Beth Meade is set to leave Arsenal at the end of the season when her contract expires.
The striker, who joined the Gunners from Sunderland in 2017, leaves the north London side after nine seasons. She scored 86 goals in 265 appearances for the club.
During her illustrious career at Arsenal, she won the Women’s Super League title, three League Cups, the Champions League and one Champions Cup.
Mead played a key role in the Lionesses winning the 2022 Euros.
“It’s not easy leaving this club,” Meade said. “I don’t think any words can say enough what this club means to me.
“It breaks my heart in ways I never expected, but I leave this place with so much love, pride and gratitude.
“Arsenal will always be a part of me.”
While at Arsenal, Meade made his England debut and went on to play a key role as the Lionesses won the 2022 Euros. She was named Player of the Tournament and was also part of the England squad that defended the 2025 Euro title.
Claire Whitley, director of women’s football, said: “Beth has made a huge contribution to our football club over the past nine years and will go down in history as one of our best strikers and a club legend.”
“Beth is a truly special person and she will always be welcome at Arsenal. I know our supporters will join me in wishing Beth happiness and success.”
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.
Arsenal’s great servant
Meade scored 86 goals in 265 appearances for the Gunners.
Analysis by Sky Sports’ Laura Hunter:
Mead enjoyed some magical moments at Arsenal. There’s nothing more special than a stunning assist from last year’s Champions League final winner Stina Blackstenius. It’s fitting that a player who has been alive and well at Arsenal for the last decade has had such an impact in a game of that magnitude.
She scored 86 goals for Arsenal, but her sublime pass to unlock Barcelona is probably remembered as her best moment.
The 31-year-old has of course been a monumental player for England over the years, changing the course of history both on and off the pitch. As well as being a two-time European champion, she continues to be an active ambassador for Ovarian Cancer Action in memory of her late mother.
She was also fun to talk to. He’s a likeable and humble character who doesn’t take himself too seriously, but is equally devoted to his craft. She is interested in soccer. She also cares about people. After nine such influential years, her presence at London Colney will be missed by many.
Indeed, her departure, along with Codina and Pelova, marks a change of direction for Arsenal as they look to recreate a team capable of challenging for the WSL under Renee Slegers. They have not won the title since 2018/19.
Work is clearly underway to address this reality.
