Chelsea defender, Millie Bright has announced her retirement from football at conclusion of 2025-26 season.
Bright’s decision will see her leave Chelsea with at least 20 titles – which could become 21 if the Blues win this season’s Women’s FA Cup, with the 32-year-old proud of her success in West London and will remain involved as a club ambassador.
“Representing Chelsea over the last 12 years has been everything to me, but I’m now ready to say goodbye to playing football. 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 also issued an open letter to Chelsea supporters in which she addressed her decision to retire and importance of Chelsea to her, as she reflected on her spell at the club.
‘I’ve been thinking about my future for a while now. There have been so many factors to consider, but I have decided that I’m ready to say goodbye to playing football. I’m hanging up my boots.
‘I always said I would retire at the top, and that I would retire at this club. I’m living up to what I said. I’m not prepared to fight for any other club or pull on any other shirt.
‘It’s time.
‘This club means everything to me. In my career and my life, Chelsea has been the reason for getting up every single day and pushing through the hard times to get back to the good times.
‘I owe everything to this club. The people that I’ve met, the friends that I’ve made, and of course, the memories. I can take those recollections home with me and when I have kids, tell them all about my career, show them the pictures and the trophies. It’s been the biggest gift.
‘I never expected what has happened in the last 12 years. I never even expected to be a footballer, let alone be a professional, playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world, and lifting all those trophies together.
‘The opportunities presented to me since 2015 have been incredible. It’s a life that I never thought I’d live, and I’ve been blessed enough to live it. So much has changed, and I’ve learned so much.
‘But none of that would’ve been possible without you, the fans.
‘You’ve always had my back, whether it’s on the pitch or off the pitch. To me, you’re not just fans who attend the games and support the club. You are family.
‘And as many of you know, family is everything to me. But I’m lucky enough that I’ve had two: my family back up north and my Chelsea family.
‘Some of you were there for my first game back when we played in Staines. And in the years since, I’ve got to know even more of you. You’ve always been there for me, always believed in me and had my best interests at heart. I want to thank you, because it is so unique and special.
‘We’ve had our little things, like when you brought me Jelly Babies and Creme Eggs, but more importantly, you’ve always asked if I’m ok, how my Mum and Dad are, and above all, treated me like a human being, not just a footballer.
‘I would say that is the thing I will miss the most, but I don’t think that’s ever going to go away. I’m not going anywhere, I’m still going to be Chelsea, just in different ways. I want to watch games as a fan – and I’m putting it out there that I still want my Jelly Babies and Creme Eggs because I can eat as many as I want now!
‘Joking aside, I’ve given everything I could on the pitch. I can’t physically give any more.
‘I feel like I need to look after myself now, and I’m ready to give back to the club in a different way. I’ve seen so many people I care about pass away over the last couple of years, and I think I need to learn to live a little and appreciate life a little bit more.
‘The girls still have a lot to play for this season, so I want you to get behind them as much as you can, and let’s take the time to celebrate all the wonderful moments we’ve shared.
‘I’ve always said I want to be a fan. Now I can be. So, I’m looking forward to coming to the Bridge and watching games alongside you all. I’ll make sure to bring a flag with me.’
Bright began her career with Doncaster Belles and had a loan stint at Leeds in 2011-12 season, before she moved to Chelsea in December 2014, where she helped the Blues claim 20 titles:
- 9 x WSL (including 2016 spring series)
- 6 x Women’s FA Cup
- 4 x Women’s League Cup
- 1 x Women’s Community Shield
During her time with Chelsea, Bright helped England win 2022 UEFA Women’s Euros and claim two Arnold Clark Cup titles, and managed six goals in 88 international caps before she retired from international duty in 2025.
Bright also was part of the Team GB squad which reached the Quarter-Finals of the Women’s Football tournament at 2020 Olympics, albeit held in 2021 due to a year’s postponement caused by the Coronavirus pandemic.
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