Alessia, Chloe and Michelle awarded MBEs

We are delighted to announce that Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang have been recognised in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2026.

Alessia, Chloe and Michelle have all been awarded MBEs for services to association football, following their integral roles in the Lionesses’ second consecutive UEFA European Championship title in July 2025.

Alessia joined us in 2023 and has scored 60 goals in her 112 appearances, helping us to win the League Cup, the UEFA Women’s Champions League and the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. Alessia has represented England through the youth levels and has 67 England caps, scoring 30 goals at international level

Having begun her career in our youth academy, Chloe returned to Arsenal in January 2025 before making the move permanent last summer. Chloe has recorded 18 goal involvements in 39 appearances during her second spell in North London, winning the UEFA Women’s Champions League and FIFA Champions Cup. Chloe has made 67 appearances for her country, scoring nine goals, including the winning goal in the Euro 2025 semi-final against Italy.

Michelle has been with Arsenal since the age of six, working her way up through the youth categories before signing her first professional contract in May 2024. Following her memorable performances in England’s victorious Euro 2025 campaign, Michelle was named Young Player of the Tournament and went on to win BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year.

Our Chief Executive Officer Richard Garlick said: “On behalf of everyone at Arsenal Football Club, we congratulate Alessia, Chloe and Michelle on receiving MBEs in the King’s Birthday Honours List 2026.

“Alessia, Chloe and Michelle all played pivotal roles in England’s inspirational Euros win last summer, following on from our historic UEFA Champions League triumph in May. We’re hugely proud of them, and together with all our international players, of the way they represent Arsenal on the biggest stage.”

Congratulations, Alessia, Chloe and Michelle. Everyone at Arsenal is so proud of this recognition.

Click here to read article