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Kelly Jayne Smith MBE (born 29 October 1978) is an English former football forward who spent three spells with FA WSL club Arsenal. After moving to the United States, Smith broke records with Seton Hall University then played professionally with Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) franchise Philadelphia Charge. After returning to Arsenal for a period which included a 2007 UEFA Women's Cup win, Smith was tempted back to America with another professional contract, this time with Boston Breakers in Women's Professional Soccer (WPS). She accumulated 117 caps for the England national team after making her debut in 1995. Despite being hit by serious injury during her career, Smith is England's second-highest goalscorer with 46 goals.[2] She played for Great Britain at the 2012 London Olympics.[3] Smith was renowned for her speed, ball control and quickness in which she developed into a potent centre forward. She is considered by many who played with and against her to be one of the greatest ever players to come out of England, as well as one of the greatest players of all time.[4]

Key Information

Club career

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Youth and university

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While growing up in the Garston area of Watford, Smith regularly played football on boys' teams until, at the age of seven, she was kicked out of Garston Boys Club – despite being the top goalscorer – when the parents of her male opponents complained.[5] After continuing at Pinner Girls, a team formed by Smith's father, she developed her skills at Wembley Ladies and made her senior debut in the 1994–95 season. In August 1995, Pete Davies wrote in The Independent that the "lethally quick, bountifully gifted" Smith was: "the outstanding prospect in the women's game today."[6] After moving to Arsenal Ladies during 1996–97, she scored two goals and assisted on the third in a 3–0 win over Liverpool which secured the Premier League title that season. She spent that year at West Herts College, but transferred to Seton Hall University in the United States in 1997.

Smith enrolled at Seton Hall as a student-athlete. She played for the Seton Hall Pirates from 1997 through 1999. In her first year at Seton Hall in 1997, Smith set scoring records for the Big East Conference and became the first athlete in any sport to be the conference's (Offensive) Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year in the same season. In the following two seasons, she was the leading scorer not only in the Big East, but in the whole of NCAA Division I, and was named Big East Offensive Player of the Year in both years. At the end of her university career, the school retired her number 6 shirt, she became the first Seton Hall athlete in any sport other than basketball to have a number retired. In her three years at Seton Hall, she set school records with 76 goals and 174 points while playing in just 51 matches.

United States

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At the culmination of her studies, Smith remained in the United States, remarking: "women's football in England is a joke."[7] Smith's first professional club was New Jersey Lady Stallions of W-League, for which she played on from 1999 to 2000. However, a new top-flight women's league was about to start in the United States and Smith stayed in the country to participate in the project.

The Women's United Soccer Association was formed in early 2000. Smith was drafted second overall in the 2001 WUSA Foreign Allocation Draft by Philadelphia Charge. Smith played all three seasons with Philadelphia and was named to the 2001 WUSA Global 11 All-Star Team. 2001 was her only full season in the league; in 2002, Smith missed most of the season after tearing her ACL in her right knee, and missed much of 2003 after re-injuring the same knee. Following the 2003 season, the WUSA ceased operations.

Smith decided to keep playing in the United States following the collapse of the WUSA. In 2004, she played for the New Jersey Wildcats in the W-League, but she was injured yet again, breaking her leg. She ended up appearing in eight games for the club (563 minutes) and tallied eight goals and six assists.

England

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Smith in the 2007 FA Women's Cup final

Smith returned to England and Arsenal in the autumn of 2004. She officially rejoined in 2005 after being treated at the Sporting Chance clinic. However, she was yet again hampered by injury, this time by a stress fracture in her foot. She returned to action at the end of the 2004–05 season, scoring a goal from 30 metres out against Charlton Athletic L.F.C. which clinched the league title for Arsenal.

