English forward and one of the pioneers of the women's game, England's all-time leading goalscorer until 2021 with 46 international goals
Kelly Jayne Smith was born on 29 October 1978 in Watford, England, and grew up playing football on boys' teams in the Garston area, showing enough talent to be the top goalscorer for Garston Boys Club at age seven — until she was removed from the team after opposing parents complained about their sons playing against a girl. She continued undeterred, joining Wembley Ladies before Arsenal signed her at 18. Smith moved to the United States in 1997 to attend Seton Hall University, where she set records that still stand in college soccer, before turning professional with several American clubs, including the Philadelphia Charge. Living far from home and isolated in a new country, she began drinking heavily to cope, and a series of career-threatening injuries triggered severe depression that developed into serious alcoholism. Smith returned to England and entered the Sporting Chance Clinic, founded by former Arsenal captain Tony Adams, for treatment, and made a remarkable recovery to rejoin Arsenal in 2005, helping the club win the Women's Premier League title that season, including a spectacular 30-yard strike against Charlton. She went on to become widely regarded as the finest player England has ever produced, winning six league titles and three FA Cups across three spells at Arsenal. Smith retired in 2017 as England's all-time leading goalscorer with 46 goals in 117 caps, having represented her country at two World Cups, four European Championships, and the 2012 London Olympics as part of Team GB. She was awarded an MBE for services to football in 2008, and later published a candid autobiography about her struggles before returning to Arsenal as an assistant coach.
Being England's all-time record goalscorer for two decades and a pioneer of professional women's football
How They Played
Two-footed, technically outstanding forward with close control, vision and a clinical eye for goal
Lasting Impact
Regarded as one of the most technically gifted English players of either gender and a trailblazer whose career helped legitimise the professional women's game
Career Honours
- UEFA Women's Cup 2006-07
- FA Women's Cup 3x
- FA Women's Premier League 4x
- FA Women's Players' Player of the Year 2x
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wembley Ladies | 1994–1996 | — | — |
| Arsenal | 1996–1997 | — | — |
| New Jersey Lady Stallions | 1999–2000 | — | — |
| Philadelphia Charge | 2001–2003 | 26 | 9 |
| New Jersey Wildcats | 2004–2004 | 8 | 8 |
| Arsenal | 2005–2009 | 66 | 73 |
| Boston Breakers | 2009–2012 | 46 | 18 |
| Arsenal | 2012–2017 | 23 | 9 |
 England | — | 117 | 46 |