Bethany Jane Mead is an exceptional English professional footballer renowned for her prowess as a forward with Arsenal in the Women’s Super League (WSL) and the England national team. A creative and prolific player, Mead holds the all-time record for the most assists in the WSL and is the second-highest in overall goal contributions. Notably, she became the first player to achieve a combined total of 100 goals and assists in the league, showcasing her remarkable playmaking abilities.
Mead’s career began at Sunderland, where she made a significant impact from 2011 to 2016. She scored 77 goals in 78 appearances, earning multiple accolades including the WPL Golden Boot and Player of the Year awards. Her leadership on the field helped Sunderland secure the WSL 2 title and gain promotion to the top tier, cementing her legacy as one of the club’s greatest players.
In 2017, Mead joined Arsenal, where she transitioned into a winger and continued to break records. She played a pivotal role in Arsenal’s 2018–19 WSL title win, setting the record for most assists in a season. Her contributions in the 2021–22 season solidified her status as the WSL all-time assists leader and earned her the Arsenal Player of the Season award.
Internationally, Mead has represented England at various levels, culminating in a standout performance at UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, where she won the Golden Boot and was named Player of the Tournament. Her accolades include being named BBC Sports Personality of the Year and receiving an MBE for her contributions to football, highlighting her influence and dedication to the sport.