St Albans’ Kim Little receives MBE for services to football

The 32-year-old has made 338 career appearances, scored 261 goals and won more than 15 trophies, becoming a star of the women’s game with the Scottish national team and as captain of Arsenal Women.

“I’m incredibly honoured to receive an MBE alongside so many empowering and inspiring people in the New Year's Honours,” said Little.

“There is so much more I hope to contribute to the sport that I love and I feel passionately about continuing to make a valuable impact beyond my own playing experiences too.”

Little began her career back in 2006 with Hibernian Women in her native Scotland, and helped the Edinburgh-based side to a league title in 2006/07 as the club won every game.

Kim Little in action for Arsenal. (Image: PA Images)

She would finish her time at Hibs with 88 goals in just 48 games before her form secured her a move to Arsenal aged just 17.

She has established herself as a Gunners legend across two spells with the club, making more than 200 appearances and helping them to five league titles and three FA Cup triumphs.

Little has also played abroad, turning out for US clubs Seattle Reign and OL Reign, as well as Australian outfit Melbourne City.

On the international stage, Mintlaw-born midfielder earned 140 caps for Scotland and helped them qualify for their first Women’s World Cup in 2019 before announcing her retirement from the international game in 2021.

She has also played at two Olympics, being selected in the Great Britain squad for the London 2012 and Tokyo 2020 games.

St Albans' Leah Williamson received an OBE. (Image: PA Images)

Little isn’t the only St Albans-based Arsenal player to be honoured, with defender Leah Williamson, who captained England as they won Euro 2022, has received an OBE for her services to football.