Key Takeaways
- Millie Bright retires from playing immediately because of an ankle injury sustained in February.
- She won 20 trophies with Chelsea during 12 years, including eight Women’s Super League titles.
- The 32-year-old will remain at the club as a foundation trustee and official ambassador.
Chelsea captain Millie Bright has announced her immediate retirement from professional football. The 32-year-old defender ends her playing career after spending 12 successful years at the West London club.
Bright joined Chelsea in 2014 from Doncaster Rovers Belles. She made 314 appearances for the Blues and lifted 20 trophies. Her medal collection includes eight Women’s Super League titles and six Women’s FA Cups. She became club captain at the start of the 2023-24 season.
The centre-back also enjoyed a strong international career. She earned 88 caps for England and helped the Lionesses win the 2022 European Championship on home soil. In 2023, she captained England at the World Cup final in Australia and New Zealand while regular captain Leah Williamson was injured.
Bright has not played since February because of an ankle problem. She will miss the final two WSL matches and the FA Cup semi-final against Manchester City later this month.
Despite leaving the pitch, Bright will stay at Stamford Bridge. The club confirmed she will take up two off-field roles. She will serve as a trustee for the Chelsea Foundation and work as an official club ambassador.
Bright began her career at Doncaster Rovers Belles in 2009. She said she has given everything to Chelsea and never wanted to fight for another badge. “I am ready to move into a new era,” she stated. “I will always be Chelsea, but now in a different way.”
England head coach Sarina Wiegman praised Bright’s impact on the sport. She said the defender has inspired many people and raised standards for girls and boys in football.
Chelsea described Bright as a club legend. The team will honour her before their final home match against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on 16 May.