LONDON, United Kingdom – Chelsea women’s captain Millie Bright announced her immediate retirement from professional football on Wednesday, April 29, 2026.
Okay News reports that Bright confirmed her decision to end her playing career with two games remaining in the season following an injury absence.
“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. “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.”
The 32-year-old defender joined the club from Doncaster Belles in 2015 and secured a total of 20 trophies. Her honors include eight Women’s Super League titles, with six consecutive victories between 2020 and 2025, alongside six FA Cups and four League Cups. She holds the club appearance record with 314 matches played and 19 goals scored, and surpassed a league appearance record originally set by Jordan Nobbs.
Bright earned 88 caps for England over nine years, starting all six matches during their Euro 2022 tournament victory before her international retirement in 2025.
Chelsea confirmed that Bright will remain involved with the organization as an ambassador and trustee of the club foundation.
