Laila Herbert Signs First Professional Contract
On January 3, 2025, midfielder Laila Herbert officially signed her first professional deal.
Choosing to join Arsenal FC in the English Women’s Super League felt like a “natural” progression for her. Having grown up in the club’s academy, the idea of making her professional debut in the same place where her dreams began seemed fitting.
“This is a proud moment for my family and me to sign a contract at a club that truly feels like home,” Herbert expressed. “Joining Arsenal’s academy as a child makes it special to be able to commit my future here.”
After spending time on loan with Watford and Southampton in the Women’s Championship, the young England international had some big decisions to make. Last summer, she finally received that anticipated call: the Portland Thorns were interested in her and prioritized bringing her to the Rose City on loan come late August.
This transition marks a significant leap in competition for Herbert and could serve as a launching pad for her professional career.
“Coming to Portland is incredibly exciting. I get to represent a club with such a rich history and legends,” she noted. “It’s my first experience playing overseas, and I believe it will help me grow, both as a player and as an individual.”
Now settled in Portland, Oregon, Herbert is over 5,000 miles away from her childhood in southeast London. Fortunately, her parents helped her adjust when she arrived in the Pacific Northwest.
“It’s definitely far from home,” she admitted. “Starting out on your own at 18 can be a bit overwhelming. But I felt it was essential for my development, not just as an athlete but as a person.”
The loan will technically run until the 2025 season. While it seems short, Herbert is focused on her goals each day.
“I aspire to learn a lot about myself and also from the talented players and staff surrounding me,” she explained. “A goal of mine is to return to England stronger, especially given how dynamic this league can be. I believe this move will boost my confidence and challenge me in ways I haven’t encountered before.”
Herbert expressed her enthusiasm for playing alongside well-renowned midfielders like Sam Coffey, Jesse Fleming, Olivia Moultrie, and Hina Sugita. The chance to compete in a new country and league is thrilling.
Moultrie has been a mentor to Herbert, understanding the unique pressures young players face in such a competitive environment. The rising star of the league, who recently made history as the youngest player to participate in an NWSL game at just 15, has taken Herbert under her wing.
“I want to stand out as a player,” Moultrie said. “(Herbert) has been fantastic. I enjoy feeling like a big sister.”
Herbert’s first road trip with the Thorns took her to Chicago, where they drew 1-1 against the Chicago Stars. Shortly after, she made her debut against New Jersey/New York Gotham FC, stepping onto the field in the 61st minute.
“It felt amazing to finally be on the pitch for the Thorns,” Herbert reflected. “The game was tough, but I’m thankful for the chance to play, and I see this experience as motivation to push myself further.”
Having already played in three matches for the Portland Thorns, she’s eager for her inaugural playoff run with the team.
Now a month into her new life in the United States, Herbert is experiencing continuous growth.
Thorns head coach Rob Gale remarked, “You can see the qualities in her that Arsenal recognized and nurtured, which is encouraging. We hope to continue her development. She might be essential in the coming weeks.”
No matter if she heads back to England after the 2025 season or stays longer, this opportunity is shaping up to be life-changing for the promising British talent.
