Kelly Smith is one of the most accomplished players in English women’s football history. A former forward for Arsenal and the England national team, she scored 46 goals in 117 appearances for the Lionesses and spent three spells at Arsenal, winning multiple trophies including the UEFA Women’s Cup. Since retiring from playing in 2015, Smith has moved into coaching and ambassadorial work, returning to Arsenal as a first-team coach in 2023 and serving as an FA Girls’ Football School Partnership Ambassador in 2025–2026. Her journey from Watford to international stardom, combined with her openness about personal life, has made her a defining figure in the sport.
Born on 29 October 1978, Smith grew up in Watford and attended Francis Combe School and Community College. She began her football career at a time when opportunities for women in the sport were limited, yet she rose to become England’s second-highest all-time goalscorer. Her technical ability, finishing, and leadership on the pitch earned her comparisons to the best in the game, and she was awarded an MBE in 2008 for services to women’s football. Today, she continues to shape the next generation through coaching and advocacy.
Who Is Kelly Smith? Biography and Early Career
- Kelly Smith is widely regarded as one of England’s greatest female footballers, scoring 46 goals in 117 appearances for the Lionesses.
- Her autobiography ‘Foot-printfootball’ (2014) details her journey through addiction and injury to football stardom.
- Since retiring from playing, Smith has been open about her personal life, including her marriage to management consultant DeAnna Dobosz.
- In 2023, Smith returned to Arsenal as a first-team coach, continuing her legacy at the club where she spent most of her playing career.
- She was awarded an MBE in 2008 for services to women’s football, recognising her impact on and off the pitch.
- Smith played for Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics, representing Great Britain on home soil.
- She is an FA Girls’ Football School Partnership Ambassador as of 2025–2026, working to grow the sport at grassroots level.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 29 October 1978 |
| Club Career | Arsenal (three spells), Boston Breakers, magicJack, Seton Hall Pirates, Philadelphia Charge |
| International Career | England (1995–2015), 117 caps, 46 goals |
| Major Honours | UEFA Women’s Cup (2007), 5 FA WSL titles, 6 FA Cups, MBE (2008) |
| Hall of Fame | Inducted into National Football Museum Hall of Fame (2017) |
| Current Role | Arsenal Women’s Coach (since 2023), FA Ambassador |
| Partner | DeAnna Dobosz (married June 2016) |
| Book | Foot-printfootball (2014) |
Smith’s early career took her to the United States, where she played college soccer at Seton Hall University and broke multiple records. She then joined the Philadelphia Charge in the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA), becoming one of the first English women to play professionally in America. Her time in the US helped shape her game and exposed her to a higher level of competition, which she later brought back to Arsenal and the England setup.
She made her senior England debut in 1995 at just 16 years old, and over the next two decades she became the team’s all-time record goalscorer, a record she held until it was surpassed. Her 46 goals in 117 caps place her second on the all-time list, behind only Ellen White. Smith also represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics, a career highlight she has described as a pinnacle moment.
Is Kelly Smith Married? Who Is Her Partner?
Kelly Smith is married to DeAnna Dobosz, a management consultant. The couple married in June 2016 and live in Muswell Hill, London, with their two children. Smith has been open about her family life, sharing glimpses on social media while maintaining a level of privacy.
Who Is DeAnna Dobosz?
DeAnna Dobosz is a management consultant by profession. She and Smith have been together for several years and married in a ceremony in 2016. The couple have two children: a son named Rocco Jude, born in May 2017, and a daughter named Lucia, born in August 2019. Dobosz is not a public figure in the sports world, but she occasionally appears in Smith’s social media posts and public appearances.
Kelly Smith is not married to Alex Scott. The two are former teammates and friends. Scott revealed in her 2022 autobiography that she and Smith had been in a romantic relationship in the past, and they previously shared a house together. However, Smith is married to DeAnna Dobosz, and Scott is in a separate relationship. The historical connection between Smith and Scott has sometimes caused confusion in public searches, but their current personal lives are distinct.
Does Kelly Smith Have Children?
Yes, Kelly Smith and DeAnna Dobosz have two children. Their son Rocco Jude was born in May 2017, and their daughter Lucia was born in August 2019. The family lives together in Muswell Hill, London. Smith has occasionally shared photos of her children on social media, but she generally keeps their lives private.
What Was Kelly Smith’s Relationship with Alex Scott?
Alex Scott, a fellow England and Arsenal legend, revealed in her 2022 autobiography that she and Kelly Smith had a romantic relationship in the past. The two were teammates at Arsenal and for England, and they previously shared a house together. Scott’s book brought the relationship into the public domain, but Smith has not publicly commented on it in detail. Both women have moved on and are in separate relationships — Smith is married to DeAnna Dobosz, and Scott is in a relationship with actress Jess Glynne.
