The Rise of Harbert: From Arsenal Academy to International Stardom

Harbert has been an integral part of the Arsenal setup since the age of nine, becoming the first girl to train with the club’s boys’ teams—a pioneering role that has paved the way for others since.

“It’s an experience that has significantly shaped me as a player, especially regarding competitiveness,” she explained. “Entering a setup traditionally not inclusive of girls requires you to let your football skills speak for themselves.”

Over approximately three years, Harbert trained with both the boys’ and girls’ academies at Arsenal, experiences that proved invaluable when she turned 15 and began to confront challenges outside her comfort zone. Her journey included training with the senior team and, a year later, being named in the matchday squad for both legs of Arsenal’s remarkable Champions League semi-final against Wolfsburg.

Following her debut in a post-season friendly in Australia, Harbert transitioned to loan spells at Watford and Southampton in the English second tier. Meanwhile, her international journey with England was also flourishing. After helping the Young Lionesses reach the semi-finals of the 2023 Under-17 Euros, she captained the team in the 2024 edition, leading them to the final. A few months later, she retained her captaincy for the U17 World Cup, guiding her team to the semi-finals once again.

“Learning from various environments has been instrumental in my development,” she remarked at the close of last year.

Harbert’s potential has been clear to dedicated fans of Arsenal and England. However, it was in 2025 that she made a loan move that drew attention beyond these circles, joining the Portland Thorns in the U.S. after two seasons in English football’s second division.

The Thorns, three-time NWSL champions and one of the premier teams in a highly competitive league, boast a roster featuring several U.S. internationals, including Coffey, Moultrie, and Sophia Wilson, as well as international stars like Jessie Fleming, an Olympic gold medalist.

Arsenal viewed this loan as an excellent opportunity for Harbert to gain new experiences, including playing in front of large crowds and adapting to the NWSL’s distinct style of play.

“It was a challenging decision, but I believed it would make me a better player,” Harbert stated. “I’m determined to reach the top, and I felt this was a crucial step in that journey.”

As the Thorns advanced to the NWSL play-off semi-finals, Harbert had the chance to learn from her teammates, particularly Olivia Moultrie, a young player with considerable experience, and Sam Coffey, who plays in the same position as her and serves as the team’s captain.

“I’ve been close with Olivia, learning from her confidence and style of play, which is that of a seasoned player,” Harbert shared in October. “Sam’s leadership qualities and her ability to dictate the game are aspects I’ve greatly admired and learned from. She’s also excellent at fostering team cohesion and maintaining standards.”

Last year was pivotal for Harbert at the club level and within the England setup. After excelling for the U17s, she debuted for the U19s in March and subsequently joined the U23 squad, where Sarina Wiegman frequently scouts new talent for the senior team.

“England’s clear playing style and expectations have made the transition between age groups relatively smooth for me,” she commented during her first U23 camp, recognizing the increase in intensity and quality at higher levels. “Sarina’s trust in young players offers an exciting pathway to the seniors, making it an exciting time to be a young player in England.”

Harbert embodies the essence of Arsenal, showcasing technical excellence and composure under pressure. She thrives in possession and possesses a remarkable passing range, vision, and awareness. Her loan experiences have also taught her to adapt to situations where her team has not dominated possession, effectively contributing both on and off the ball.

Her admirable personal qualities—an excellent attitude, maturity, and adaptability—position her as a promising leader and an athlete poised for continued growth. While still progressing physically at 19, Harbert is steadily developing strength and stature through her loan spells.

There remains untapped potential in her game, particularly in her offensive contributions, as she is often deployed in a more reserved role as a defensive midfielder. However, as she plays in various systems and roles, we may witness her offensive capabilities flourish over time.

Currently, Harbert’s primary role is that of a holding midfielder, drawing comparisons to former Arsenal star Lia Walti, known for her exceptional passing ability and positional awareness. Harbert shares similar traits and is developing her understanding of off-ball positioning.

Elements of Kim Little’s game, a seasoned veteran of Arsenal’s midfield, are also evident in Harbert, particularly in her quick feet that help her navigate tight situations. Training alongside Little will undoubtedly benefit the young midfielder, just as her time with Coffey in Portland has.

The next chapter for Harbert is intriguing. Since returning to North London after the end of the Portland Thorns’ 2025 season, Arsenal may consider another loan move for her or keep her with the first team as they compete on multiple fronts.

This approach mirrors the club’s decision with Reid last season, who earned a starting position after a loan spell. Harbert could find herself in a similar situation in 2026, a prospect she embraces wholeheartedly.

“The average age in the WSL is around 25-26, and at 18, you wonder when you’ll get your chance,” Harbert reflected. “At my age, gaining senior minutes is essential. If it’s not at my parent club, they have a long-term plan for me beyond these loans, which I fully support. Understanding the bigger picture has been crucial for me, and all these loans aim for my eventual return to Arsenal and competing for a starting position.”

Whether Harbert breaks into the Arsenal first team soon or gains more experience through another loan, her performances to date indicate that she possesses the potential to become another success story from the Gunners’ illustrious academy.