Arsenal W.F.C. Players: Full 2025-26 Squad Guide

Every season, the Arsenal Women’s squad evolves, and the 2025-26 campaign brings a fresh look under permanent manager Renée Slegers with new signings like Isabella Damm. This guide offers a complete, data-backed look at the current squad, leadership, and key changes.

Current squad size: 25 (approx.) ·
Club founded: 1987 ·
League: Women’s Super League ·
Manager: Renée Slegers ·
Captain: Kim Little ·
Home ground: Meadow Park

Six key facts, one pattern: the squad is built around a core of internationals, with new additions strengthening depth across all positions.

Who plays for Arsenal women’s team?

Goalkeepers

Arsenal’s 2025-26 goalkeeping unit includes Manuela Zinsberger, Barbora Votíková, Daphne van Domselaar, Anneke Borbe, Naomi Williams, and Amy Liddiard, as listed on UEFA’s official squad page. The group combines experience with younger options like Williams, who has come through the club’s academy.

Defenders

The defensive line features Lotte Wubben-Moy, Laia Codina, Leah Williamson, Steph Catley, Katie Reid, and Smilla Holmberg (Wikipedia). Williamson, who also serves as vice-captain, anchors the backline alongside Catley, the Australian international.

Midfielders

Midfield options include captain Kim Little, Frida Maanum, Victoria Pelova, Kyra Cooney-Cross, and Mariona Caldentey (Wikipedia). The unit blends creativity (Pelova) with defensive stability (Wälti) and box-to-box energy (Maanum).

Forwards

Arsenal’s attacking corps comprises Beth Mead, Caitlin Foord, Chloe Kelly, Alessia Russo, Stina Blackstenius, and Olivia Smith (Wikipedia). The mix of pace, finishing, and hold-up play gives manager Renée Slegers multiple tactical options.

Who is the captain of Arsenal women’s team?

Club captain

Kim Little is the club captain of Arsenal Women, a role she has held since 2019 after returning from OL Reign. The Scottish midfielder has been a mainstay in the side, leading by example with her vision and consistency (Arsenal.com).

Vice-captain

Leah Williamson serves as vice-captain, a position she has held since 2023. The England international defender also captains the national team (Wikipedia).

Captaincy history

Previous captains include Kelly Smith (2005–2009) and Alex Scott (2009–2013), both of whom are now in the club’s Hall of Fame. Little’s tenure has been marked by consistent leadership during a period of transition and growth.

Who is the new female player in Arsenal?

Isabella Damm signing

Isabella Damm joined Arsenal in 2025 as a new signing, announced on the club’s official Instagram channel (Arsenal Women Instagram). The young forward is expected to add depth to the attacking line.

Other recent transfers

Chloe Kelly arrived on loan from Manchester City as part of an end-of-contract move. Olivia Smith joined permanently from Liverpool, and Anneke Borbe moved from Wolfsburg on a free transfer (Arsenal.com). The club also brought in Taylor Hinds from Liverpool on an end-of-contract deal.

The pattern: Arsenal is targeting players with WSL experience to immediately strengthen the squad, rather than investing in long-term development projects.

How old is Renee Slegers?

Birth date

Renée Slegers was born on 5 February 1989, making her 36 years old as of 2025 (Wikipedia). She became Arsenal women’s permanent manager in 2024 after serving as interim, following Jonas Eidevall’s departure.

Career milestones

Before moving into management, Slegers played for the Netherlands national team, earning 55 caps, and represented clubs such as FC Twente, Linköpings, and LSK Kvinner. Her coaching career began with the Dutch youth teams before taking over at Arsenal.

What is Renee Slegers nationality?

Dutch nationality

Renée Slegers is Dutch. She was born in the Netherlands and represented the Netherlands women’s national team throughout her playing career (Wikipedia).

International career

Slegers earned 55 caps for the Netherlands, scoring 20 goals. She played as a midfielder and was part of the squad that reached the round of 16 at the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada (worldfootball.net).

The implication: Slegers brings a distinctly Dutch football philosophy — possession-based, fluid, and attacking — to Arsenal, which aligns with the club’s tradition of attractive football.

Confirmed facts and what’s still unclear

The pattern: the confirmed facts are supported by official club announcements or reliable databases, while the unclear items lack authoritative confirmation and remain speculative.

Quotes from the camp

“The squad has a strong spirit, and the new signings are settling in well. We’re building something special.”

— Renée Slegers, as quoted on Arsenal.com

“We have a deep squad now, and that competition for places drives everyone to be better. It’s what we need to challenge for titles.”

— Kim Little, in a post-match interview on BBC Sport

The trade-off: More depth means more rotation, but also more pressure on the manager to keep everyone happy. For Slegers, managing egos will be as important as tactics.

What’s next for Arsenal Women

The 2025-26 WSL season kicks off in September, and Arsenal will also compete in the Women’s Champions League group stage. The club’s transfer activity suggests a push for silverware, but the squad must gel quickly. For Renée Slegers, the first few months will define whether her system takes hold. For supporters, the expectation is a top-two finish — anything less would be a disappointment.

The catch: silverware expectations put pressure on a relatively new manager, but the squad’s depth gives Slegers the tools to meet them.

For a broader look at the club, see Arsenals full 2025-26 squad which includes both the men’s and women’s teams.

Frequently asked questions