Kelly Smith’s Career with Arsenal and England
Smith’s playing career is defined by two institutions: Arsenal and England. She spent three spells at Arsenal, winning multiple league titles and cups, and she remains England’s second-highest all-time goalscorer. Her career spanned two decades, from her debut in 1995 to her retirement in 2015.
Did Kelly Smith Play for Arsenal?
Yes, Kelly Smith played for Arsenal across three separate spells. Her first stint began after she returned from the United States, and she was part of the Arsenal team that won the UEFA Women’s Cup in 2007 — the first English club to win the competition. She also played for Arsenal during the early years of the FA Women’s Super League, winning multiple titles. After a period playing in the US for Boston Breakers and magicJack, she returned to Arsenal for a final spell before retiring in 2015. In total, she scored over 100 goals for the club across all competitions.
How Many Goals Did Kelly Smith Score for England?
Kelly Smith scored 46 goals in 117 appearances for the England senior team. She became England’s all-time record goalscorer in September 2010 when she scored her 41st goal, surpassing the previous record. Her record stood until it was later broken by Ellen White, who finished with 52 goals. Smith remains second on the all-time list, and her goal tally places her among the most prolific forwards in English women’s football history.
Is Kelly Smith in the Hall of Fame?
Kelly Smith was inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame in 2017, recognising her contribution to the game. The Hall of Fame profile describes her as “renowned as one of the country’s most technically gifted and prolific finishers” and “one of the greatest players ever to pull on an England shirt.” She is also an MBE recipient and an Olympic athlete, having played for Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics.
Smith’s key achievements include winning the UEFA Women’s Cup in 2007, five FA WSL titles, six FA Cups, and the MBE in 2008. She also played for the Boston Breakers and magicJack in the US, and represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics. Her 46 goals for England place her second on the all-time scoring list, and she was inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame in 2017.
What Is Kelly Smith Doing Now? Current Role in 2025
As of 2025–2026, Kelly Smith is working as a coach for the Arsenal Women’s first team and serving as an FA Girls’ Football School Partnership Ambassador. She returned to Arsenal in March 2023, initially coaching at the Women’s academy while earning her UEFA A Licence. In April 2023, she joined the first-team coaching setup until the end of the 2022/23 season, and she has remained in a coaching role since then.
Is Kelly Smith Still Coaching Arsenal?
Yes, Kelly Smith is currently an Arsenal Women’s Coach. She returned to the club in March 2023, first working with the academy and then moving to the first-team coaching staff. Her role involves working with the players on the training ground and contributing to match preparation. Smith has expressed ambitions to continue into management and potentially lead a national team, citing Phil Neville as an inspiration.
What Is Kelly Smith’s Ambassador Role?
Smith is serving as an FA Girls’ Football School Partnership Ambassador in 2025–2026. This role involves promoting girls’ football in schools across England, working to increase participation and provide role models for young players. The FA Girls’ Football School Partnership is a programme that aims to give every girl in England access to football in school, and Smith’s involvement brings her playing experience and profile to the initiative.
Kelly Smith is not a pundit or broadcaster as her primary role, though she does make media appearances. Her main professional focus is coaching at Arsenal Women and her ambassadorial work with the FA. She has also been linked to Barclays as an ambassador, but her primary employer is Arsenal Football Club.
Does Kelly Smith Work as a Pundit?
Smith makes occasional media appearances as a pundit and commentator, but her primary focus is coaching. She is a frequent media voice on women’s football development and role modelling, and she has been featured in publications such as the Evening Standard discussing her career and the growth of the women’s game. However, her day-to-day role is at Arsenal, not in broadcasting.
Kelly Smith’s Career Timeline: From Watford to Arsenal Coach
The following timeline outlines the key milestones in Smith’s career, from her birth in Watford to her current coaching role at Arsenal.
- 1978 — Born in Watford, England.
- 1994 — Moved to the US to play college soccer at Seton Hall University.
- 1995 — Made her debut for the England senior team.
- 2000–2009 — Played her first two spells at Arsenal, winning multiple trophies including the UEFA Women’s Cup in 2007.
- 2007 — Won the UEFA Women’s Cup (Champions League) with Arsenal.
- 2008 — Awarded an MBE for services to women’s football.
- 2009–2012 — Played for Boston Breakers and magicJack in the US.
- 2012 — Represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics.
- 2012–2015 — Final playing spell at Arsenal before retiring.
- 2015 — Retired from international football with 46 goals in 117 caps.
- 2017 — Inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame.
- 2023 — Returned to Arsenal as a first-team coach.
- 2025 — Current role: Arsenal Women’s Coach and FA Girls’ Football School Partnership Ambassador.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Kelly Smith’s Life?
While much of Kelly Smith’s professional career is well documented, some aspects of her personal life and legacy have generated confusion in public searches. The table below clarifies what is established and what remains uncertain.
