Araya Dennis


Araya Marilyn Roxanne Dennis is an English professional footballer who plays as a forward for Women's Super League club Tottenham Hotspur, and as a defender for the England under-19s. A product of the Arsenal Academy, she previously played on loan for National League side Watford, as well as Women's Super League 2 sides Crystal Palace and Southampton F.C.

Club career

Arsenal and loan spells

Dennis is a product of the Arsenal Academy having scored 4 goals in 18 appearances for the academy team. She trained with the Arsenal first team prior to a two month spell with National League South side Watford, under dual registration for the 2022–23 season, where she featured in three games, scoring one goal.
On 2 September 2023, Dennis joined Women's Championship club Crystal Palace on dual registration for the 2023–24 season, and scored on her debut with the club the next day in a 2–1 win against Birmingham City. In October, she was awarded the Women's Championship Goal of the Month, for her long-range effort from 35-yards out against Charlton Athletic.

Tottenham Hotspur

In February 2024, having played at the 2nd and 3rd levels of women's football in England, Dennis signed a two-year contract with Women's Super League club Tottenham Hotspur in the top tier.
On 2 October 2024, she made her senior debut for Tottenham in the opening group stage match of the 2024–25 League Cup against Charlton Athletic, coming on as a 67 minute substitute. On 11 December, aged 18, Dennis scored her debut goal for the club in a 2–0 victory over Crystal Palace in the final group stage match, helping Tottenham to secure a place in the quarter-finals. Her performance was described as impressive by VAVEL and Spurs manager Robert Vilahamn.

Southampton (loan)

On 10 January 2025, Dennis joined Women's Championship club Southampton on loan for the remainder of the 2024–25 Women's Championship.

International career

Dennis was part of the England under-17 team that played in the 2023 U17 Championship up until the semi-finals in May, where the youth team were defeated 3–1 by Spain.
On 20 September 2023, she scored her youth international debut goals for the England under-19s, with a brace in a friendly fixture against Denmark resulting in a 5–0 victory.
In July 2024, Dennis featured in the 2024 UEFA Under-19 Championship for the under-19s, providing an assist for the final goal against Lithuania as a 70th minute substitute.
For 2025 U19 Championship qualification in November and December 2024, she featured as a defender in all first round matches against Turkey, Italy, and Poland'''.'''

Style of play

Dennis is a winger who contributes across the pitch. At the age of 17 she was described by Imeptus Football as a young talent who "displays an intelligence of the game way beyond her young age"; with the ability to easily escape tight spaces, draw opposition, and run channels.
Crystal Palace described the forward as a fast-paced and "attack-minded right-sided player". For England at youth level, she has covered at left-back from the right-wing position, and played as a defender in the number 2 position.

Honours

Crystal Palace
  • Women's Championship: 2023–24
Individual