Icons of Football: Jen Beattie

Alex Scott, former Arsenal team-mate

She brought this leadership about her. You never worried when she was on the pitch around you. She had such ability to pick a pass and always be so composed in those moments.

You know if she speaks in a changing room, it’s not for the benefit of herself, it’s for the benefit of her team. When she speaks with true authority, you want to listen to what she has to say.

She’s transcended her sport. Yes, she’s a football player, but you’re using your platform for the greater good. When I think of Jennifer, I think of someone who has touched people in so many ways and that’s why she’s an icon of football.

Ian Wright, former Arsenal footballer

When she arrived at Arsenal, she was probably ready, she’d have been up for the challenge, but it would have been daunting.

Jen Beattie’s generation were chasing a dream that wasn’t there, football was almost like a side gig. She was doing a degree at the same time. It wasn’t a career option when someone like Jen started playing.

She’s so self-assured, so confident. She has a beautiful self-assured nature. She’s knowledgeable, knows her stuff and speaks eloquently.

A leader, so much experience, puts her body on the line, shows up in big moments – that’s the kind of person we’re dealing with. She gained a lot of admirers when she came out publicly about her cancer diagnosis. Again, that’s her just wanting women to understand how important it is to get those checks, that sums her up and what she’s about.