Arsenal bid farewell to a true legend of the club: Lia Wälti | OneFootball

On Thursday, Arsenal announced the departure of Lia Wälti, marking the end of an extraordinary seven-year journey at the club. Making 183 appearances in all competitions, the Swiss international leaves having lifted four major trophies, firmly cementing herself as one of the finest midfielders ever to wear the Arsenal shirt. Wälti has now joined Juventus on a permanent deal until 2027.

The journey

Wälti arrived in North London in July 2018 after making the move from Turbine Potsdam, and she wasted no time in showing her class. Elegant on the ball, intelligent in her positioning, and fearless under pressure, she quickly became the heartbeat of Arsenal’s midfield. Her ability to dictate tempo, break lines with her passing, and stay composed in even the most pressurised situations set her apart as one of the WSL’s most complete midfielders.

From the moment she pulled on the red and white shirt, fans recognised her brilliance. Her technical mastery with both feet, combined with her composure and versatility, earned her a place in the PFA Team of the Year after her very first season. More importantly, it made her a cornerstone of Arsenal’s identity on the pitch – a player who could be trusted to steady the team and elevate those around her.

Over the years, the Swiss international became central to some of Arsenal’s greatest modern triumphs. She was integral in winning the Barclays Women’s Super League title, lifting two League Cups, and, most memorably, helping the club conquer Europe once again in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. Her performances were never particularly flashy, but always decisive; the kind of leadership that doesn’t always make headlines, but wins matches and trophies. A mentor to younger players and a calming influence in the dressing room, Wälti embodied professionalism in every sense.

On the international stage

Beyond her club achievements, Wälti has been a titan for her country. She made her Switzerland debut in 2011 and has since earned 131 caps so far, captaining her side at the last three major tournaments, including the UEFA Women’s Euros in her homeland this past summer. Twice named Swiss Footballer of the Year (2021 and 2023), she is, and will continue to be, widely regarded as one of the most influential players Switzerland has ever produced.

Lia’s lasting impact

Wälti’s legacy at Arsenal is one of leadership, elegance, and unwavering excellence. She leaves behind a club forever enriched by her talent, her resilience, and the example she set for all who wore the shirt after her. To fans, she was more than just a player; she was the embodiment of remaining calm under pressure, a midfielder who never seemed to lose the ball, no matter how tight the situation.

Her connection with the supporters was special, an unspoken understanding built on her consistency, her loyalty, and her determination to give everything for the badge. Even after suffering serious knee and ankle injuries, she showed her trademark grit, battling back time and again to reestablish herself as the anchor of Arsenal’s midfield. That resilience only deepened the respect she earned from fans, teammates, and opponents alike.

She came to Arsenal with a dream: to win the Champions League with the club. Her final game in Arsenal colours was the Champions League final, where she left the pitch not only as a champion, but as a player whose name will forever be etched into the club’s history.

An incredible legacy

After seven unforgettable years, Arsenal bid farewell to a true legend. Wälti’s story at the club is one of grace, strength, and loyalty. She was the heartbeat of the team, the standard-bearer of excellence, and a player who lived the Arsenal values every single day.

Her departure closes a remarkable chapter, but her legacy will endure at Arsenal long after she’s gone.

She will now begin a new chapter at Juventus, ready to take Serie A Women by storm and bring the same leadership, elegance, and tactical brilliance that defined her time at Arsenal, to Italian football.