But despite establishing herself as one of the Lionesses’ most prolific goalscorers in the 2025/26 season, she’s keen to make it clear that she’s more than just a warrior on the pitch. “I want to get recognised for the quality I have on the ball and the role that I play within a team, whether that be leading by example, having catalyst moments or my possession and communication. I don’t always want to be the fighter on the pitch – I would also like to be known for other things.”

Having played professionally for clubs like Blackburn Rovers, Manchester City and Bayern Munich, that’s exactly what Stanway is hoping to achieve in her latest chapter at Arsenal: developing her game, sharpening her skills and exploring new ways to challenge herself. It’s a theme that runs throughout her life, too – this drive to seek out new experiences, whether that means moving to Munich to join a new team or learning the art of tattooing.

Here, Stanway talks us through her early experiences playing football with her brothers, stepping outside her comfort zone and the importance of home – plus, her surprisingly simple pre-match ritual.