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Jessica Naz
Jessica Naz
from Wikipedia

Jessica Naz (born 24 September 2000) is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for Women's Super League club Tottenham Hotspur and the England national team. She previously represented England at under-17, under-19 and under-23 youth levels.

Key Information

Club career

[edit]

Naz came up through the Tottenham Hotspur academy,[3] but made her senior debut for Arsenal on 23 February 2018, coming on as a substitute for Heather O'Reilly for the last three minutes of Arsenal's 1–0 win over Everton in the 2017–18 season.[4]

Naz rejoined Tottenham later in 2018 and helped Tottenham achieve promotion to the Women's Super League, although she missed the 2019–20 season due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury.[3] She returned from injury in December 2020, and in February 2021, signed a contract extension through June 2022 with an option for an additional year.[3]

In December 2021, Tottenham manager Rehanne Skinner elaborated that she believes Naz could become a more dangerous presence, who is "more than capable of scoring goals on a regular basis".[5]

In March 2022, Naz was named Young Player of the Year at the London Football Awards,[6] beating teammate Esther Morgan in the process.[7] On 30 October 2022, as a substitute in the 2022–23 WSL season, she scored two goals in a humiliating 8–0 defeat for Brighton & Hove Albion.[8]

In February 2023, Naz extended her contract with Tottenham for two and a half years.[9]

On 21 January 2024, as part of the 2023–24 WSL season, and as a substitute, Naz scored a dramatic winning goal in a 4–3 victory over West Ham.[10][11]

On 9 December 2025, it was announced that Naz had suffered an Anterior cruciate ligament injury (ACL) for the second time in her career and would undergo surgery.[12][13]

International career

[edit]

Youth

[edit]

Naz has represented England at multiple youth levels, from under-17 up to under-23.[1]

On 1 October 2018, with the under-19 squad in 2019 Under-19 Championship qualification, Naz scored a hat trick in a 9–0 victory against Malta in the opening match of the group stage.[14] In April 2019, she scored a further two goals against Sweden and one against Italy in the elite round, helping the England squad to reach the final tournament, with the team winning all their games in the qualification rounds.[15][16] On 16 July, Naz scored a late goal against Germany in a 2–1 defeat in the 2019 Under-19 Championship group stage, where England finished in third place in Group B.[17]

In November 2021, Naz was named in the under-23 team,[18] featuring in a 9–0 win against Estonia on 30 November.[19] In February 2022 she was named in the U23 squad for two fixtures against France.[20] In September 2023, Naz featured in matches against Norway and Belgium,[21][22] as part of the squad for the new U23 European League during the 2023–24 campaign.[23]

In October 2023, Naz was again named in the England squad for the U23 European League.[24] On 18 October, as a substitute, she scored the opening goal in a 2–0 win against Portugal with her first touches of the ball.[25][26] On 30 November, Naz featured in a match against Spain as a 90th minute substitute,[27] and on 4 December against France as part of the starting eleven.[28]

Senior

[edit]

Naz received her first senior call-up on 14 May 2024 for the four UEFA Euro 2025 qualification matches played that summer.[29] She was initially only named as a standby player, but was promoted to the full squad following the withdrawal of Lauren James through injury.[30] She made her senior debut on 12 July, coming on as a 71st minute substitute in a 2–1 win against the Republic of Ireland.[31][32] Naz has been awarded the Legacy number 230 by The Football Association.[33]

Having not played for her national team since February 2025, and missing out on being part of the Euro 2025 squad, Naz was called up as a replacement for Jess Park in the October 2025 friendlies against Brazil and Australia.[34]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]
As of match played14 December 2025[2]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League FA Cup League Cup Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Arsenal 2017–18 Women's Super League 2 0 0 0 0 0 2 0
Tottenham Hotspur 2018–19 Women's Championship 17 4 1 1 5 0 23 5
2019–20 Women's Super League 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2020–21 Women's Super League 10 0 2 1 0 0 12 1
2021–22 Women's Super League 16 2 1 0 4 0 21 2
2022–23 Women's Super League 15 2 0 0 1 0 16 2
2023–24 Women's Super League 22 3 5 1 5 3 32 7
2024–25 Women's Super League 22 2 1 0 3 1 26 3
2025–26 Women's Super League 10 0 0 0 3 0 13 0
Total 112 13 10 3 21 4 143 20
Career total 114 13 10 3 21 4 145 20

