Arsenal trio honoured as Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly & Michelle Agyemang awarded MBEs

The King’s Birthday Honours List 2026 has officially arrived, and it carries a distinctly North London flavour.

Arsenal Football Club is beaming with pride today as three of its brightest stars, Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly, and Michelle Agyemang, have been awarded Members of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of their monumental contributions to association football.

This prestigious honour serves as a testament to their exceptional impact on the pitch, most notably their instrumental roles in securing the Lionesses’ historic second consecutive UEFA European Championship title in July 2025.

Following a season of unprecedented success, this recognition marks a career-defining moment for these three Arsenal icons.

The accolades come hot on the heels of a whirlwind 2025 that saw the trio reach the pinnacle of both club and international football. For Russo, Kelly, and Agyemang, the path to the MBE was paved with resilience, clinical finishing, and nerves of steel.

The Lionesses’ European triumph was the headline act of their year, but their impact extended deep into the club calendar. Arsenal’s historic UEFA Women’s Champions League victory in May 2025 set the stage, proving that this squad possessed the mentality required to dominate on the biggest stages.

Whether it was Agyemang’s breakout energy on the wing, Kelly’s dramatic semi-final winner against Italy, or Russo’s relentless eye for goal, each player has cemented their legacy as a transformative figure in the modern game.

Players’ path to excellence

Alessia Russo has been a revelation for the Gunners since arriving in 2023. With 60 goals in 112 appearances, her efficiency is matched only by her trophy haul, including the League Cup, the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. A veteran of the international youth setup, she now boasts 67 caps and 30 goals for the senior England side.

Alongside her, Chloe Kelly has enjoyed a spectacular second spell in North London. A product of our very own youth academy, she proved to be a masterstroke upon her return in January 2025, with 18 goal involvements in 39 appearances. Her clutch performance, specifically her semi-final strike against Italy, was the defining image of England’s Euro 2025 run.

Completing the trio is Michelle Agyemang, a true Arsenal success story who has been with the club since the age of six. After signing her first professional contract in May 2024, she took the world by storm during the 2025 Euros. Her rapid rise was recognised globally as she was named Young Player of the Tournament and crowned the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year.

A Club United in Pride

The announcement has sent a wave of celebration throughout the club, reflecting the collective pride of staff, players, and supporters alike. According to Arsenal, our Chief Executive Officer Richard Garlick shared his delight: “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.”

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As these three incredible athletes prepare for the next chapter of their careers, the entire Arsenal family joins together to say, ‘Congratulations, Alessia, Chloe, and Michelle.’ You have made us all incredibly proud.