In Arsenal's "Quadruple" winning season of 2006–07, Smith scored 30 goals in 34 games across the four competitions. However, she missed both legs of the 2006–07 UEFA Women's Cup final through suspension, after being sent off for giving the finger to opposition fans in the semi-final.[7]

During Smith's Arsenal career since rejoining in 2005, she appeared in 66 League games scoring 73 goals, 16 FA Cup games scoring 13 goals, 10 League Cup games scoring four goals, 18 UEFA Women's Cup games scoring nine goals, and two Community Shield games scoring one goal for a total of 112 appearances and 100 goals. In her last competitive game for Arsenal, Smith scored a hat-trick to help Arsenal to a 5–0 win over Doncaster Belles in the FA Women's Premier League Cup final. She won the FA Women's Players' Player of the year in 2006[8] and 2007.[9]

Return to the United States

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Upon the creation of a new women's league in the United States, Women's Professional Soccer, many teams were interested in Smith's services. She was chosen by the Boston Breakers second overall in the 2008 WPS International Draft, above Marta and under only Formiga.

Smith against Saint Louis Athletica in 2009

Despite being drafted by Boston, she was still under contract with Arsenal. However, Smith decided to leave Arsenal to join Boston Breakers on 18 February 2009, one of a number of English players to join the new Women's Professional Soccer League.[10][11]

In the inaugural 2009 Women's Professional Soccer season, Smith appeared in 15 games (13 starts, 1170 total minutes) and scored six goals with two assists. She was named to the WPS All-Star ballot, but was unavailable for the match due to England's participation at the European Championships. In 2010 Smith started all her 21 appearances, leading the team with 11 goals and five assists. She played in that season's All-Star game. 2011 saw Smith again afflicted by injury; she posted one goal and four assists in 10 appearances (nine starts, 850 minutes). When the WPS went on hiatus ahead of the 2012 season, Smith was left "devastated" and without a club.[12]

Arsenal again

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On leaving Boston Breakers, Smith resisted offers from clubs in Sweden and Germany to join Arsenal for a third time.[13] However, she arrived with a stress fracture acquired at the 2012 Cyprus Cup and then aggravated the injury when kicking a ball during a promotional video shoot, without the protective footwear she had been instructed to wear.[14]

International career

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Main article: List of international goals scored by Kelly Smith

England

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Smith debuted for the England national team on 1 November 1995, three days after turning 17. The 1–1 draw against Italy was played at Roker Park and Smith won Player of the Match from her position on the left wing.[15] She had been unable to accept a call-up to England's 1995 FIFA Women's World Cup squad that summer due to sitting her GCSE exams.[citation needed] Her first international goal came on the occasion of her second cap, against Croatia on 19 November 1995. Smith scored a stoppage-time penalty in England's 5–0 win at the Valley.[16] During the following years, the English Football Association (FA) complained to FIFA when Smith's American college team refused to release her for national team duty.[17]

When healthy, Smith has generally been considered one of the world's top female players; former United States head coach April Heinrichs asserted that Smith would be an automatic choice for the United States Women's National Team if she had been eligible, and Vera Pauw, the Dutch coach, called Kelly "the best player in the World" after she scored a hat-trick against the Netherlands in a 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifier.[7] During the 2011 World Cup, Mia Hamm said of Smith: "I remember the first time I saw Kelly play. She'd just graduated from Seton Hall. She's incredibly technical, with great speed of thought and play. Her touch is different class – everything's clean, everything's with a purpose. The pace of her passes is always perfect and she can score at will too." Smith's former England teammate and later coach, Hope Powell, went further than Hamm: "Kelly is one of those players who come along only once or twice in a lifetime. In the men's game you'd think of Diego Maradona or Messi, players with a unique talent, and that’s what Kelly has."[citation needed]

Smith has competed in the 2001, 2005, and 2009 editions of the UEFA Women's Championship, as well as the 2007 and 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup with England. She also played in the 2007 China Cup against the United States, Germany and China where she was named the player of the tournament. Smith was voted third in the 2009 FIFA Women's World Player of the Year, fourth in 2007 and fifth in 2006 and 2008.