International

[edit]
As of match played 26 February 2025[2]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National team Year Apps Goals
England 2024 5 0
2025 1 0
Total 6 0

Honours

[edit]

Arsenal

Tottenham Hotspur

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jessica Naz (born 24 September 2000) is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for in the (WSL). Born in , she first joined Tottenham's academy at the age of eight, later spent time in 's academy, and rejoined Tottenham in 2018. She made her senior debut with Arsenal in February 2018 before transferring to Tottenham Hotspur, with whom she made 17 starts and scored four goals in the 2018–19 season, contributing to their promotion to the WSL. Over her career with Tottenham, Naz has made over 100 appearances across all competitions, including a standout 2023/24 season with 32 outings, seven goals, and four assists, helping the team reach the final. She was named Women's Young Player of the Year at the 2022 London Football Awards for her performances, which included two goals and four assists in 23 appearances the prior season. Naz's international career began with England's youth teams from under-17 level upward, and she earned her first senior call-up in May 2024 for Women's EURO qualifiers. She made her senior debut on 12 July 2024 in a 2-1 victory over the , substituting in the second half, and has since accumulated six caps without scoring. In September 2025, Naz publicly addressed receiving racist abuse via direct messages following Tottenham's match against Aston Villa on her 25th birthday, condemning the incident and calling for stronger preventive measures. issued a supportive statement, committing to collaborate with authorities and platforms to identify and penalize the perpetrator, highlighting ongoing challenges of in women's football.

Early life

Family background

Jessica Naz was born on 24 September 2000 in Enfield, , , where she spent her early years in a diverse and occasionally challenging community environment. Growing up in this setting, she found football to be an important outlet and source of escape, shaping her personal development from a young age. Naz comes from a close-knit that played a pivotal role in her formative years, with her father and brother serving as key early influences on her interest in the sport. Her father and brother were passionate about grassroots football, and Naz frequently watched them play, which sparked her curiosity and led her to join their sessions to pick up basic skills like and passing. She shares a particularly strong bond with her four siblings, describing her as her "best friends" and crediting her younger brother for introducing her to casual park kickabouts that honed her initial enthusiasm. These family dynamics fostered a supportive home where football rivalries—such as her and one brother's allegiance to versus her father and another's support for Manchester United—added a playful element to her upbringing. Of Black British heritage, Naz has reflected on her identity as a minority in women's football, emphasizing the importance of representation for underrepresented Black players both on and off the pitch. This cultural background has informed her personal formation, particularly in navigating community ties in and addressing broader experiences of marginalization. Standing at 1.65 m (5 ft 5 in), her compact build supported her agility and speed during early physical development, aligning well with the demands of play.

Introduction to football and youth academies

Jessica Naz's introduction to football began in her hometown of Enfield, , where she grew up watching her father and brother engage in play. From an early age, she started kicking a ball in local parks with her family, developing a passion for the sport through informal sessions that ignited her competitive spirit. Her father, a former centre-midfielder, played a pivotal role by training her on the sidelines during her brother's sessions, helping her hone basic skills until she was ready to join organized boys' teams, as girls' options were limited at the time. This family encouragement provided the foundation for her progression from casual play to structured involvement. Naz's first organized football opportunity came at age eight, when she impressed at a local tournament near Hotspur's home pitch by scoring multiple goals, leading to her signing with the club's youth academy. Prior to this, she had trained with her brother's grassroots team in Enfield, quickly advancing two age groups due to her scoring ability despite initial resistance from boys' teams. She spent several years developing in Tottenham's academy, participating in local Enfield-area teams and tournaments that allowed her to balance academy commitments with community-level competition, building versatility and resilience. Around age 12 or 13, Naz's talent caught the eye of an scout during another tournament, prompting her move to the higher-level academy for greater competition. As a lifelong supporter—influenced by her Enfield roots and proximity to the club—this transition aligned with her fandom, even though it meant leaving her initial academy at . She progressed through 's age groups, continuing to engage in local Enfield play to maintain her grassroots connections while advancing her technical skills.

