Kelly Smith
Forward · Arsenal Ladies · England
About Kelly Smith
Kelly Smith was the most naturally gifted English woman footballer of her generation — a player of breathtaking technical ability, mesmeric dribbling, and an ice-cold left foot whose career was repeatedly disrupted by serious knee injuries that prevented her from reaching her full potential.
Kelly Smith's story
Watford Prodigy
Kelly Smith was born on 29 October 1978 in Watford and showed extraordinary ability from childhood. She played for Arsenal Ladies from the age of 16 and was immediately identified as exceptional. Her left foot produced passes and goals of a quality that the women's game in England had rarely seen.
American Dream
Frustrated by the lack of professionalism in the English women's game, Smith moved to the United States to play in the college system and later professionally. She starred at Seton Hall University and in the WUSA and WPS, earning a reputation as one of the finest players in the world. She represented teams including Philadelphia Charge and Boston Breakers.
The Knee Injuries
Smith's career was cruelly disrupted by three major knee injuries — each of which required surgery and lengthy rehabilitation. Many believe these injuries robbed England of what could have been an even more extraordinary career. Despite them, she still won multiple WSL titles with Arsenal and earned 117 England caps.
Arsenal Icon & Retirement
Smith returned to Arsenal Ladies and became one of the first great players of the new Women's Super League era. She retired in 2017 having won multiple WSL and FA Women's Cup titles. She is universally regarded as the greatest female footballer England has produced. She has been open about her battles with depression and alcohol during her career.
Did you know?
- Smith suffered three separate ACL knee injuries during her career — many believe she would have been the greatest player in women's football history had she remained injury-free throughout.
- She scored one of the greatest individual goals in Women's World Cup history in 2007 — a left-footed half-volley from outside the box against Japan that is still shown on highlight reels today.
- Smith has spoken publicly about her battles with depression and alcohol during her playing career, and has become an advocate for mental health awareness in sport since retiring.
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