I’ve given everything and it’s time – Chelsea captain Millie Bright retires

Chelsea captain Millie Bright revealed she had been “playing injured for the last six years” as she announced her retirement from football.

The former England defender, 32, began her career with Doncaster Belles before joining the Blues in 2015 and, during 12 years in west London, she has made 314 appearances and lifted 20 trophies with the club.

Bright’s retirement comes after she called time on her international career in October 2025, finishing with 88 caps for England, having won the European Championship on home soil in 2022 before captaining the Lionesses to the World Cup final the following year.

Millie Bright has today announced her retirement from professional football, bringing an extraordinary Chelsea playing career to a close.

Everyone at Chelsea would like to thank Millie for her incredible commitment and dedication to the club over the last 12 years. Her legacy… pic.twitter.com/mikgdm5jVs

— Chelsea FC Women (@ChelseaFCW) April 29, 2026

She was not a part of the squad that won Euro 2025, withdrawing to focus on her physical and mental health.

“I think in life we have to make decisions and I think in football we’re always given the answers, like we’re always told where to be, what to eat, what time to come to training and I think I’m at a stage where I’m ready to take control of my life,” Bright said in a video posted on the official Chelsea Women X account.

“I think no one can tell you what’s right in this moment or when the time is right, but for me I’m ready to hang up my boots.

“I’m not going anywhere, don’t panic, there’s more to come. I think you lot know better than anyone that I’m Chelsea through and through and I always said I’d retire at this club. I can’t ever represent another team.

“I’ve given