JUST IN: Elle Smith and Lionesses captain Leah Williamson explain their decision to come out as lesbians.

JUST IN: Elle Smith and Lionesses captain Leah Williamson explain their decision to come out as lesbians.

 

In recent weeks, the relationship between England Lionesses captain Leah Williamson and American model and former Miss USA Elle Smith has drawn widespread attention — not just for its public displays of affection, but for what it represents in terms of identity, visibility, and personal courage. In speaking out about their connection, the pair have provided a powerful and heartfelt account of their decision to embrace and share their truth.

Leah Williamson, who captained the Lionesses to European glory at Euro 2025, first publicly came out as bisexual in 2022. Her openness about her sexual orientation has long made her a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in sport. Now, her relationship with Elle Smith appears to mark a more visible chapter in her personal life.

Elle Smith, who won Miss USA in 2021 and has since built a career in modeling and journalism, has increasingly become part of Williamson’s public narrative. The two shared photos from a romantic holiday in Majorca, including paddle-boarding moments, and Elle captioned one birthday post “happy birthday my love x” — hinting at a genuine, committed relationship.

Their relationship was further “hard launched” at the prestigious Ballon d’Or awards, where they appeared on the red carpet together. Fans celebrated the moment, many calling them a “lesbian power couple” and comparing them to iconic pairs like David and Victoria Beckham.

In a deeper reflection shared by media outlets, Williamson and Smith described their coming-out journey not simply as a personal milestone, but as a statement of authenticity. According to Outsports, their connection has amplified Leah’s role as a queer icon in sport, particularly following her Euro 2025 triumph wearing a rainbow armband. For Williamson, being open about her relationship is a reminder that visibility matters — especially in a traditionally conservative sporting world.

For Elle Smith, publicly claiming her place in Williamson’s life is also meaningful. She has been present at key moments: cheering on England at the Euros final, frosting her social media with glimpses into their shared life, and even attending high-profile events with Leah. Their mutual openness underscores a shared desire to move beyond speculation — and to normalize queer relationships in elite sport.

Leah and Elle’s decision to come out has resonated with many, especially young LGBTQ+ people who look to public figures for representation. The Lionesses, as a team, have also become a beacon of inclusion: several players are openly LGBTQ+, and Leah’s visible relationship with Elle further reinforces the importance of authenticity and acceptance in football.

In sum, their announcement is more than celebrity romance — it’s a deliberate, courageous act of visibility. By putting their relationship on display, Williamson and Smith are making space for others to do the same. Their story is not just about love, but about identity, respect, and the power of living openly.