Leah Williamson Shares Photo with Girlfriend at Ballon d’Or, Appears to Confirm Relationship

Leah Williamson, captain of the England women’s national football team and a central figure in Arsenal W.F.C., has appeared to confirm her relationship with a woman after posting a photo with her girlfriend at the 2025 Ballon d’Or awards, held in Paris on September 24, 2025 . The image, which was shared to Williamson’s official Instagram account, shows the football star in formal attire alongside her partner. The photo has quickly gone viral, drawing international attention and support from LGBTQ+ communities, athletes, and fans alike.

The Ballon d’Or, organized annually by France Football, is one of the most prestigious events in world football, honoring the best male and female players globally . Williamson’s decision to share a photo with her girlfriend at such a high-profile event is seen as a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ representation in sports, especially in women’s football, where visibility has historically lagged behind men’s leagues. While Williamson has always advocated for inclusivity and equality, she has largely kept her private life out of the public sphere until now.

The photo, posted to her Instagram Stories on the night of the awards, was captioned simply with a heart emoji, signaling affection and pride without further commentary . Within hours, the post was widely circulated on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, with fans and high-profile figures in the LGBTQ+ sports community expressing their admiration and support.

The response to Williamson’s post has been overwhelmingly positive. Stonewall, a leading LGBTQ+ rights organization, praised the footballer’s openness and the impact of her visibility on young LGBTQ+ people worldwide . “Leah Williamson is not only a phenomenal athlete, but also a role model for authenticity and courage. Her willingness to live her truth on such a global stage will inspire countless others in the football community and beyond,” a Stonewall spokesperson told PinkNews .

OutSports, an LGBTQ+ sports news outlet, highlighted the significance of such a moment at one of football’s most visible international events, noting that LGBTQ+ athletes continue to break barriers and challenge stereotypes . “Visibility at events like the Ballon d’Or sends a powerful message to LGBTQ+ youth and counters the notion that coming out is a career risk in elite sports,” the publication stated in a recent feature .

Williamson has previously spoken out about the importance of inclusion, equality, and mental health in sports, but has typically kept her personal relationships private . In interviews following England’s victory at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, she reflected on the responsibility of athletes to be visible and supportive of marginalized communities .

The English Football Association (FA) has publicly supported LGBTQ+ players, but the number of openly LGBTQ+ athletes in both the women’s and men’s games remains relatively small compared to the estimated proportion in the general population . Williamson’s gesture adds important momentum to ongoing efforts to foster acceptance within football and the wider sporting world.

The 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony featured several openly LGBTQ+ athletes, including Australia’s Sam Kerr and the United States’ Megan Rapinoe, both of whom have spoken about the importance of representation in sport . With Williamson joining their ranks, the event underscored a broader cultural shift in which LGBTQ+ athletes are increasingly celebrated for both their talents and their identities.

Research by LGBTQ+ advocacy groups has shown that greater visibility of queer athletes can positively impact mental health outcomes and foster a sense of belonging for LGBTQ+ fans . For many, Williamson’s post represents not only personal happiness, but also a beacon of hope for those who may feel isolated or unsupported in their own sporting communities.

Fans and fellow athletes were quick to react online, with hashtags such as #ProudOfLeah and #LGBTQInSport trending on social media platforms. High-profile supporters, including England teammate Beth Mead and Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema, commented with messages of love and encouragement . The moment has also sparked renewed conversations about the need for more inclusive policies and protections across all levels of professional and amateur football.

In a statement to BBC Sport, a spokesperson for the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) reiterated their commitment to supporting LGBTQ+ players: “We celebrate Leah’s courage and advocacy. The PFA will continue working to ensure football remains a safe and welcoming space for everyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity” .

While women’s football has seen increasing numbers of out players in recent years, challenges remain—particularly in men’s leagues, where very few athletes are openly gay, bisexual, or queer . Organizations such as Stonewall and Athlete Ally continue to advocate for equal treatment, anti-discrimination policies, and greater visibility for transgender and non-binary athletes .

Williamson’s public affirmation of her relationship is likely to have ripple effects across the sporting landscape, encouraging others to live authentically and challenging entrenched stigmas. As coverage of the Ballon d’Or continues, conversations about LGBTQ+ inclusion in sport are expected to remain front and center.

For many supporters, the significance of Williamson’s post goes beyond football. It is a celebration of love, authenticity, and progress in a world where LGBTQ+ rights remain under threat in some regions. As Williamson and her partner smiled together on one of football’s grandest stages, they offered a powerful reminder that visibility can drive change, foster acceptance, and inspire the next generation of athletes to be their truest selves.

As the Ballon d’Or ceremony concluded, the message from fans, teammates, and advocacy groups was clear: Leah Williamson’s courage and openness have made football—and the world—a little more inclusive.