Georgia Stanway’s transfer to Arsenal has already left its mark on her, quite literally, with a new tattoo adorning her body. After signing with Arsenal from Bayern Munich last month, a reveal video showcased the England midfielder getting the phrase ‘Whatever the weather’ tattooed on her right arm—a tribute to the club’s anthem, “North London Forever.”
This isn’t Stanway’s first foray into body art. At 27, she boasts nearly 200 tattoos and has honed her skills as a tattoo artist, with clients including her England teammate Beth Mead. However, she’s not done personalizing her body just yet. “You see the tattoos—I see the skin. There’s so much more to come!” she remarked.
Stanway’s move to Arsenal on a free transfer is one of the standout changes in a lively transfer window for the Women’s Super League (WSL). Having spent four successful years with Bayern, she holds two European Championship winners’ medals with England and is a key figure in Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses squad. “I’ve changed significantly as a player and as a person,” she shared on the Women’s Football Weekly podcast. “Playing in Munich helped me find my style and gain the confidence of my manager.”
Now at Emirates Stadium, Stanway is primed to assist Arsenal in their quest for a first WSL title since the 2018-19 season. Once she learned of Arsenal’s interest, she felt a strong desire to join. “I knew I wanted to take the next step,” Stanway said. “It’s gratifying to feel wanted, especially by a club that’s shaping the future of women’s football.”
Navigating Life in London
Stanway previously won the WSL title with Manchester City [Getty Images]
Last season, Arsenal finished as runners-up to Stanway’s former team, Manchester City. However, the club has made several adjustments this summer, including the departure of key players like Mead and the arrival of seven new signings.
Among the newcomers are Barcelona and Spain full-back Ona Batlle, Switzerland’s Geraldine Reuteler, and talented young forward Lisa Baum, both of whom came from the Bundesliga. “It’s a fresh start,” Stanway said. “Arsenal has brought in a lot of quality and is making strides in the league.” She acknowledges that living in London presents a new challenge for her. Growing up in Barrow-in-Furness, she admits adjusting to the city environment might take some time.
“I’m a homebody and everything was so local for me,” Stanway reflected. “I mentioned to the others that distances here seem far, and they just laughed, saying, ‘It’s only an hour.'” With a preference for the countryside and its quiet charms, she anticipates that city life might not suit her.
Check out an Arsenal special on the Women’s Football Weekly podcast, featuring interviews with Georgia Stanway, Renee Slegers, Lotte Wubben-Moy, and more on the Women’s Football Weekly feed..