england and arsenal captain leah williamson has officially been awarded an obe by prince william at windsor castle, recognizing her outstanding services to association football and her remarkable contributions to the growth of women’s sport. the honour celebrates not only her achievements on the pitch but also her profound impact as a role model, leader, and advocate for equality in sport.
williamson, who led england’s lionesses to their historic euro 2022 triumph, accepted the award with her signature humility and grace. dressed elegantly for the royal ceremony, she was greeted warmly by prince william, who praised her for her leadership, dedication, and the inspiration she continues to provide to young athletes across the nation. the moment marked another proud milestone in her already illustrious career, cementing her place among the most influential figures in british sport.
beyond her achievements with arsenal and england, williamson has become a powerful voice for women’s football, using her platform to promote inclusion, representation, and equal opportunities for the next generation. her calm authority and authenticity have made her a respected ambassador both within the sport and beyond, earning admiration from fans, teammates, and public figures alike.
the award is also a testament to the transformative power of the lionesses’ success, which helped reshape perceptions of women’s football across the uk and inspired record-breaking attendances in domestic leagues.
in her acceptance, williamson expressed gratitude to her teammates, coaches, and supporters, emphasizing that the honour reflected the collective effort of everyone working to elevate the women’s game. “this isn’t just about me—it’s about the team, the fans, and everyone who believed in what women’s football could become,” she said.
