Who Is Katie Reid? The Teen Defender Making Waves With Arsenal and the Lionesses | OneFootball

Arsenal’s Katie Reid has earned her first call-up for the Lionesses

At just 19, Katie Reid has gone from Arsenal academy hopeful to England international. Here’s how one of football’s brightest young talents made her mark.

A Dream Taking Shape

For Katie Reid, football has always been more than just a game. Born in England in 2006, she joined Arsenal’s academy as a teenager and has quietly been climbing the ladder ever since. Those who’ve watched her from the start talk about her calmness on the ball and the way she reads the game like someone far older.

It’s been a steady rise, built on patience and hard work. Reid isn’t the type to make noise off the pitch, she lets her football do the talking. Now, that approach has paid off with a first senior call up to the England Lionesses squad.

Growing Up the Arsenal Way

Reid joined Arsenal at 13 and quickly stood out in the club’s youth setup. Her coaches praised her focus and attitude, describing her as a “natural organiser” even among older players. She moved up through the age groups, representing England at under 17 and under 19 level along the way.

In 2023 she spent some time on loan at Watford in the Women’s Championship, a move that proved to be a real turning point. Playing regular senior football toughened her up and showed her what the game is like at that level. When she came back to Arsenal she looked more confident, more assured and ready to fight for her place.

That hard work paid off in April 2024 when she made her Women’s Super League debut in a 5 to 0 win over Bristol City, a proud moment that marked the start of her life in top flight football.

Katie Reid England Call Up

This October, Sarina Wiegman rewarded Reid’s progress with her first senior England call up. The Lionesses are set to face Brazil and Australia, and Reid will be part of that squad, training, learning and maybe even earning her first cap.

It’s a huge moment for any player, let alone one who’s still in her teens. For Reid, it’s a chance to show what she can do alongside some of the best defenders in the world. Even if she doesn’t step onto the pitch, being in that environment is an education in itself.

Calm, Composed and Confident

Reid plays mainly as a centre back and what stands out most about her is her composure. She rarely looks rushed, even when the pressure is on, and she is confident bringing the ball out from defence. That calmness is exactly what modern teams want in a defender.

Her timing in tackles and awareness of space are already impressive, but it is her intelligence that makes her stand out. She knows when to step in and when to hold her position, showing a real understanding of the game. Arsenal’s style suits her perfectly and she has shown she can take responsibility in the biggest moments.

Looking Ahead

Katie Reid’s call up feels like the start of something exciting. England’s defence is stacked with experience, but Wiegman clearly sees Reid as part of the future. If she keeps developing at this rate, there’s every chance she’ll become a regular name on team sheets for both club and country.

At 19 she has time, talent and the right attitude. Her journey is still in its early chapters, but it already reads like the story of a player destined to go far.