Club career

Arsenal

Naz joined Arsenal's senior squad in July 2017 at the age of 16, transitioning from the club's academy where she had developed since age 12 or 13. As a promising forward, she primarily served as a development player, gaining exposure by training with the first team from around age 16 alongside established talents such as , , and . This period allowed her to experience the high standards of professional women's football, though breaking into the competitive first-team lineup proved challenging. Her senior debut came on 23 February 2018 in a match against Everton, where she entered as a late substitute in Arsenal's 1–0 victory at Meadow Park. Over the course of the 2017–18 season, Naz made just two appearances in total for the senior team, accumulating 15 minutes of playing time without scoring a . Seeking greater opportunities for regular playing time to further her development, Naz departed in July 2018 to rejoin Hotspur's squad from their development pathway. Her brief stint at yielded no major injuries or individual awards, marking an entry-level phase into professional football focused on adaptation rather than prominent contributions.

Tottenham Hotspur

Naz rejoined Tottenham Hotspur from in 2018 after spending her early youth career at the club from ages 12 to 15. She quickly became an integral part of the squad during the 2018–19 FA Women's Championship season, where her contributions helped secure promotion to the . On May 1, 2019, Naz scored the opening goal in a crucial 1–1 draw against Aston Villa, clinching the point needed for Tottenham's ascent to the top flight. Her momentum was halted by a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury sustained during pre-season in that summer, sidelining her for the entire 2019–20 WSL season. Naz underwent surgery and focused on rehabilitation, supported by her teammates and medical staff. She made a determined return in December 2020, substituting in a 3–1 league victory over & Albion, marking her WSL debut. While she has encountered other minor setbacks in subsequent years, Naz has demonstrated resilience in rebuilding her form. In February 2021, shortly after her comeback, Naz signed a extension with until June 2022, with an option for an additional year, reflecting the club's faith in her potential. She extended her stay further in February 2023 with a 2.5-year deal running to June 2025. In May 2024, she signed another extension, a three-year until 2027. These commitments have underpinned her growth into a reliable attacking option. The 2023–24 season represented a for Naz, as she featured in 32 matches across all competitions—22 in the WSL—scoring 7 goals and delivering 4 assists, her most productive campaign to date. Highlights included a brace in Tottenham's emphatic 8–0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion on October 30, 2022, showcasing her clinical finishing, and a dramatic 75th-minute winner in a 4–3 victory against United on January 21, 2024, which helped Spurs climb the table. Under head coach , who took charge in 2023, Naz has thrived as a versatile forward, contributing dynamism on the wings and up top. By 2024, she had made over 100 appearances and scored 16 goals for the club. Naz has maintained her involvement into the 2025–26 season, continuing to adapt to Vilahamn's tactical setup emphasizing high pressing and quick transitions, with additional appearances in the 2024–25 and ongoing 2025–26 seasons.

International career

Youth career

Jessica Naz progressed through the youth international pathway, selected from club academies such as Hotspur's youth setup, where national team scouts identified her talent during grassroots and academy performances. This process emphasized technical skill development, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning, providing international exposure from approximately ages 15 to 21 to prepare players for senior levels. At the under-17 level, Naz made 3 appearances and scored 1 goal between October 2016 and October 2017, contributing during qualifiers that highlighted her emerging goal-scoring ability and aided her development in high-pressure matches. Naz's under-19 career was more prolific, with 14 appearances and 10 goals from October 2017 to August 2019. Standout performances included a in a 9–0 qualifying win over on 1 October 2018 and a goal in a 2–0 victory against in April 2019, helping qualify for the finals. She featured in the 2019 in , where were eliminated in the group stage after finishing third, and was named to the tournament team of the tournament as a substitute for her contributions as a forward, including a late goal in a 2–1 defeat to . Transitioning to the under-23 level from 2021 to 2024, Naz earned 7 appearances and 1 , serving as a bridge to senior football through the U23 European League and friendlies. Her came as a substitute in a 2–0 win over on 18 2023 at City's Joie Stadium, demonstrating her impact in competitive transitional environments.