Smith reportedly became England's all-time record goalscorer in September 2010, when she scored her 41st international goal against Switzerland.[18]

In 2011, Smith competed in the FIFA World Cup, where she scored from the spot in England's quarterfinal match with France, to give England a 1–0 lead in the penalty shootout (England would go on to lose the shootout 4–3). Smith, hindered by an achilles injury, was dissatisfied with her own performances at the tournament: "I have to acknowledge that I didn't play well and I have to live with that." She returned to the England squad for a UEFA Women's Euro 2013 qualifying tie with Serbia after missing the first three matches of the campaign.[19]

On 3 February 2015, Smith announced her retirement from international duty.[20]

She was allotted 108 when the FA announced their legacy numbers scheme to honour the 50th anniversary of England’s inaugural international.[21][22]

Great Britain Olympic

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In June 2012 Smith was named in the 18–player Great Britain squad for the 2012 London Olympics.[23] Smith incurred a minor injury in the 1–0 group stage win over Brazil at Wembley Stadium, and was unable to join Team GB in their quarter final defeat by Canada.[24]

Television broadcast

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Smith made her television debut on FOX Sports in December 2014,[25] and provided commentary for 2018 FIFA World Cup.[26]

In April 2021, Smith joined fellow British Olympians Nicola Adams and Greg Rutherford, and fitness instructor Mr Motivator in launching the ‘Energy Fit for the Future’ campaign by Smart Energy GB, which aimed at encouraging people to install smart meters in their homes.[27]

Coaching career

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In March 2023, it was announced that Kelly would return to Arsenal to coach at the Women's academy whilst earning her UEFA A Licence coaching badge.[28] In April 2023, it was announced that Kelly had joined the Arsenal Women's first-team coaching setup until the end of the 2022/23 season.[29]

Personal life

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Smith studied at Francis Combe School and Community College in Watford.[30]

She has spoken about her previous alcohol addiction which included treatment at The Priory and Sporting Chance Clinic.[31]

Smith used to share a house with England, Arsenal and Boston Breakers teammate Alex Scott.[32] In Scott's 2022 autobiography, she revealed that she and Smith had previously been in a romantic relationship.[33]

In June 2016 she married management consultant DeAnna Dobosz. She gave birth to their son in May 2017.[34] On 1 August 2019, Smith gave birth to their second child, a daughter.[35]

Honours

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Smith was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in the 2008 Birthday Honours.[36]

Arsenal

England

Individual

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Kelly Smith

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Kelly Smith MBE (born 29 October 1978) is an English former professional footballer who played predominantly as a forward for in the FA Women's Super League and the women's national team. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of women's football, she is best known for her technical skill, goal-scoring prowess, and contributions to the growth of the women's game in . Born in , , Smith began her youth career with local boys' teams before joining Wembley Ladies in 1994 and making her professional debut with in 1996, where she quickly established herself as a prolific scorer. She spent two spells at (1996–1999 and 2005–2013), winning 20 major trophies, including five FA Women's Premier League titles, five FA Women's Cups, and the 2007 UEFA Women's Cup, while scoring 130 goals in 156 appearances for the club. Internationally, Smith earned 117 caps for between 1995 and 2015, becoming the team's all-time leading goalscorer with 46 goals—a record that stood until 2021—despite battling serious injuries, including anterior cruciate ligament tears. She represented at two Women's World Cups (2007 and 2011) and played for at the in . In recognition of her achievements, Smith was appointed Member of the (MBE) in 2008 for services to women's football and was inducted into the National Football Museum's Hall of Fame in 2017, followed by the Hall of Fame in 2021 and receiving an legacy cap in 2025. After retiring as a player in 2017, she transitioned into coaching, serving as an assistant coach for Women, and has worked as a television pundit for , contributing to the ongoing professionalization of women's football.

