Williamson’s rise from Champions League mascot to finalist

Leah Williamson, age 10, walked out as mascot alongside her heroes the last time Arsenal reached the Women’s Champions League final.

In 18 years, Williamson, a key player for the Gunners, will take to the pitch for the showpiece game against Barcelona.

In the first and only other English club to win the trophy at Meadow Park that day, Arsenal defeated Swedish side Umea 1-0.

Williamson told BBC Sport’s Jo Currie, “I remember Borehamwood rocking.” “I just recall that people were present everywhere. I was upset that I didn’t join the away team because it wasn’t in their plans to leave.

I remember watching my teammate and thinking, “Arsenal were going to go and win,” which I think is a wonderful thing to grow up with as a fan.

“Good day,” I said. For the club and for everyone else, I recall it. I just recall that everyone was exuberant, which is what awards do.

Williamson made her senior debut the day after turning 17 on her Arsenal debut at the age of eight.

She has won seven major awards, but her full-circle moment would be when she was crowned a European champion with her childhood club in 18 years.

Williamson continued, “It’s really nice for me to reflect on.” Never did I think that I would become a professional football player. I continued to pursue my passions and pursue what I love.

Barcelona, Europe’s dominant force, who are chasing a fourth successive Champions League title, will be in Arsenal’s path on Saturday.

Williamson said Arsenal should hope that their underdog status works to their advantage after Chelsea’s brutal 8-2 aggregate semi-final defeat by the Catalan giants.

Given what they have accomplished in the last three years of the competition, she said, “On paper, I’m not surprised because it would be disrespectful to think any other way.”

Everyone who speaks of Barcelona is very respectful and humble about how successful they are as a football club. We’re going [there] to triumph. In that regard, it’s not an underdog mentality.

“We have just one game to play before the trophy is offered,” he said. 100% of the time, we are confident in our ability to succeed there.

The 50, 095 capacity Jose Alvalade Stadium in Lisbon, the home of men’s side Sporting, will host Saturday’s game.

That alone demonstrates how far the game has come since Williamson became the team’s mascot in front of 3, 467 spectators at Meadow Park in 2007.

Williamson anticipates that winning the Champions League will result in another rise in domestic game popularity after leading England to the European Championship title in 2022.

She said, “I believe it would have a similar effect.” “I think the interest levels, the idea that you can watch your team, who are tops in the world, are very appealing.

Given how long it has been since our English teams have recently performed really well and advanced, it would be incredible to see how they have done so much and how far they have gone.

“I’m very happy to play for a team with such a rich history. When you are the player who leaves the field, you are responsible for the legacy that has permeated your past behind the badge.