LEAH WILLIAMSON has won nearly everything in women’s football. She has lifted major trophies with Arsenal and led England to European glory. Now, she has her sights set on winning the World Cup.
But her journey almost ended when she was just 15.
In a wide-ranging interview with Kelly Somers, Williamson opened up about the moment she considered quitting the game and how one conversation with her mum changed everything.
Early Days in Football
Williamson first kicked a ball at gymnastics training when she was five or six. Her coach brought out a soft ball while the kids waited for their parents. Soon after, she joined her local team, Scots Youth FC.
She laughs when she talks about those early years. Her mum admits she was not outstanding at first. Williamson even struggled to kick the ball properly until she was around 10.
She was the only girl on her team. While her teammates supported her, some parents from opposing sides made negative comments. Those moments were tough, but they did not stop her.
The Moment She Wanted to Quit
At 15, Williamson felt exhausted. Football demanded long travel, money, and time. The women’s game was not fully professional then. She doubted whether it could become a real career.
She told her mum she wanted to stop. Her mum calmly replied, “You tell them then.” Williamson realised she was not ready to walk away.
Her dad encouraged her to follow her dream. He believed she would earn a living from football one day. Williamson, however, worried she was not progressing fast enough. Some teammates trained with the first team, but she did not receive the same call.
Still, she chose to continue.
Choosing Football Over University
After breaking into the Arsenal first team, Williamson still felt uncertain. But when she decided not to attend university, she fully committed to football. On her 18th birthday, she signed her first professional contract.
She also considered moving to the United States on a scholarship, inspired by Bend It Like Beckham. However, the women’s game in England was growing quickly. She did not want to miss out on that progress.
The Turning Point
The real shift came around the 2015 World Cup. Then-England manager Mark Sampson called her to say she would not join the preparation camp due to injury.
That moment hit hard. She realised how much she truly cared about representing England. Instead of waiting for opportunities, she decided to chase them.
Soon after, she received her England call-up. From that point, football was no longer a possibility — it was her career.
Today, Williamson stands as one of the leading figures in women’s football. And it all changed because she chose not to give up.
