McDonald’s After Ballon d’Or!
How Leah Williamson & Model Girlfriend Elle Smith Celebrated Success for Arsenal & Lionesses at Golden Ball Ceremony in Paris
Introduction
Paris shimmered under golden lights as football’s brightest stars gathered for the prestigious Ballon d’Or ceremony. Among the luminaries was Leah Williamson, captain of Arsenal and England’s Lionesses, whose leadership, resilience, and artistry on the pitch earned her a nomination at the world’s most glamorous footballing night. Walking beside her was Elle Smith, her model girlfriend, who turned as many heads on the red carpet as the footballers themselves.
Yet, while cameras flashed and fans swooned over couture gowns and designer suits, it was the couple’s down-to-earth post-ceremony celebration that captured the imagination: a late-night trip to McDonald’s in Paris. For Williamson and Smith, it wasn’t about champagne towers or velvet ropes—it was about love, laughter, and fries after glory.
The Red Carpet Moment
Williamson arrived at the Théâtre du Châtelet in a sleek, minimalist black gown—a reflection of her classic sense of style: understated yet commanding. Elle Smith, a rising model known for her runway presence and bold elegance, wore a flowing cream silk dress that complemented Williamson’s look while ensuring the pair stood out as one of the evening’s most talked-about couples.
As they posed for photographers, whispers turned into cheers: here was not only a celebrated footballer and her partner but a couple unafraid to embrace the spotlight together. Their hand-in-hand arrival symbolized authenticity, confidence, and love in an arena that, until recently, seldom showcased openly queer relationships.
Fans on social media were quick to highlight the moment:
- “Leah and Elle giving us power couple energy!”
- “Forget the trophies—this is the love story we needed on the red carpet.”
Williamson’s Night of Recognition
The Ballon d’Or ceremony has long been dominated by men’s football, but in recent years the Ballon d’Or Féminin has elevated the recognition of women’s achievements. Williamson’s nomination reflected her status not only as a world-class defender but also as a leader whose influence transcends sport.
Her remarkable year with Arsenal, leading them deep into European competition, combined with her pivotal role as England’s captain during the Lionesses’ continued dominance, made her a strong contender. Though the top honor ultimately went to another player, Williamson’s presence on the shortlist reaffirmed her place among the elite.
“For me,” Williamson later told reporters, “this isn’t just about individual accolades. It’s about what it represents: Arsenal’s progress, the Lionesses’ legacy, and how far women’s football has come. Being here is an honor I share with my teammates and supporters.”
Elle Smith: More Than a Plus-One
While Williamson commanded attention as captain and nominee, Elle Smith carved her own spotlight. A rising model with contracts across Europe and the U.S., Smith has become a recognizable name in high fashion, appearing in campaigns for luxury brands and gracing covers of international magazines.
Her presence alongside Williamson wasn’t just supportive—it was celebratory. Smith has been vocal about her admiration for Williamson’s leadership and activism, often describing her girlfriend as “the embodiment of strength and kindness.”
As the two posed for photos, Elle whispered encouragement to Leah, later telling Vogue Paris: “It’s easy to be proud of her, not just because of the football but because of the way she carries herself. Tonight is Leah’s night, but for us, it’s always about sharing the journey together.”
After the Glitz: McDonald’s in Paris
While most attendees spilled into after-parties hosted by luxury brands or footballing federations, Williamson and Smith opted for something different. Just past midnight, the couple were spotted at a McDonald’s near the Champs-Élysées, ordering cheeseburgers, fries, and milkshakes.
Fans who recognized them posted photos online, sparking viral excitement. “Leah Williamson and Elle Smith swapping champagne for McNuggets—our kind of royalty!” one tweet read, garnering thousands of likes.
The scene was a contrast to the glittering gala: Williamson, still in her gown but barefoot after hours in heels, laughing as Smith balanced a tray of burgers. Both looked radiant, carefree, and utterly content.
Why McDonald’s?
For Williamson, this wasn’t a gimmick. She has often spoken about her love for simple pleasures and staying grounded amidst fame. After England’s Euro 2022 triumph, she famously admitted to celebrating with takeaway food rather than elaborate dinners.
“It’s just who we are,” she laughed in Paris. “Football, fashion, awards—they’re amazing. But at the end of the day, I want to celebrate with my person, in the way that feels real. Sometimes that’s champagne. Tonight, it was fries.”
Elle added: “We had the night of our lives. And honestly? Nothing tastes better than a burger at midnight with Leah.”
Symbolism Beyond Fries
Their McDonald’s moment resonated beyond its humor. It represented a rejection of elitism and a reminder that at the core of sport and life are relationships, love, and authenticity. For many fans, it made Williamson and Smith more relatable, a couple who could grace the red carpet in Paris one moment and laugh over milkshakes the next.
Sports sociologists pointed out the significance:
- It challenged the expectation that success must be followed by extravagant, inaccessible celebrations.
- It reinforced Williamson’s brand as both an elite athlete and an everywoman.
- It gave visibility to queer love stories in mainstream sporting spaces in a way that felt effortless and natural.
Fan and Media Reactions
The press, predictably, ran with the story. Headlines in British tabloids screamed: “From Golden Ball to Golden Arches: Williamson’s Night in Paris.” French outlets hailed the couple as “le couple le plus charmant de la soirée.”
On Instagram, Williamson shared a candid shot of Elle holding their food with the caption: “Ballon d’Or afterparty, our style.” The post amassed millions of likes within hours.
Fans flooded the comments:
- “This is why Leah is the people’s captain.”
- “From the pitch to Paris to McDonald’s—iconic behavior.”
- “Elle and Leah proving again why they’re everyone’s favorite couple.”
Arsenal & Lionesses Celebrate
Both Arsenal and the England Lionesses’ official accounts joined in on the fun. Arsenal Women tweeted: “From Ballon d’Or to Big Macs—captain, you do it all.” The Lionesses posted a fries emoji with Leah’s photo, captioned: “World-class on and off the pitch.”
Teammates also chimed in. Beth Mead, Williamson’s close friend and Arsenal teammate, joked: “Should’ve saved me some nuggets.” England star Lucy Bronze commented: “Champions know the best fuel.”
Love, Visibility, and Impact
The celebration highlighted another important dimension: the visibility of Williamson and Smith as a same-sex couple in the global spotlight. While women’s football has long been more inclusive than its male counterpart, representation at this level—on the Ballon d’Or stage, covered by worldwide media—is invaluable.
Young fans across the globe saw two women proudly supporting each other, not as a side note but as the story itself. In an era where representation matters more than ever, Williamson and Smith’s authenticity sends a powerful message: success and love know no bounds.
Looking Ahead
For Williamson, the Ballon d’Or night may be over, but her journey continues. With Arsenal pushing for titles and England preparing for the next major international tournament, her leadership will remain pivotal.
Elle Smith, meanwhile, continues her meteoric rise in the fashion world, balancing her career with her role as Williamson’s most vocal supporter. Their partnership, built on mutual respect and admiration, promises to remain a beacon for fans.
As for their celebrations? Don’t expect them to change. Whether it’s lifting trophies or walking red carpets, Williamson and Smith will likely end the night in their own way—together, grounded, and happy.
Conclusion
The Ballon d’Or is about honoring the best in football. But Leah Williamson and Elle Smith reminded the world that beyond the trophies and titles, life’s sweetest moments can be found in laughter, in fries shared at midnight, and in the quiet joy of being with the one you love.
From Paris’s glittering stage to the humble glow of McDonald’s arches, the couple turned a night of prestige into a story of humanity. And for fans everywhere, that made them winners, no matter the final vote.
Leave a Reply