In the midst of all the transfer news on the men’s and women’s side of things, Mille Bright put pen to paper on yet another Chelsea contract. Fans will have the privilege of seeing Bright lead the middle of the Blues’ defense with pride and passion for at least the next three years. Since 2015, Bright has been a mainstay in the Blues’ defense, and after a memorable summer at the Euros, she is ready to fight for even more trophies for plenty of years to come.
Last season, Bright started every game in the center of defense, finishing with the most minutes played on the team—eighth in the entire FA Women’s Super League. Her consistency, leadership and reliability make her irreplaceable. Bright continues to be the Blues’ longest-serving player, as this contract will take her over a decade with Chelsea. In just her first season, Bright was named Chelsea Players’ Player of the Year, and from then on, she has been the epitome of what it means to be a Blue. Bright is a loyal, hardworking and constant professional. Her impact goes beyond just the goals, and just like Cesar Azpilicueta on the men’s team, leadership and longevity define the club legends’ time in west London.
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Chelsea Women’s legend Millie Bright is the epitome of a True Blue
After putting pen to paper, Bright expressed what Chelsea means to her by stating:
"“I’m here to stay, a new contract with Chelsea, unbelievable feeling … Ambitions with Chelsea are to keep winning, keep lifting silverware, keep doing the fans proud, but ultimately keep progressing as a player … Chelsea, the fans, the club, the people. Thank you for all your support so far…You’re my home and I can’t wait to continue fighting for more trophies. Cheers to the future.”"
Late last week, Bright—along with her Chelsea teammate, Sam Kerr—was nominated for the 2022 Women’s Ballon d’Or Award which is going to be announced toward the end of October. Following a defensive masterpiece, as she was one of the catalysts for England’s success in the Euros this summer, Bright has become a name known around the world.
Since coming to the Blues in December of 2014, Bright has earned seven individual honors, including being named to the WSL Team of the Year twice. She has won 13 major trophies with Chelsea, most notably netting a game-sealing goal from distance to win the Blues’ only Community Shield to date against Manchester City in 2020. After a summer filled with elation for Bright and many of her English teammates, the momentum is on the Blues’ side to capitalize and finish with even more trophies than last season.
Despite heading into her 30s, Bright looks to be moving on an upward trajectory when it comes to player development. She continues to dazzle spectators with unexpected goals for Chelsea, and the Lionesses, on top of being calm and solid as the anchor of a back line. There have been plenty of talented players on the Blues over the years, and this season is no exception, but in order for those dynamic threats to do the job at hand, that player needs confidence. Bright radiates confidence through how she leads and plays on the pitch.
Long-time club legends, Ji So-yun and Drew Spence departed the club at the conclusion of last season, and now Bright has the task of teaching the new arrivals what it means to be a part of this decorated club. Bright is the heart and soul of the Chelsea Women and will be for years to come as the ambitions continue to widen and the domestic trophies continue to pile up. She leads by example all the time, and while there were plenty of standout signings over the summer so far, extending Bright for another three years may have been the most crucial of all of them.
Are you excited to see Bright extend her stay in west London? Let us know your thoughts in the comments or on Twitter!