Beth Mead will leave Arsenal at the end of the season when her contract expires.
The forward, who joined the Gunners from Sunderland in 2017, leaves after nine seasons in north London. She made 265 appearances for the club, scoring 86 goals.
In a glittering career at Arsenal, she has won the Women’s Super League title, three League Cups, the Champions League and a Champions Cup.
Mead played a key role when the Lionesses won the Euros in 2022
“Leaving this club isn’t easy,” Mead said. “I don’t think any words will truly be enough for what this club means to me.
“It breaks my heart in ways I didn’t expect, but I leave it with so much love, pride and so much gratitude.
“Arsenal will always be a part of me, always.”
During her time at Arsenal, Mead made her England debut and went on to play a key role for the Lionesses as they won the Euros in 2022. She was named player of the tournament and was also part of the England squad that defended their Euros title in 2025.
Director of women’s football Clare Wheatley said: “Beth has made a huge contribution to our football club over nine years, and will go down in history as one of our best forwards and a legend of the club.
“Beth is such a special person and will always be welcome at Arsenal. I know our supporters will join me in wishing Beth happiness and success in her future endeavours.”
Arsenal have announced that defender Laia Codina and midfielder Victoria Pelova will also leave the club at the end of the season when their contracts expire.
A wonderful servant to Arsenal
Mead made 265 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 86 goals
Analysis from Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter:
Mead has enjoyed some magic moments at Arsenal. None more special than the wonderful assist for Stina Blackstenius’ winner in last year’s Champions League final. It was fitting that a player who has lived and breathed Arsenal for the best part of a decade was so influential in a game of that magnitude.
She’s scored 86 goals for Arsenal, but that exquisite pass to unlock Barcelona will perhaps be remembered as her crowning moment.
The 31-year-old has of course also been monumental for England over the years, changing the course of history on and off the pitch. As well as being a double European champion, she continues to be an active ambassador for Ovarian Cancer Action, supporting them in memory of her late mother.
She is a pleasure to speak too. A highly likeable and humble character who doesn’t take herself too seriously but is equally dedicated to her craft. She cares about football. She cares about people too. Her presence will no doubt be missed by many at London Colney after such an impactful nine years.
Indeed her departure, alongside Codina and Pelova, marks a change in direction at Arsenal as they seek to reinvent a side capable of challenging for the WSL under Renee Slegers. They haven’t won the title since 2018/19.
Work is clearly under way to address that reality.
