Daijiworld Media Network - London

London, Apr 29: Chelsea Women have been dealt a major setback as club captain Millie Bright announced her immediate retirement from professional football on Wednesday, bringing an end to a decorated playing career spanning more than a decade at the club.

Bright, Chelsea’s longest-serving player, was part of the squad that secured the club’s first major trophy in 2015 and played a key role in the 19 additional titles won since then. In a statement released by the club, she described her decision as the beginning of a “new era,” while affirming that Chelsea will always remain a part of her identity.

She said she had given everything to the club and felt it was the right time to step away from playing, adding that she would continue to support Chelsea in a different capacity.

Chelsea confirmed that Bright will remain associated with the club as a trustee of its foundation and will also take on the role of club ambassador, reflecting her long-standing connection with the team.

Signed from Doncaster Rovers Belles in 2015, Bright became one of the most influential figures in English women’s football. She holds Chelsea’s all-time appearance record with 314 matches and scored 19 goals during her tenure. She also made history by setting the record for most appearances in the FA Women’s Super League, finishing with 216 league appearances.

During her time at the club, she helped Chelsea secure eight WSL titles, six Women’s FA Cup trophies, and four FA Women’s League Cup titles, contributing to multiple domestic trebles.

On the international stage, Bright earned 88 caps for England women's national football team, scoring six goals. She was a key member of the squad that won UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 on home soil and later captained England to the final of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

In recognition of her achievements and leadership, she was awarded an Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2024 New Year Honours list.

Bright’s retirement marks the end of one of the most successful and influential careers in modern women’s football, leaving behind a legacy deeply tied to Chelsea’s rise in the women’s game.