Early life

Family background and upbringing

Kelly Smith was born on 29 October 1978 in , , . She grew up in the Garston area of , a working-class neighborhood that contributed to her formative years. Her family provided a stable and encouraging home environment, with her father, Bernard Smith, working as a painter and decorator and her mother, Carol Smith, serving as an end-of-life carer. Smith has described her father as her idol and a constant source of support throughout her childhood, noting that he was always present in every aspect of her life. This familial dynamic fostered a sense of resilience and encouragement in her early development. Garston, characterized as a gritty community on the outskirts of during the late 1970s and 1980s, reflected the industrial heritage of the town, which had transitioned from a market hub to one supporting mills, print works, and breweries, influencing the local socioeconomic landscape. Her upbringing in this setting exposed her to a close-knit, modest environment typical of Hertfordshire's suburban working-class districts at the time.

Youth football and education

Smith's introduction to organized football came at the age of seven, when she joined local boys' teams in her hometown of , including Garston Boys, where she quickly established herself as a prolific scorer, often netting five to seven goals per game. However, prejudice soon posed a significant challenge; at around age seven, complaints from opposing parents led to her being banned from boys' teams, forcing her to nearly abandon the sport she loved. With encouragement from her family, she persisted by transitioning to local girls' teams, marking the beginning of her formalized youth career. Her progression through youth clubs accelerated in her mid-teens. Smith joined Watford Ladies, honing her skills in a competitive environment, before moving to in 1994 at age 16, where she played until 1996 and caught the attention of scouts with her standout performances as a forward. In 1996, she joined Arsenal Ladies, making her professional debut and helping the team win the 1996–97 Women's Premier League title. These early experiences, though marked by the ongoing hurdle of limited opportunities for girls in football, built her resilience and technical prowess, setting the stage for her transition to higher levels. , later rebranded as , provided a platform for semi-professional development during this period. In 1997, at age 18, Smith relocated to the to pursue higher education and soccer on a full scholarship at in , attending from 1997 to 2000. As a student-athlete for the women's soccer team, she played from 1997 to 1999, transforming the program's profile with her exceptional goal-scoring ability. Over 51 matches, she set enduring school records with 76 goals and 174 points, while leading the nation in scoring during her and junior years. Smith's university achievements included being named the Offensive Player of the Year three consecutive times (1997–1999), the first player in conference history to earn both Player of the Year and Rookie of the Year honors in her debut season, and recognition. These accolades underscored her dominance and helped elevate Seton Hall's standing in women's soccer. Despite this success, she grappled with cultural adjustment and isolation far from home, challenges that tested her mental fortitude during her early years abroad.

Club career

Youth and university beginnings

Smith's club football journey began in the mid-1990s with Ladies, where she made her senior debut during the 1994–95 season at the age of 15. Playing as a forward, she quickly established herself in the team, contributing to matches in England's emerging women's leagues before the professional era. Her performances caught the attention of scouts, leading to a transfer to Ladies in 1996, where she featured in youth and reserve setups initially, helping the club secure the title in her debut season of 1996–97. This early involvement with marked her transition into higher-level competition, though opportunities were limited due to her youth. Encouraged by her family's support for her passion for football, Smith moved to the in to attend on a , balancing academics with collegiate play for . Over three seasons from to 1999, she rewrote the program's record books, scoring a school-record 76 goals and accumulating 174 points in just 51 matches, including a standout 1999 campaign with 31 goals in 22 games at an average of 1.42 goals per match. Her scoring prowess earned her three BIG EAST Offensive Player of the Year awards, honors, and led the NCAA in goals twice, elevating Seton Hall's profile in Division I women's soccer. During her university tenure, Smith bridged amateur collegiate soccer with semi-professional experience by joining the Lady Stallions in the USL W-League from 1999 to 2000, where she honed her skills against more seasoned opponents. This dual commitment showcased her rapid development, as she became the first player in Big East history to win both Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year in the same 1997 season, setting the stage for her professional aspirations.

