England youth star embracing new chapter with London City Lionesses

Freya Godfrey made her move to the independent club, London City Lionesses permanent this summer.

The young Lioness progressed through the ranks of the Arsenal academy and signed her first professional contract in red, ahead of moving to a new part of London.

In their first ever season in the Barclays Women’s Super League, London City established a new era. Godfrey is instrumental in their plans going forward and ambitions of success. However, with such a talented squad, the youngster must graft hard on and off the pitch to secure vital minutes for the club.

Loan moves

The forward spent most of her Arsenal career on loan to Barclays WSL 2, former known as the FA Women’s Championship, clubs: Charlton Athletic and Ipswich Town. Followed by a loan to London City Lionesses.

During her time at Charlton, she made twenty appearances for the club throughout the 2023/24 season. Godfrey contributed one goal and three assists.

On loan at London City, she made eight appearances for the club while contributing three assists. This positive run of form encouraged a permanent deal this summer. The young Lioness thrives under head coach, Jocelyn Prêcheur, suited to his style of play and sharing his vision for the future of the club.

Arsenal milestones

Throughout her Arsenal career, Godfrey reached some major milestones: including her WSL and UEFA Women’s Champions League debut.

The youngster made her league debut in a 4-0 win over Brighton and Hove Albion in May 2023. She stepped on the pitch in the 89th minute. The following month, she signed her first senior deal with the club, marking another milestone in her professional career.

Finally, she made her Champions League debut in December 2024 against Vålerenga away in Oslo. She featured in the second half to get a taste of European football in a 3-1 win for the Gunners.

International career

Godfrey not only is successful in domestic football, but also internationally. She is regularly called up for the England U23 camps, following a good spell for the U19 squad.

During this time she made sixteen appearances for the U19s, even being named Captain in December 2023, and throughout their U19 Championship qualification campaign the following year. Throughout this time, she netted seven goals to help her national team.

After a successful period with the U19s, she was called up the U23s in October 2024, when she made her debut against Portugal. She then solidified her place in the team, becoming a regular young Lioness in the squad.

London City Lionesses

The future England star signed a permanent three-year deal with London City Lionesses, which keeps her at the club until 2028. With their first season in the WSL on the horizon, her summer move was a step in the right direction for her future in the sport.

She made her debut for Prêcheur’s side against Portsmouth FC Ladies during her loan spell, then progressing to a Championship with the club. This also qualified them for promotion to the top-flight of English football, where the young Lioness has her sights set on making an impact.

With sixteen summer signings for London City, it will be a tough competition for Godfrey to earn her spot in the starting eleven. At a young age, she is gaining vital experience playing amongst world-class players. However, she is a bright spark and certainly one to watch as she aims to push herself into Sarina Wiegman’s senior Lionesses squad and earn more minutes in a London City shirt.