Senior career

Naz received her first call-up to the senior national team on 14 May 2024, as part of a 28-player squad for the matches scheduled over the summer. She made her senior debut on 12 2024, coming on as a substitute in the 71st minute during a 2-1 victory over the at in , . Building on her successful youth international career, Naz's inclusion marked her transition to the senior Lionesses setup. Naz has earned six caps for without scoring, with all appearances coming as a substitute in competitive fixtures as of November 2025. Her early senior outings included substitute roles in the Euro 2025 qualifiers, where she provided pace and directness from the forward line during matches against strong opponents like and . She continued to feature sporadically in the 2025 , with her most recent appearance in a 1-0 win over on 26 February 2025. In October 2025, Naz received a replacement call-up to the senior squad for friendlies against and , stepping in for who withdrew due to injury. She traveled with the team but remained an unused substitute in the 3-0 win over on 28 October 2025 at . Despite her growing involvement in recent camps, Naz was not selected for England's final 23-player squad for , which the Lionesses went on to win in that July. As a forward, Naz serves as a versatile option in Sarina Wiegman's attacking setup, often deployed on the wings or centrally to exploit spaces with her speed and pressing ability. Her tactical integration emphasizes high-energy contributions off the bench, aiding England's fluid forward rotations in both qualifying and league phases.

Personal life

Education and off-field interests

Naz attended Barnet & Southgate in Enfield for two years while progressing through Tottenham Hotspur's youth academy, balancing her academic studies with intensive football training. The , affiliated with Tottenham, allowed her to attend classes in the mornings and train in the afternoons or evenings, a schedule that supported her dual commitments and facilitated interactions with club coaches who visited the campus. This educational pathway provided a structured foundation during her transition from youth to senior football, emphasizing her disciplined approach to . Beyond the pitch, Naz maintains strong family ties, having grown up in Enfield with four siblings and crediting her father and younger brother for sparking her love of football through park sessions and local games. She enjoys family-oriented activities, including creating content with her siblings, and previously pursued as a hobby before focusing on football. Naz is also an avid music fan, particularly of Drake, whom she cites as her go-to choice for performances. Her education has informed her post-academy efforts in community involvement, where she promotes grassroots football by returning to her alma mater, Oasis Academy Enfield, to mentor students and lead sessions through the Tottenham Hotspur Foundation. In May 2024, Naz visited the school to share her journey from classroom to , inspiring young girls and highlighting accessible pathways in women's football. Additionally, she has completed her FA Level One coaching qualification and volunteered as a coach for 's under-8 to under-11 boys' teams, drawing from experiences coaching her brother to foster youth development in local programs.

Experiences with racism

In September 2025, Jessica Naz experienced racial abuse via direct messages on social media following Tottenham Hotspur's 0–0 draw with Aston Villa in the Women's League Cup, which Tottenham won 7–6 on penalties. She publicly addressed the incident on Instagram, stating, "I was going to wait till after the game to speak because I'm done being quiet. I was subjected to racial abuse in my DMs. Racism in any form is unacceptable and [it] is important to address this behaviour and ensure that steps are taken to prevent it from happening again." Tottenham Hotspur issued a statement condemning the "disgraceful behaviour," affirming their support for Naz and emphasizing that "there is no place for racism in our sport or anywhere in society." The abuse deeply affected Naz and her team, with Tottenham's head coach Martin Ho describing her as "rocked" by the messages but praising her professional response. Ho called the abuse "an attack on humanity, equality and respect," and reiterated the club's commitment to supporting Naz through the ordeal. This incident highlighted ongoing challenges for Black British players like Naz, whose experience aligned with broader patterns of racial targeting in women's football, including similar abuse faced by Chelsea's Jess Carter during Euro 2025. Naz's outspoken response underscored her refusal to remain silent, contributing to wider advocacy efforts against in the . Her case exemplified the "" of ethnic minority women in football, as detailed in a 2025 Women in Football survey that revealed persistent , with nearly 80% of women in the industry reporting gender-based or related biases, though specific racial data emphasized underrepresentation and barriers for players of color. No prior major incidents of racial abuse involving Naz have been publicly documented, making this a pivotal moment in her career for raising awareness.