Professional stints in the United States

Smith's professional career in the United States began with the Charge in the inaugural season of the (WUSA) in 2001, where she was drafted second overall in the league's foreign player allocation draft. In her debut year, she adapted quickly to the professional environment, scoring six goals and providing two assists across her appearances, which earned her a selection to the 2001 WUSA Global 11 All-Star Team. This move to the U.S. provided Smith with her first fully professional opportunity, contrasting the semi-professional setup in at the time, and allowed her to hone her skills alongside international talents in a competitive league. Appointed captain for the 2002 season, Smith started strongly, netting four goals and three assists in her initial seven matches, including a standout performance that saw her named WUSA Player of the Month for May after contributing two goals and three assists during that period. However, a torn in June curtailed her season, limiting her overall contributions despite an early lead in league scoring metrics. She returned in 2003, playing eight games and scoring eight goals with six assists, helping the Charge navigate a challenging year marked by the league's financial woes. The WUSA folded after the 2003 season due to mounting financial losses, leaving Smith and other players without a top-tier professional outlet in the U.S. After the WUSA folded, Smith played for the Wildcats in the W-League in 2004, scoring eight goals in eight games. She then rejoined professional with the in the newly launched (WPS) in 2009. She scored six goals in 15 appearances that year, providing a steady attacking presence as the Breakers finished fifth in the league standings. Her form peaked in 2010, where she started all 21 regular-season games, leading the team with 11 goals and five assists, and was selected as a WPS , showcasing her vision and finishing ability in key matches like a 2-0 win over . Injuries restricted her to 10 games in 2011, where she managed one goal and four assists, before the WPS suspended operations and ultimately ceased at the end of the season amid similar financial instability. After the WPS folded in 2011, Smith returned to in 2012. Throughout her U.S. career, Smith navigated multiple league collapses that disrupted continuity, yet her adaptability and scoring prowess—totaling 36 goals across the WUSA and WPS—established her as a pivotal figure in advancing in America.

Returns to English clubs

After spending several years in the United States with clubs like the New Jersey Wildcats, Kelly Smith returned to English football in the autumn of 2004, rejoining amid the collapse of the (WUSA). This move was motivated by a combination of professional uncertainty in the US and personal challenges, including battles with depression and alcohol dependency, for which she sought treatment at the Sporting Chance Clinic before officially rejoining the team in 2005. Despite recovering from a in her foot, Smith quickly reestablished herself in the FA Women's , scoring a decisive long-range goal in a 1-0 victory over Charlton Athletic that clinched the 2004-05 league title for . Over her 2005-2009 stint with the club, she netted 73 goals in 66 league appearances, contributing significantly to multiple domestic successes and providing continuity in a familiar English environment after her overseas experiences. Her form peaked in the 2006-07 season, where she scored 30 goals across 34 matches, helping achieve a historic quadruple of the , FA Women's Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Women's Cup; she was subsequently named the FA Women's Players' Player of the Year. Following her departure to the in the newly formed (WPS) in 2009, Smith made another brief return to English football on a short-term loan to in early 2010. This arrangement allowed her to recuperate from the physical demands of starring for at the 2009 UEFA Women's Euro while maintaining match fitness in the lead-up to the inaugural season. During the loan, she integrated seamlessly into the squad, aiding their continued dominance in domestic competitions before returning to later that year.

