Arsenal and Scotland star Jen Beattie has received an MBE as part of the New Year Honours list.
The centre-back has achieved great things on the pitch, winning the FA Women’s Super League once, FA League Cup and Women's FA Cup four times. She was also vital in the Tartan Army's run to their first ever major competition in 2017 and the World Cup in 2019.
However, the Gunners icon believes being named on the list is her biggest achivement yet. She told Glasgow Live: "It probably is number one.
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"I think what's special about an MBE is it literally is across everything. It recognises the football and the charity work I've done. For it to be about everything, not just what I do on the pitch but what I do off it is special.
"I believe as footballers we all have a voice and we're all role models, so it's just a really proud moment that it has all been recognised at the same time."
The ex-Celtic player has been keeping the exciting news underwraps since the beginning of December but managed to tell those closest to her.
It meant the festive season she spent with her family north of the border was extra special. Jen said: "That's the the bit that made me feel emotional because I think they agree that out of everything this was something that wasn't expected.
"Nobody ever expects to be amongst some of the other names on the list.
"It was a huge surprise and they are beyond proud of me. It was so nice to share that moment as a family aswell before everyone found out. Being home for Christmas and being around them to celebrate was just amazing."
The footballer hasn't just been rewarded for her impact on the pitch but she has been praised for her work off it.
In 2020, the 31-year-old was diagnosed with breast cancer, she had surgery to remove the lump and began radiotherapy. During the treatment she continued to turn out for club and country.
The defender has continued to share her story with the hope that it can help someone who is fighting their own battle with the disease. Her inspiring work was recognised in 2021 with the Helen Rollason Award.
The Scotland star said: "I think I was always driven, especially after I was diagnosed with breast cancer, it was a no brainer that I wanted to speak out about it and share my experience in order to help others, that was always the ultimate goal.
"I think as a footballer you have a platform and it's your responsibility to speak about it.
"Others don't feel comfortable and that's totally fine, but I think in that moment it showed massively how much the football community can come together and work towards greater things outside of the sport.
"I've also worked on environmental things to help push us towards sustainability. I think it's really important to work on these things and a lot of other footballers do aswell which is great to see."
Although Jen is the one receiving the honour she is adamant that the MBE couldn't be achieved without the support of all the clubs she played for, her teammates over the years and the football community as a whole
She explained: "It was never about me. It was never about what can I do? What can I achieve?
"It was about how can we help people? How do we talk about something to make it easier for someone else? That has ultimately been the goal.
"For this MBE I think it's a credit to everyone else who has made this come together as a football community and supported people who need it."
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