Arsenal Star Leah Williamson's Romantic Getaway to New York with Model Girlfriend Elle Smith
Arsenal and Lionesses star Leah Williamson recently embarked on a trip to New York to spend quality time with her partner, model Elle Smith. Read on to discover more about their relationship and Williamson's injury return.

Arsenal and Lionesses star Leah Williamson jetted off to New York to spend time with her model girlfriend, Elle Smith, ahead of her injury return. The pair soft-launched their relationship earlier in the year on Instagram, and since then, many heart-warming posts have been shared, giving the fans a glimpse of their private lives.Although Williamson and Smith have never publicly confirmed their relationship, speculation about their closeness has been building steadily since early 2024. The first real spark came in March, when Smith shared a video of the pair floating together on a paddleboard in the ocean. The caption, "happy birthday my love x", was met with a playful emoji response from Williamson, prompting fans to draw their own conclusions. Another notable moment came in May, following England’s emphatic 6-0 victory over Portugal. In a black-and-white photograph shared online, Williamson was seen sitting on Smith’s lap, arms wrapped around her. Earlier in the year, the couple were also seen enjoying rooftop hospitality at the exclusive SAA Club in Brooklyn. There, they relaxed by a pool overlooking the Manhattan skyline.An American journalist and beauty pageant contestant, Smith was crowned Miss USA in 2021 after first earning the Miss Kentucky USA title earlier that year. Her victory made her only the second woman from Kentucky to claim the national crown. Smith later represented the United States at the Miss Universe pageant, where she finished in the top 10, ultimately losing out to India’s Harnaaz Sandhu. Since then, she has built a profile as a media professional and model.On Friday, Williamson added another chapter to that story by sharing a carousel of images from New York. The photos showed the pair enjoying everyday moments, including a visit to a movie theatre and attendance at a live music concert. The understated caption, "Spending time", spoke volumes about the chemistry between the two.Williamson had been sidelined since sustaining a knee injury during Euro 2025 in the summer, one that required surgery shortly after the final. While the timing was cruel, the defender approached her rehabilitation with the same calm determination that defines her on the pitch. Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Champions League meeting with Benfica in October, her head coach Renee Slegers offered a cautiously optimistic update."She's progressing well," Slegers said. "She did her first session on pitch yesterday, which was good. Exact timeline, we'll have to see day by day, week by week, but we hope to see her back before Christmas. That will be great. But then everything has to go to plan."And it seems everything has gone according to plan as the Arsenal star made her first appearance of the season in the Gunners' clash with Everton on Saturday afternoon in the WSL as she came off the bench.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reportingArsenal climbed up to second in the Women’s Super League, following their 3-1 victory over Everton. However, they can still slip back to fourth if Chelsea and Manchester United win their respective matches. Next up is a Champions League clash with Oud-Heverlee Leuven on December 17 and a League Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace on December 21, before they head into the winter break.
A Romantic Getaway
In a heartwarming turn of events, Arsenal and Lionesses star Leah Williamson jetted off to New York to be with her model girlfriend, Elle Smith. The couple, whose relationship soft-launched on Instagram earlier this year, have been steadily capturing fans' attention with their shared moments of joy and love.
Building Speculation
Despite never officially confirming their relationship, Williamson and Smith have been dropping hints since early 2024. From paddleboarding adventures to cozy lap-sitting snapshots, the duo has left breadcrumbs for followers to piece together their romantic journey. A particularly noteworthy moment was their rooftop rendezvous at the exclusive SAA Club in Brooklyn, offering a glimpse into their cherished private moments.
Meet Elle Smith
Elle Smith, an American journalist and beauty pageant winner, clinched the prestigious Miss USA title in 2021, following her initial Miss Kentucky USA triumph. Her success at Miss Universe catapulted her into the public eye. Since then, Smith has delved into media work and modeling, carving out a niche for herself in both industries.
The New York Adventure
Displaying a snippet of their New York escapade, Williamson shared a series of photos capturing their everyday experiences, from movie theatre visits to live music concerts. The subtle yet meaningful caption, 'Spending time,' encapsulated the intimate bond between the pair, showcasing their chemistry and shared happiness.
Injury Comeback
Following a knee injury during Euro 2025, Williamson underwent surgery and embarked on a diligent rehabilitation journey. Her return to the pitch for Arsenal's clash against Everton marked a significant milestone in her recovery. With a successful appearance in the WSL, Williamson's comeback signals a promising outlook for her future performances on the field.
Upcoming Challenges
As Arsenal navigates upcoming fixtures in the Women's Super League, Champions League, and League Cup, Williamson's return adds a crucial element of strength to the team. With matches against formidable opponents on the horizon, the Gunners strive to maintain their competitive edge and secure victories that could bolster their standing in the league.