Final years with Arsenal

Smith rejoined in 2004 following her time in the United States, marking the beginning of her second spell with the club that would solidify her legacy as one of its most prolific players. During this period from 2004 to 2009, she contributed significantly to 's dominance in English women's football, helping secure multiple league titles and cup successes despite battling severe injuries early on, including a career-threatening leg break in April 2004 that required surgical intervention on her knee. In her second stint, Smith scored prolifically, forming part of an attacking line that overwhelmed opponents and led to four Women's titles between 2005 and 2009, along with three FA Women's Cups in 2006, 2007, and 2008. Her goal-scoring prowess was evident in standout seasons, such as 2006–07 when she netted 30 goals in 34 appearances across all competitions, earning her recognition as a key architect of the team's success. Overall, across her three spells with —including a brief youth period from 1996 to 1997—she amassed 130 goals in 156 games, contributing to 20 major trophies, including the Women's Cup in 2007. After the WPS folded in 2011, Smith returned to Arsenal in March 2012 for her third and final spell, which lasted until 2017. This period saw her adapt to a more versatile role amid ongoing injury challenges, including persistent knee issues that limited her starts but did not diminish her influence; she played a pivotal part in the 2012 FA WSL title win upon her initial return and added two more FA Cups in 2014 and 2016. At age 35, recurring injuries and the physical toll of a 20-year professional career prompted reflections on , though she continued to feature selectively, scoring crucial goals in cup ties. Smith announced her retirement from professional football in January 2017 at age 38, citing the desire to transition into coaching while cherishing Arsenal's 1–0 victory over Chelsea in May 2016 as a fitting highlight. Her farewell match came in February 2017 against Doncaster Rovers Belles, where she entered as a substitute to a , capping a career defined by resilience against injuries and her instrumental role in Arsenal's golden era.

International career

England national team

Kelly Smith made her senior debut for the national team in 1995 at the age of 16, marking the beginning of a distinguished international career that spanned nearly two decades. Over the course of her tenure, she earned 117 caps and scored 46 goals, establishing herself as 's all-time leading goalscorer—a record that stood until Ellen White surpassed it in June 2021. Her contributions were pivotal in elevating the team's profile on the global stage, blending technical skill with clinical finishing that made her a standout forward. Smith's international highlights included strong performances in major tournaments. At the 2005 FIFA Women's World Cup, she scored one goal as reached the quarterfinals. In the , she scored three goals and earned a place on the tournament's All-Star Team, helping reach the quarterfinals. In the , she scored the equalizing goal in the 84th minute against in the quarterfinal, forcing extra time and a that won 4–3 to advance to the semifinals for the first time; Smith also converted her penalty in the shootout. At the 2009 Women's Euro, finished as runners-up, with Smith delivering standout goals, including the winning strike in the 2-1 semifinal victory over the and a memorable long-range lob against in the group stage that underscored her vision and precision. These moments highlighted her ability to perform under pressure in high-stakes competitions. Throughout her career, injuries significantly impacted Smith's availability, including a torn in 2002 that sidelined her for an extended period and caused her to miss England's playoff matches for the qualification. Despite such setbacks, she achieved record-breaking milestones, such as surpassing 40 international goals in 2012 to solidify her position as England's leading scorer at the time. Smith announced her retirement from international duty on February 3, 2015, concluding a 20-year journey that had transformed her into one of England's most iconic players.

Great Britain Olympic team

Kelly Smith was selected for the women's football team for the 2012 London Olympics, marking a significant achievement in her international career after overcoming a serious injury. In February 2012, she suffered a broken leg during a match for , but remarkably recovered in time to earn a spot in the 18-player squad announced in June, highlighting her resilience and importance to the team as an experienced forward with over 100 caps. As a key attacking player, Smith started in two of Great Britain's group stage matches in Group E at the Olympics. The team began with a 1–0 victory over on 25 at the in , followed by a 3–0 win against on 28 at the City of Coventry Stadium, securing progression to the quarterfinals despite a 0–1 loss to on 31 at in Newcastle. Smith's individual contributions included two shots, one on target, but no goals or assists across the tournament, where she committed four fouls and suffered six while avoiding any cards. Great Britain's Olympic campaign ended in the quarterfinals with a 2–0 defeat to on 3 August at the City of Coventry Stadium, a result Smith later reflected on as partly due to underestimating the opponents in the "surreal" home atmosphere.

