Kim Little - A Detailed Overview
Early Life
Kim Little was born on June 29, 1990 in Aberdeen, Scotland. From a young age, she demonstrated a clear preference and talent for football. Her focused dedication helped her to hone her skills, even serving as a ball girl for the local professional team, Aberdeen Football Club. As a teenager, her talents were recognized, leading to her joining the youth academies of Hibernian Ladies and Buchan Girls.
Early Career
While still in her teens, Kim Little started playing for Hibernian in the Scottish Women's Premier League, where she had already gained some attention from her performances in the youth leagues. She won her first national league title with Hibernian Ladies in 2006 and the Scottish Women's Cup in 2007. Her performance during her time with the club caught the attention of Arsenal Ladies, a team in the English Women's Premier League.
Move To Arsenal
In 2008, Kim Little took her career to the next level and transferred to Arsenal Ladies. Here she truly started to make a name for herself. During her five-season stint with Arsenal, Little won the quad (League, FA Cup, Premier League Cup and Community Shield) in her debut season. In addition, she helped Arsenal win two more FA Cups in 2011 and 2012, and the league title in 2009 and 2012. Little was the league's top scorer in the 2012 season, her standout performances and ability to consistently deliver on the field led to her receiving the PFA Women's Players' Player of the Year award in 2013.
Move to America
In 2013, Little decided to move to the United States and sign with Seattle Reign FC, a team in the newly formed National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Little continued her form from the UK and during her time with the club, she helped the team win two NWSL Shield titles. For her exceptional performances, Little was awarded the NWSL MVP award in 2014 and was also named in the league’s Best XI in 2014 and 2015.
Return to Arsenal
After three successful seasons in the United States, Little returned to Arsenal in 2017. Her second spell with the club saw her achieve continued success. In the 2018 season, she helped her team win the Continental Cup and she played a crucial role in Arsenal's 2018–19 Women's Super League title triumph. Her value to the team was once again recognised when she earned a nomination for the 2019 PFA Women's Players' Player of the Year award.
International Career
Alongside her club career, Kim Little has also thrived on the international stage. Little made her debut for the Scotland national team in 2007 and has since acquired over 120 caps. She also participated on Great Britain’s women’s football team at the 2012 London Olympics. After a disappointing omission from the 2016 Rio Olympics due to injury, she was selected for the Great Britain squad for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
Playing Style and Legacy
Kim Little is well-regarded for her technical skills, vision, and her ability to score goals from midfield. Her style of play, leadership abilities, and consistent performances have firmly established her as one of Scotland's greatest ever footballers and one of the best women's footballers in the world. Not only has she made significant contributions to her clubs and country, but she has also left an indelible mark on women's football worldwide through her dedication and passion for the game.
