A tribute to Ji So-yun, whose magical moments cast Chelsea to glory

Chelsea will be looking to complete the domestic double as they take on Manchester City in the FA Cup final this weekend, but regardless of the result, the match will be bittersweet, as it marks Ji So-yun’s last appearance for the club.

In the past decade, since Emma Hayes took over as boss, Chelsea have been one of the most successful sides in the country.

Several players have been key to Hayes’ 12-trophy haul at the club.

Sam Kerr has hit the headlines in 2022, having picked up the Football Writers’ Association’s Women’s Footballer of the Year award, and having been instrumental in Chelsea’s comeback against Manchester United that secured them the this season’s title. Then there’s Fran Kirby, the club’s all-time top scorer and assister, who’s been integral to Hayes’ system.

The list goes on: Drew Spence, Pernille Harder and Magdalena Eriksson have all been outstanding. So many names will go down in history as a part of this Chelsea team, and so many of them are deservedly celebrated.

But Ji, who the club announced would be leaving at the end of the season to return to South Korea, often goes under the radar when speaking about Chelsea’s success.

On Ji leaving Chelsea, Hayes said: “What an honour and a privilege it’s been to coach one of the most amazing players the WSL has ever seen. There’s no question she’s been the most successful player from outside our league.

“Ji’s helped the club grow on and off the pitch and she’s a fabulous character who will be sorely missed. I will miss her terribly and I’m so grateful for everything she’s done for everyone at the football club. We are in a much better place because of it.”

Should Ji play this weekend – and barring injury, her name is usually one of the first on the team