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Kelly Smith is married to DeAnna Dobosz (since June 2016). | The exact timeline of her past relationship with Alex Scott is not publicly detailed beyond Scott’s 2022 autobiography. |
| She has two children: Rocco Jude (born 2017) and Lucia (born 2019). | Some accounts indicate she may not have published an autobiography, while others list ‘Foot-printfootball’ (2014) as her book. This remains unresolved. |
| She retired from professional playing in 2015 and is now a coach at Arsenal. | Whether she will pursue a head coach or national team manager role in the future is not yet confirmed, though she has expressed interest. |
| She was inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame in 2017. | Some sources suggest she has never been officially inducted into a Hall of Fame, creating uncertainty around this recognition. |
Kelly Smith is not married to Alex Scott, nor is she still playing football. She retired from playing in 2015 and is married to DeAnna Dobosz. Her past romantic relationship with Scott was revealed in Scott’s 2022 autobiography, but the two are not currently in a relationship. Smith is not in the Hall of Fame in the sense of an official induction ceremony — the National Football Museum Hall of Fame induction in 2017 is the recognised honour.
Why Kelly Smith’s Career Matters for Women’s Football
Kelly Smith is consistently ranked among the top female footballers of all time. Her technical ability, goal-scoring record, and longevity at Arsenal and England set a benchmark for subsequent generations. She was among the first English women to play professionally in the US (WUSA), helping raise the profile of the sport globally. Her career spanned a period of significant growth for women’s football, and she was a key figure in the transition from amateur to professional standards in England.
Smith’s return to Arsenal as a coach in 2023 marked a new chapter, transitioning from icon to mentor. This move aligns with a broader trend of former players shaping the next generation of talent, particularly at clubs where they built their legacy. Her work with the FA Girls’ Football School Partnership also reflects a commitment to growing the game at grassroots level, ensuring that young girls have access to football and role models who look like them.
Smith has been open about her marriage to DeAnna Dobosz, contributing to LGBTQ+ visibility in women’s football. Her willingness to share personal details, while maintaining professionalism, has made her a relatable figure beyond her athletic achievements. In a sport where representation matters, Smith’s public profile has helped normalise diverse family structures and relationships.
Sources and Quotes on Kelly Smith’s Legacy
The following sources provide authoritative information on Kelly Smith’s career and legacy. These include official publications, museum profiles, and her own social media channels.
“Renowned as one of the country’s most technically gifted and prolific finishers, Kelly Smith is considered one of the greatest players ever to pull on an England shirt.”
— National Football Museum Hall of Fame profile, nationalfootballmuseum.com
The Wikipedia entry for Kelly Smith provides a comprehensive biography, career statistics, and honours list, and is regularly updated. The FA feature article on Smith offers an official perspective on her early career obstacles and legacy. Her Instagram profile and Facebook page provide updates on her current activities, coaching work, and personal life.
Additional reporting from the Evening Standard and The Times has covered her views on role models, pay disparity, and the growth of the women’s game. These sources contribute to the public understanding of Smith’s impact both on and off the pitch.
Summary: What Is Kelly Smith’s Lasting Impact?
Kelly Smith’s legacy in English women’s football is secure. As a player, she was a prolific goalscorer for Arsenal and England, winning multiple trophies and setting records that stood for years. As a coach and ambassador, she is shaping the next generation of players and promoting the sport at grassroots level. Her openness about her personal life has also made her an important figure for LGBTQ+ representation in sport. Smith remains a pivotal figure in the game, and her influence is likely to grow as she continues her coaching career. For more on the team she coaches, see the Arsenal Women’s Team Current Squad.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kelly Smith
What is Kelly Smith’s Instagram handle?
Her official Instagram is @kellyjsmith.
What is Kelly Smith’s Facebook page?
Her official Facebook page is @KellySmithOfficial.
Is Kelly Smith still playing for England?
No, she retired from international football in 2015.
What awards has Kelly Smith won?
She was awarded an MBE in 2008, inducted into the National Football Museum Hall of Fame in 2017, and won multiple FA WSL titles and FA Cups with Arsenal.
What is Kelly Smith’s book called?
Her autobiography is titled ‘Foot-printfootball’, published in 2014.
How many goals did Kelly Smith score for Arsenal?
She scored over 100 goals across her three spells at Arsenal, though exact totals vary by competition.
How old is Kelly Smith?
She was born on 29 October 1978, making her 46 years old as of 2025.
Is Kelly Smith in a relationship?
Yes, she is married to DeAnna Dobosz, a management consultant, since June 2016.
What is Kelly Smith’s current role at Arsenal?
She is a first-team coach for Arsenal Women, a role she has held since April 2023.
Did Kelly Smith play in the Olympics?
Yes, she represented Team GB at the London 2012 Olympics.
Sophie Kendall is Celebrity News Editor at ShowbizUK.co.uk, covering celebrity news, public appearances, interviews, red carpet coverage, social media updates and audience-focused showbiz stories.