Career statistics

Club

Jessica Naz's club career statistics encompass appearances, goals, and assists across major competitions, with a focus on the (WSL) as the premier domestic league. Data is drawn from official records as of November 2025, during the ongoing 2025/26 season. The following table details her WSL statistics by season.
SeasonClubAppearancesGoalsAssists
2017–18200
2020–21Tottenham Hotspur1000
2021–22Tottenham Hotspur1623
2022–23Tottenham Hotspur1520
2023–24Tottenham Hotspur2234
2024–25Tottenham Hotspur2221
2025–26Tottenham Hotspur901
Total9699
In aggregate, Naz has recorded 126 club appearances and 18 goals across all competitions as of November 2025, including the Women's and cup tournaments such as the and ; the 2018–19 season in the contributed 17 appearances and 4 goals, with cup matches accounting for the remaining figures. Assists in non-WSL competitions are not consistently tracked in available records. The 2025/26 season remains ongoing, with potential for additional appearances in cup fixtures.

International

Naz represented England at various youth levels before earning senior caps. Her youth international statistics are as follows:
Youth LevelAppearancesGoals
U1764
U191410
U23102
Total Youth3016
These figures encompass qualifying matches and tournaments such as the qualifiers, (including the 2018 finals where she scored multiple goals), and U23 European League fixtures. At the senior level, Naz made her debut for the women's national team on 12 July 2024 in a match against the , entering as a substitute. As of November 2025, she has accumulated six caps without scoring, including appearances in Euro 2025 qualifiers and preparatory friendlies such as the February 2025 match against .
Senior CompetitionAppearancesGoals
10
International friendlies (including 2025 prep matches)50
Total Senior60
Overall, across all international levels up to November 2025, Naz has made 36 appearances and scored 16 goals.

Honours

Club honours

During her brief senior stint at in the 2017–18 season, Naz did not contribute to any team honours, having made only two substitute appearances before departing the club. Naz joined Tottenham Hotspur in 2018 and became an integral part of the squad that achieved promotion to the (WSL) by finishing as runners-up in the 2018–19 FA Women's Championship. Her early goal in a pivotal 1–1 draw against Aston Villa on 28 April 2019 secured the point needed to confirm second place and promotion. Since entering the WSL in the 2019–20 season, has not secured any major trophies, though the team has shown steady progress with finishes including eighth place in 2020–21 and fifth in 2023–24. A notable achievement came in the , where reached their first-ever final but lost 4–0 to Manchester United at .

Club honours with Jessica Naz

Tottenham Hotspur
  • FA Women's Championship runners-up: 2018–19 (promoted to WSL)
  • Women's FA Cup runners-up: 2023–24

Individual awards

In March 2022, Naz was awarded the Women's Young Player of the Year at the London Football Awards, recognizing her breakthrough performances with Tottenham Hotspur in the . This accolade marked the first time a Tottenham women's player had received the honor, highlighting her emergence as a key attacking talent. During the 2023/24 WSL season, Naz earned recognition as a standout performer for , contributing significantly to the team's offensive output through consistent appearances and key moments on the pitch. In March 2024, she was nominated for the Young Player of the Year at the Women's Football Awards, alongside teammate , acknowledging her growing influence in the league. Naz received further acclaim in 2025 with a for Player of the Year at the Women's Football Awards, placing her among elite nominees including and for her all-around contributions to and .

References

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