Childhood Favorites and First Downloads
Leah Williamson, the England and Arsenal footballer, grew up with Enrique Iglesias on repeat and knows the Bridget Jones soundtrack by heart. Her first musical love was the cassette player with fuzzy foam headphones, playing only two tapes: Hero by Enrique Iglesias and How Do I Live by LeAnn Rimes, over and over.
The first single she downloaded was Michaela Strachan by Scouting for Girls. She found it fascinating that they wrote a song about the TV presenter, even though she wasn't sure who she was until seeing her on television.
Karaoke and Party Anthems
For karaoke, Williamson's initiation at Arsenal was singing Stand By Me by Ben E King. These days, she would likely choose a Justin Bieber number, such as One Less Lonely Girl. She knows every lyric to every song on the Bridget Jones soundtrack, thanks to her mother playing it constantly in the car during her childhood.
Her favorite party songs are older classics, as she enjoys gatherings like 50th birthdays or wedding anniversaries where all generations come together. A standout track for such events is Never Too Much by Luther Vandross.
Songs That Became Too Much
Williamson can no longer listen to Where Are Ü Now by Jack Ü featuring Justin Bieber, as it was played excessively in the Arsenal changing room. When it comes on now, she has to turn it straight off. Similarly, Dancing on My Own by Robyn made her cry at a New Year's Eve party years ago. Despite being a great tune, it became overwhelming, and she called her mother to pick her up at age 16.
Football Anthems and Emotional Tracks
Her favorite football song is Three Lions by Baddiel, Skinner & Lightning Seeds, because of the 2022 Euros. Singing 'It's coming home' was an amazing feeling. Nowadays, The Angel (North London Forever) by Louis Dunford gives her goosebumps. She secretly likes Return to Sender by Elvis Presley, which she played on headphones en route to football practice.
Life-Changing Music and Morning Motivation
Williamson's grandmother, an avid concert-goer, has taken her to see Paul Simon, Florence + the Machine, and Teddy Swims. Seeing Norah Jones perform Come Away With Me in a crowd where hardly anyone had phones out made her realize: 'This is what music is about.'
For morning motivation, she has been listening to Inner Smile by Texas. With much Michael Jackson played at the training ground due to the movie, the song that truly wakes her up is Billie (Loving Arms) by Fred Again.
Funeral Songs and Future Plans
Williamson doesn't want people to cry at her funeral; she wants them to have a good time. She would choose Believe by Cher or I'll Be Around by the Spinners. England women's next World Cup qualifying game is against Greece on 9 October. Leah Williamson is an ambassador for Cadbury.
