Three people from the area have been named in the list, with Leah being awarded a CBE for services to assocation football.
The Lioness and Arsonal player, from Newport Pagnell, has had a spectacular time in 2025; she helped Arsenal win the UEFA Women’s Champions League in May before leading England to a second consecutive UEFA European Championship crown in July.
Writing on Arsenal.com, Chief Executive Officer Richard Garlick said: “On behalf of everyone at Arsenal Football Club, we congratulate Leah on receiving a CBE in the New Year Honours List 2026.
“Leah’s achievements in 2025 have been inspirational to everyone connected to Arsenal and millions of people across the country. She played an integral role in our historic Champions League triumph in Lisbon in May, before becoming the first England captain in history to lead the country to back-to-back tournament wins in Switzerland in July.
“We’re immensely proud of the way Leah represents Arsenal and how she uses her platform to drive continued progress for women and girls everywhere.”
This new award follows the OBE she was awarded in 2023 following the Lionesses’ first Euros triumph in 2022.
Other New Year Honours List recipients from the area include fellow Newportonian, Gary John Ryan from The Royal British Legion, who receives an OBE for his services to the Armed Forces Community.
Peter David Clark, Head of 16-19 Funding and Financial Support Policy, Department of Education, receives a BEM for services to Further Education.
Congratulations to them all.
