England international Fran Kirby has announced her departure from Chelsea FC after nine successful years at the club. At the age of 30, Kirby will leave Chelsea as their all-time leading goal scorer and with an impressive list of achievements under her belt. With her contract set to expire in June, Kirby has decided to seek a new challenge elsewhere.
During her time at Chelsea, Kirby has been an integral part of the team’s success, winning five Women’s Super League (WSL) titles, four FA Cups, and two League Cups. She was also a key player in the Chelsea side that reached the Champions League final in 2021, although they were ultimately defeated by Barcelona. Kirby expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to play alongside some of the world’s best players and win numerous trophies during her tenure at the club.
Kirby has always been driven by a desire to be the best and win, pushing herself to her limits in pursuit of success. She has been recognized for her outstanding performances with individual accolades such as the PFA Women’s Player of the Year and the Football Writers’ Women’s Footballer of the Year in both 2018 and 2021. With the England national team, Kirby has earned 70 caps and scored 19 goals, playing a crucial role in their triumph at the Euros in 2022.
Despite her many triumphs, Kirby has also faced significant challenges throughout her career, including a heart condition that sidelined her for most of 2020 and a knee injury that forced her to miss the Women’s World Cup. Through it all, Kirby has demonstrated resilience and determination, always striving to come back stronger and fight for her teammates. She has expressed gratitude for the unwavering support she received during these difficult times, forging strong friendships in the process.
Kirby’s departure from Chelsea marks the end of an era for the club, as they prepare to usher in a new era under incoming coach Sonia Bompastor. Alongside Kirby, other stalwarts such as Ann-Katrin Berger and Maren Mjelde will also be leaving Chelsea, signaling a period of transition for the team. As Kirby looks ahead to the next chapter in her career, she leaves behind a lasting legacy of success and perseverance that will not be forgotten.