Arsenal have secured the long-term future of head coach Renée Slegers who has signed a new contract that will keep her at the club until 2029.
The announcement comes after a remarkable first full season in charge that saw Slegers guide the team to a historic UEFA Women’s Champions League triumph.
It also follows the confirmation that Jodie Taylor has been appointed as technical director.
Slegers was appointed on a permanent basis in January 2025 after initially stepping into the role as interim head coach in October 2024.
During that initial period she oversaw an impressive 11 -atch unbeaten run which laid the foundation for Arsenal’s strong finish to the campaign, ending the 2024/25 season second in the Barclays Women’s Super League, their highest league finish in three years, while also remaining unbeaten at home under her leadership.
Arsenal’s historic UEFA Women’s Champions League run
The highlight of Slegers’ tenure so far came on the European stage when Arsenal produced a thrilling UEFA Women’s Champions League run, defeating Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and eight-time winners OL Lyonnes to reach the final in Lisbon.
And in front of nearly 5,000 Arsenal supporters at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, the team beat two-time reigning champions FC Barcelona 1-0 to lift the trophy and secure a moment of history for the club.
Reflecting on her journey, Slegers said: “From playing in the academy and being in the stands watching Arsenal win the Champions League in 2007, to living it with our players, staff and supporters last summer, I’m immensely proud to have shared this journey with Arsenal, a club that means so much to me and to so many people.”
She added: “I’m delighted to have signed a new contract here, as I believe we have so much to achieve together – this season and in the years to come.”
Renee Slegers: a personal connection to the club
That sense of connection is echoed in Slegers’ open letter to supporters, published on the club’s media channels, where she reflects on her early experiences at Arsenal and what the club continues to represent.
“Our story started a long time ago,” she wrote, recalling her time as a 17 year old sharing a pitch with players she describes as “legendary names that meant so much back then and mean even more now.”
Slegers says she believes that football is about more than results: “To me, football has always been about people, life, and seeing it come together on the grass,” she said, stressing the importance of connection, collective progress and honouring those who came before.
Slegers: backing from Arsenal’s leadership
Arsenal’s leadership have also voiced their confidence in Slegers. Director of Women’s Football Clare Wheatley described her as “an elite coach with the capabilities to lead us as we continue to challenge to win major trophies,” while CEO Richard Garlick praised her impact both on and off the pitch.
Looking ahead, Slegers remains focused on what comes next. “That memory will stay with me forever,” she said of the Champions League final. “But I believe it was only the beginning of what we can do together.”
