Game-changers Vol 6: Lianne Sanderson

To celebrate Black History Month, GIRLACTICO, in partnership with Kick It Out, has spoken to some of the biggest game-changers making an impact across women's football, culture and beyond.

For Volume 6, we sat down with Lianne Sanderson.

Sanderson has had a staggering career both on and off the pitch, from MVP performances in FA Cup finals to finishing as Arsenal's top scorer in their historic quadruple winning season in 2006/07. After a staggering 51 goals in 36 games for Arsenal the following season, Sanderson spent time at Chelsea, the NWSL, and Serie A. At international level, Sanderson's Lioness career led to her being recognised in 2022 by The Football Association as one of the national team's legacy players. Sanderson has also been spoken out about advocating against racism and discrimination within the sport.

Since retiring, she has established a career in sports broadcasting, working regularly for talkSPORT, a studio and match analyst for Sky Sports, as well as contributing to the BBC and CBS. She's covered major international tournaments for DAZN, Fox Sports, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video, including working as a commentator during the 2025 Women's Euros.

This week, Sanderson worked with DAZN, covering the Ballon d'Or ceremony - helping women's football become a bigger part of the conversation.

GIRLACTICO: What does Black History Month mean to you?

It means so much to be able to be visible in a space that for many years we have been underrepresented visibly in the media. That’s not to say we haven’t existed, and successful people of colour haven’t been there, but many haven’t been celebrated over the years. So I feel strongly about celebrating us everyday.

GIRLACTICO: What does it mean to you to be part of a generation that helped make women’s football more visible, particularly for Black & mixed-race girls who may not have seen themselves represented in the game growing up?

You don’t really realize the impact you have made until mums and parents come and tell you, and kids tell you, by just being me I have helped them so much - and that’s the biggest compliment I could ever have. They feel they can not only become a footballer, but a space exists for them in TV too, that’s why visibility is so important.

GIRLACTICO: You’ve previously spoken about the underrepresentation of diverse talent in elite women’s football. Why do you think this remains an issue, and what needs to change?

I think there has been a clear and obvious decline in representation either in the WSL or national team. This was never an issue when I played, so I think the people in power and in boardrooms need to ask themselves why that is? And it’s not just because people can’t make it to training facilities - if people want to see real change they will dig deep to find out why not just on the surface. Also having people in those meetings that are of colour that have experience in those situations.

GIRLACTICO: What was the biggest adjustment in moving from being on the pitch to analysing the game in front of the cameras?

It felt natural for me because I’ve been in the public eye since I was 14 so I’ve always had pressure and I love pressure. I thrive under pressure, so I love live TV and radio. I think the biggest adjustment is everyone thinking they know you, and the online abuse just because of the color of my skin, being a woman, or my sexuality, it’s never about my ability as a pundit. I also feel my ability as a player and to be able to see things allows me to be about to see things others may not.

GIRLACTICO: What makes you most proud of who you are? How important has it been for you to embrace your identity and feel comfortable and confident in yourself, both in football and in everyday life?

The words "be authentically you" have become more common these days and I feel grateful that I was able to grow up in a family that allows me to be unapologetically me in every way. I’m lucky I grew up with the mum, dad and family that I did. My biggest advice is to surround yourself with people that lift you up. Not 'yes' people, but people with good energy and who want the best for you.

GIRLACTICO: When you look at how far women’s football has come, what achievement are you most proud of being part of?

Obviously winning the quadruple with Arsenal and then to be there again as a pundit in Lisbon when they did it again was so special. I also feel incredibly honoured to have an England legacy cap and when I do watch Lionesses games in a sold out Wembley, I feel incredibly proud to have played a small part along that journey.