Arsenal Women Embrace New Squad Numbers for 2026/27 Season

The numbers on the back rarely tell the whole story, but at Arsenal Women they now hint at a shifting hierarchy ahead of the 2026/27 season.

Four players – Daphne van Domselaar, Caitlin Foord, Olivia Smith and Michelle Agyemang – have all taken on new shirt numbers, subtle but significant markers of status, responsibility and expectation in a squad with serious ambitions.

Daphne van Domselaar

Van Domselaar steps into the most scrutinised shirt of all. The Dutch goalkeeper will wear No 1, the classic marker of a first-choice keeper and a clear statement about her role at the heart of Arsenal’s defensive structure.

Caitlin Foord

Up front, Caitlin Foord moves to No 9, the number forever associated with central goalscoring responsibility. For a forward of her pedigree, it feels like a natural fit – a striker’s number for a striker trusted to deliver.

Olivia Smith

On the flank, or drifting inside where games are often decided, Olivia Smith takes on No 11. It’s a winger’s number, a creative’s number, the kind worn by players expected to beat opponents, create chances and chip in with goals of their own.

Michelle Agyemang

Michelle Agyemang, one of the brightest young talents in the setup, shifts to No 17. It’s a number that has often belonged to versatile attackers or emerging stars, and it underlines her growing presence in the first-team picture.

For supporters, the club has moved quickly to smooth over any disruption. Fans who have already bought 2026/27 jerseys with the old squad numbers through Arsenal Direct can request a free refund. Those who picked up their shirts in person at the Armoury or Highbury stores are not left behind either – they can bring their jersey back in for a free exchange to the new number, provided they show proof of purchase.

New numbers, new responsibilities, same objective: turn these shirts into the ones everyone wants to wear when the season catches fire.