Post-playing career

Coaching roles

Following her retirement from playing in January 2017, Kelly Smith transitioned to a full-time role with Women's academy, where she focused on developing young talent and imparting technical skills drawn from her extensive playing experience. Smith's journey at began earlier during her playing career; she served as an assistant coach for the club's ladies and academy teams from 2005 to 2009, contributing to multiple trophy wins including the Women's title. In 2013, she adopted a position, which she extended through a new contract in 2014, balancing on-field duties with mentoring responsibilities. In April 2023, Smith rejoined the Women's first-team coaching staff on a part-time basis until the end of the season, while continuing her academy work, providing guidance on attacking play and player development. This paved the way for her permanent appointment as assistant coach in September 2023 under Jonas Eidevall. Renee Slegers, a former academy player whom Smith had coached earlier, was appointed as assistant coach shortly before and later succeeded Eidevall as in January 2025. As of November 2025, Smith remains in her role as assistant coach, specializing in forward-line training and tactical refinement for players such as and . Her influence emphasizes fearless, technically proficient attacking styles reflective of her own career as England's former leading goalscorer, fostering a professional environment that encourages hunger and adaptability among the squad.

Broadcasting and media involvement

Following her retirement from professional football in 2017, Kelly Smith transitioned into broadcasting, leveraging her extensive experience as England's record goalscorer to provide expert analysis on women's football. She has served as a pundit for major broadcasters, including the , ITV, and , contributing to coverage of high-profile international tournaments. Smith was a prominent pundit for the BBC during the UEFA Women's Euro 2022, where she offered insights on team strategies and player performances, including a column highlighting Beth Mead's potential to win the Golden Boot. She also worked as an ITV Sport pundit for the same tournament, providing live analysis during England's successful campaign that culminated in their victory. For the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023, Smith contributed previews and commentary for Sky Sports and BBC outlets, discussing England's attacking options ahead of their group stage matches. Her appearances extended to women's football preview segments on shows like BBC's Match of the Day, where she analyzed domestic and international fixtures to promote the growth of the sport. Beyond live commentary, Smith has used media platforms to advocate for equality in women's football, sharing personal experiences on barriers and in interviews with outlets like . In 2024, she featured in a Sky Sports feature on the evolution of the game, emphasizing the shift toward full since her playing days. By 2025, Smith continued her punditry, appearing on to discuss England's prospects for , praising the team's depth and hunger for success. She also attended the 5th Women's European Football Gala in November 2025, where she spoke on the improved professional environment for players compared to her era. In addition to television work, Smith detailed her career and personal challenges in her 2012 autobiography, , published by Transworld, which chronicles her journey from youth football to international stardom and addresses issues like alcohol dependency and recovery. The book has been praised for its candid insights into the obstacles faced by athletes in a male-dominated . Smith has also made guest radio appearances and contributed to and BT Sport coverage, further amplifying women's football visibility.

Personal life

Relationships and identity

Kelly Smith publicly acknowledged her identity as a in 2017, shortly after her retirement from professional football, becoming one of the first high-profile English women's footballers to openly discuss her . She had previously been in a romantic relationship with fellow footballer Alex Scott from 2004 to 2006, as revealed in Scott's 2022 . In an interview, she explained that while she had not hidden her sexuality from close circles during her career, she had chosen not to address it publicly until then, stating, "I'm not 'out' out, like someone like . But I have not hidden the fact." Smith has been in a long-term with DeAnna Dobosz, a consultant, since before their marriage in June 2016. The couple wed in a private ceremony at the in , , attended only by their two best friends. They reside in and share two children: a son, Rocco Jude, born in May 2017, and a daughter, Lucia, born in 2019. Through sharing her personal experiences, Smith has advocated for greater LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports, highlighting the importance of visibility for younger athletes. In a 2021 interview, she expressed concerns about her children potentially facing for having two mothers, emphasizing the need for societal to protect same-sex families in the public eye. Her openness has contributed to broader conversations on diversity within women's football, where she is recognized as an LGBTQ+ trailblazer.

