On the back of becoming the face of Nike's new Air Max 1 collection for SS18, Arsenal and England U23 player Leah Williamson spoke to Vogue about her influence and responsibility as a professional footballer.
Williamson has featured in Nike campaigns before, most notably for the NikeLab x Olivier Rousting collaboration featured in SoccerBible Magazine Issue 6, but this is her first solo campaign for the Swoosh. The entire campaign for the Air Max 1 collection was shot by an all-female creative team and offers exclusive colourways for women for Spring/Summer 2018.
Nineteen-year-old Williamson has already spent a decade with Arsenal, and her rise to the first team has led to a more prominent role within her Nike contract. Speaking to Vogue, Leah touched on the importance of Nike's support in raising the profile of women's football; "Once Nike partnered with the England football team, there was a massive drive in the women's game."
"When I found out they wanted to work with me, I absolutely jumped at the chance. The brand is so influential in the game, it can only be a good thing that they are really investing in the women's side now. I think it also brings out the competition from all the other brands, much like the men's game."
Read the full interview with Leah Williamson at vogue.co.uk as she discusses the rise of the women's game.
