By Merryn Dyson (22/05/25)
In the fourth article in the series of articles building up to the huge Champions League final in Lisbon this Saturday, Impetus Football’s Merryn Dyson looks into Kim Little’s stellar career, and why this fixture is so momentous for the Arsenal captain.
Kim Little has played a vital part in the success of the Gunners. Having spent most of her career at Arsenal- she is the definition of a club legend. The long-serving Skipper just missed out in the 2006-07 season, joining just a year after Arsenals Champions League victory. This time around however, she looks to get her hands on the trophy.
Little started at the club as a 17-year-old teenager amongst some of the most influential faces in women’s football, such as the likes of Kelly Smith and Alex Scott. It shows the qualities she has now she has displayed since her youth, especially coming into a history making squad full of stars that went a season unbeaten, winning every trophy possible that previous year to her signing.
“Make a note of this kid, she’s going to be a big player.” – Vic Akers.
Little contributed to 11 trophies before her departure in 2013 to Seattle Reign in America, but she shortly made a return to North London just three years later in 2016 after a loan spell at Melbourne City. Despite challenging setbacks with injuries, she again worked relentlessly, earning herself the armband. She leads the team by example, empowering others to have a voice and allowing them to have a chance to lead. This allows the exploitation of other players strengths whilst supporting the dynamic that the squad has. Little is all for the team and that’s why fans and teammates admire her and her commitment to the sport.
This tournament has been a special one for her. The 34-year-old, who has had over 300 appearances for Arsenal, is eager for this trophy to be under her belt. She is one of the most influential players in a match, controlling the centre of the field and constantly looking for creative outlays of play. She interlinks play between the wings and is known for her ability to make an impeccable pass. Her understanding of the game is second to none, which is proven through her excellent positional awareness, the way she communicates and her continuous high press against opposition.
Leah Williamson recently said in an interview after the Lyon Semi-Final second leg, “Kim Little is an unbelievable footballer who goes under the radar.”
Further, Renee Slegers, Arsenal coach, sang the captain’s praises: “it was such a special moment for Kim, she has been part of the club for so long, if you see how she invests and how hard she works, all the players see it and feel it. The way she performs, it’s incredible.”
During that crucial away leg at Lyon, she continuously won her individual battles, helping the team to gain possession (55%), and made sure that the balance between offence and defence was equal. She orchestrated the press and led to their 3-goal lead in that leg. She was deserving of Player of the Match and Slegers, in her interview, agreed.
When the Gunners face the difficult challenge of Barcelona, they will look to Kim Little to help guide them over the line. Her excellence across the years across every position she’s fulfilled has been game-changing, and a win in the UWCL feels more than deserved for one of the greatest players to ever grace the women’s game.
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