Widely acclaimed as one of England’s greatest female footballers, Kelly Smith enjoyed a stellar international career. With notable achievements at Arsenal Ladies and representing her country at the home Olympics, Kelly is celebrated as a legend in the sport. Post-retirement, she has maintained her impressive goal record and high-profile status, frequently appearing in the media as a commentator on various competitions. Additionally, Kelly is a sought-after motivational and after-dinner speaker, sharing the qualities that propelled her to peak performance and can be adopted by others to achieve success.
A dominant force on the international stage, Kelly represented the English national team for 19 years, amassing 117 appearances. A skilled and powerful forward, she made her debut at just 16, highlighting her exceptional talent. Throughout her career, Kelly participated in four European Championships, two World Cups, and represented Team GB in the London 2012 Olympic Games. One of her most remarkable achievements is setting the all-time goal-scoring record for England with 46 goals, a record that remains unbroken.
Kelly's club career is most notable for her time with Arsenal, where she had three stints with the Premier League team. Over 10 years, she scored 125 goals for Arsenal Ladies, including nine hat-tricks, one of which she achieved within just 16 minutes of coming off the bench in 2014 against Bristol Academy. During one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, Kelly won 20 trophies with Arsenal, including four Premier League titles and three FA Cups, cementing her status as a football legend.
Since retiring, Kelly has stayed in the sporting spotlight as an ambassador and pundit, appearing on platforms like FOX Sports. In recognition of her significant contributions to football, she was honoured with an MBE in 2008 and was voted among FIFA’s Top 10 Players of the Year on four occasions. An undeniable icon of women’s football, Kelly is an ideal speaker for events, sharing captivating stories from her playing days and the transferable qualities that led to her success.