deep gratitude and excitement upon signing the extension. The new agreement all but ensures that the Scottish international will finish her career as a one-club icon, continuing her role as mentor, leader, and central orchestrator of Arsenal’s midfield.

What made today’s announcement particularly striking was the prominent role played by Williamson, who stood beside Little during the unveiling and was credited by club representatives as being “instrumental” in shaping the long-term vision that paved the way for the extension. As club captain, Williamson has taken an increasingly active position in internal planning discussions, advocating for the retention of key senior players whose presence is vital to Arsenal’s culture and identity.

> “Kim is the heartbeat of this team,” Williamson said during the press conference. “Her influence goes beyond the pitch — she builds standards, she builds belief, and she builds the next generation. Ensuring she stays with us through 2029 is one of the most important steps we can take for the future of this club.”

Little, humble as ever, shifted the attention back to the squad rather than her own legacy.

> “I’m grateful for Leah’s support and for the trust the club continues to show in me,” she said. “What matters most is that we’re creating something lasting — a foundation that future Arsenal players can build on. I’m proud to be part of that.”

Head coach Jonas Eidevall praised both players, noting that their partnership on and off the field has shaped the tactical and emotional spine of the team. He described the extension as “a signing that brings stability, leadership, and world-class quality deep into the future.”

The decision also sends a strong message across the Women’s Super League: Arsenal are determined to maintain a competitive core of experienced veterans while continuing to develop young talent such as Frida Maanum, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Alessia Russo. With Little’s presence secured for the next several years, the club anticipates smoother transitions, stronger mentorship structures, and a consistent style of play.

Fans reacted with overwhelming enthusiasm, flooding social platforms with tributes to both Little and Williamson. Many called the extension “the biggest morale boost of the year” and praised the captain-to-captain unity that defines Arsenal Women’s culture.

As the 2025 campaign continues, Arsenal now moves forward with renewed confidence — and with two of the most respected leaders in women’s football locked in place to guide the red-and-white future through 2029.