The Rising Star: Katie Reid, Could She Be The Next Captain of the Lionesses?

Talent, fame, Champions League winner at 18, everything you have missed about Arsenal women’s defender Katie Reid.

(Image credit to @katie.reid26 on Instagram)

Katie Reid is a nineteen-year-old footballer who plays for Arsenal Women’s team. Katie, who is a defender, primarily a centre back, is often compared to Lionesses captain and Arsenal vice captain Leah Williamson. Mostly due to her amazing defensive skills, and both being childhood Arsenal fans (gooners).

Katie made her debut for the Arsenal senior team aged only 17 years old in the final few minutes of a 5-0 win against Bristol City in the Women’s Super League 2024. In her career, Katie has also done a season on loan with Championship (now called WSL2) side Watford, getting a total of 13 appearances, 10 of which were starts. Katie was also part of the squad that won the UEFA Women’s Champions League 2025 at only 18 years old. It’s clear to say Katie’s definitely a player to watch.

The current season of 25/26 was definitely going to be Katie’s season to grow even more as a player. With Leah Williamson out at the start of the Women’s Super League campaign with a knee injury she sustained in the Euros, Katie Reid had the chance to have some well-deserved game time. In September 2025, Katie started all four of Arsenal's Women’s Super League games and played the full ninety each time.

For England, Katie Reid represented the England under-17, under-19 and under 23’s national teams. Due to her outstanding performances at the club, Katie was then called up to the England senior team in October, but was forced to withdraw before the start of the camp after a small groin-related injury. A few weeks later, on the 10th of November, Katie shared a post on Instagram telling fans that she had ruptured her Anterior Cruciate Ligament (better known by most as the ACL) during a training session. This injury will keep her sidelined for the rest of the 25/26 season, although she has shown much progress, including on the 20th of March, when it was confirmed that she is back running on the grass.

However, this will definitely not hold Katie back in her career, and she is definitely a rising star to keep an eye on in the next few years of women’s football. Will she follow in the footsteps of her mentor, Leah Williamson and be the next captain of England?

Article written by Megan Cavill