Emile Smith Rowe (born 28 July 2000) is an English professional footballer who plays as an attacking midfielder or winger for club Arsenal and the England national team. Smith Rowe was a highly anticipated youth player at Arsenal, whilst also playing a key part for England in their successful FIFA U-17 World Cup campaign in 2017. Smith Rowe's professional breakthrough came in 2018, as he made an immediate impression at senior level for Arsenal, scoring several times in his first games. In January, Smith Rowe moved to Bundesliga's RB Leipzig on loan, playing just 3 times due to a recurring groin injury, despite this, the German club lobbied unsuccessfully for a permanent move. On July of 2019, Smith Rowe returned to rehab at Arsenal for the first half of the season. In January of 2020, Smith Rowe moved to Huddersfield Town on loan, playing a key part in keeping them up in the Championship. Upon returning from loan, Smith Rowe established himself as a key player for Arsenal under Mikel Arteta. In July of 2021, he was given the number 10 shirt vacated by Mesut Özil, and signed a long term contract. That following season, Smith Rowe scored ten goals in the league, and was shortlisted for the Premier League Young Player of the Season and the PFA Young Player of the Year awards. Smith Rowe has represented every age bracket for England at youth levels. He made his debut against Albania on 12 November 2021, in a 5-0 victory in FIFA World Cup Qualification. Early life Smith Rowe was born in Croydon, Greater London. He relocated to north London with his parents and brother when he was signed by Arsenal in 2010. He is of Jamaican descent. Club career Arsenal Early years Smith Rowe joined Arsenal's Hale End Academy in 2010 at the age of ten, after playing for South London-based team Glebe. He made his first appearance for the Under-23s in 2016–17, at the age of 16. He continued in the Under-23s during the 2017–18 season, making 10 appearances for the side, recorded 2 assists and 1 goal. He signed his first professional contract with the club on 31 July 2017. Smith Rowe signed a new long-term professional contract with Arsenal on 31 July 2018, when he was described by head coach Unai Emery as having "lots of potential". The length of the contract was not disclosed by