Health challenges and advocacy

Throughout her career, Kelly Smith endured multiple serious injuries, including tears to her (ACL) in 2002 while playing for the Philadelphia Charge and in 2011 with , which required extensive rehabilitation and contributed to periods of prolonged absence from the pitch. These setbacks, compounded by additional surgeries such as cartilage replacement around 2003, severely tested her physical and mental resilience, limiting her playing time and forcing repeated comebacks that ultimately shortened her career longevity despite her talent. Early in her professional journey, Smith also struggled with alcohol dependency, exacerbated by injuries and isolation during her time in the United States, leading her to enter rehabilitation at the Priory Clinic for 28 days in 2004 following a severe break. She continued treatment at the Sporting Chance Clinic, achieving long-term sobriety that allowed her to return to elite-level performance and represent at major tournaments. Following her retirement in 2017, Smith has actively advocated for awareness, drawing from her personal battles with depression and to deliver talks at events and support networks aimed at helping athletes cope with similar challenges. She has also raised awareness about the prevalence of ACL injuries in women's football, emphasizing the psychological toll and calling for improved prevention strategies and support systems to enhance player welfare. Through these efforts, Smith has played a pivotal role in promoting holistic care for female footballers, highlighting the need for better resources to address both physical injuries and .

Career statistics and honours

Club statistics

Kelly Smith's professional club career spanned multiple leagues, primarily with in and teams . She began her senior career with before moving to the (WUSA) and later the (WPS). Below is a summary of her appearances and goals for major clubs.
ClubLeagueYearsAppearancesGoals
FA WSL / WSL1996–2000, 2005–2009, 2011–2017156130
Philadelphia ChargeWUSA2001–2003269
WPS2009–20114618
Smith also played briefly for New Jersey Wildcats in the W-League during 2004 (on loan from ), appearing in 8 matches and scoring 8 goals. Significant seasonal performances include her peak year with in 2006–07, where she scored 30 goals in 34 appearances across all competitions.

International statistics

Smith represented at the senior level from 1995 to 2015, earning 117 caps and scoring 46 goals, which stood as the national record until surpassed in 2021. She also featured for the women's Olympic football team at the 2012 London Games, making 4 appearances without scoring.
TeamYearsAppearancesGoals
1995–201511746
Great Britain (Olympics)201240

Individual and team honours

Kelly Smith enjoyed a distinguished career marked by numerous team successes, particularly with , where she contributed to 20 major trophies over three spells from 1996 to 2017. These include the FA Women's Premier League (1996/97, 2005/06, 2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09, 2009/10), FA Women's Super League (2011), FA Women's Cup (1996/97, 1997/98, 1998/99, 2005/06, 2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09, 2013/14, 2015/16), FA Women's Premier League Cup (2006, 2007, 2008, 2011), and the Women's Cup in 2006/07. Internationally, she was part of the team that finished as runners-up at the 2009 Women's Euro, held in . On the individual front, Smith was appointed Member of the (MBE) in 2008 for her services to football. She won the FA Women's Players' Player of the Year award in both 2006 and 2007, recognizing her as the top performer in English women's football during those seasons. In 2015, she was nominated for the PFA Women's Players' Player of the Year award, highlighting her enduring impact even late in her career. Following her retirement, Smith received the PFA Special Achievement Award in 2017 for her contributions to the sport. Smith's accolades extend to hall of fame inductions, including her entry into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame in 2017 alongside Rachel Yankey, celebrating her as one of England's most technically gifted players. She was inducted into the Barclays FA Women's Super League Hall of Fame in 2021. In recognition of her international legacy, she was assigned legacy cap number 108 by the England Football Association, reflecting her 117 caps and 46 goals for the national team. During her college career at from 1997 to 1999, Smith became the first player in program history to earn honors and was named Big East Offensive Player of the Year three times, setting conference scoring records in her debut season.

References

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