Chelsea captain Bright retires - what now for ex-England defender?

Breaking news from the world of sport: Chelsea captain Bright retires - what now for ex-England defender? Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Millie Bright has been Chelsea's captain since 2023 By Emma Sanders Sport women’s football news reporter Published 29 April 2026 Chelsea captain Millie Bright has retired from football with immediate effect. The 32-year-old made 294 appearances for the Blues after joining from Doncaster Belles in 2015 and also won 88 caps for England.

The defender won eight Women's Super League titles with the Blues - including six in a row between 2020 and 2025 - as well as six FA Cups and four League Cups. But the former England defender has not featured for the Blues since February because of an ankle injury and has decided now is the time to end her career. "Representing Chelsea over the last 12 years has been everything to me, but I'm now ready to say goodbye to playing football," said Bright.

Match Details

"I've given all I can, and I never wanted to fight for any other badge. "It is now time, and I'm ready to go into a new era. I'm always going to be Chelsea, but just in a different way.

" Bright will be taking on a new role as a club ambassador, and will retain her position as a trustee of the Chelsea foundation. Why has she retired now? Bright will go down as one of the most influential figures in English women's football.

The defender retired from international duty last October, having picked up her 88 caps over a nine-year spell. She was instrumental in the Lionesses' Euro 2022 victory, starting all six matches as they claimed a first major trophy. She also wore the captain's armband as England reached the 2023 World Cup final and was a dependable leader throughout her career.

Reactions and Expectations

"Millie has played such a big role in the growth of the women's game, with both England and Chelsea, and she has achieved so much along the way - what she has given to her club and country is incredible," said Lionesses head coach Sarina Wiegman. "It is hard to put into words the impact she has had. She has inspired so many people, pushed standards and shown girls and boys what can be achieved in the sport.

" Bright withdrew from England's Euro 2025-winning squad on the eve of the tournament, stating she was "not able to give 100% physically and mentally". Her position in the side was no longer certain, with younger defenders Maya le Tissier, Esme Morgan and Lotte Wubben-Moy continuing to progress with England. As a result, Bright was able to turn her attentions fully to Chelsea this season in the hope of leading them to a seventh successive WSL title.

But it has not gone to plan for Sonia Bompastor's side with Chelsea sitting six points adrift of leaders Manchester City with two WSL games remaining. They were knocked out of the Champions League quarter-finals by Arsenal but won the League Cup and are in the FA Cup semi-finals. It has not been the fairytale ending Bright would have hoped for personally as she has been forced to sit out since February with a frustrating ankle injury.

The story has climbed to the top of the sports agenda, with fans and analysts following closely.