Isabella Hobson is officially the Women’s Super League’s youngest in charge. 

At 16 years and 180 days old, Hobson became the youngest goalscorer in WSL history at the weekend, taking over the mantle from Lauren Hemp, who formerly held the record at 16 years and 258 days.

The Everton midfielder’s 95th-minute equaliser against Arsenal was the Toffees’ first WSL point against the North London side since 2012. A goal that also ended the Gunners’ title hopes in the process. 

Hobson follows in the footsteps of former Everton trailblazer Wayne Rooney, who became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history back in 2002, when he scored against Arsenal at 16 years and 360 days old.

In recent years the women's game has seen more young ballers make their professional debuts and score senior goals than ever before. Last summer, South Korean international Casey Phair became the youngest-ever player to feature in a World Cup match at 16 years and 26 days old. In September 2023, Lexi Potter became the youngest player in English women's football to sign a professional contract. And earlier this season, 16-year-old Lily Yohannes became the youngest to start a UWCL group game.

With more investment, resources and time - at both club and international level - being put into the development of young players in the women's game, this is just the beginning. Congratulations to Hobson on an amazing achievement, here's to plenty more in the future.