SOCCER

Leah Williamson

The England captain was catapulted into a national star after leading the Lionesses to victory on home soil at Euro 2022.England is now targeting global glory at the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand in 2023. At just 25, Williamson was selected as skipper by Sarina Wiegman ahead of much more experienced teammates but her leadership qualities on and off the field shone through as England's women won a first ever major international tournament. The Arsenal defender has repeatedly stressed the importance of leaving a legacy by inspiring a new generation of girls to take up the sport. But she has earned that status by being one of the best players in the world thanks to her composure in possession and excellent reading of the game.