Chelsea’s Women: A Season of Trials and Triumphs

Girma’s inaugural season with Chelsea has been characterized more by injury challenges and a gradual path to fitness than by significant on-field contributions. She joined the Blues in January 2025 following a world-record transfer for a women’s footballer, but her much-anticipated debut did not occur until early March, when she played in a 2–2 Women’s Super League draw against Brighton.

Regrettably, she had to exit the match in the 59th minute due to a calf injury. Despite a mixture of highs and lows throughout the year, Girma managed to find her rhythm, including valuable playing time against Barcelona in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. As the season progressed, she regained her position in the starting lineup, accumulating more appearances and playing time.

One of Girma’s most notable performances came in the Women’s FA Cup final against Manchester United, where she showcased an impressive defensive display in a crucial match that Chelsea won 3-0. Her contributions were vital in ensuring Chelsea maintained a clean sheet, effectively limiting United’s scoring opportunities.

As of the 2025–26 season, Girma has made six appearances for the Blues across all competitions since her arrival at the club.

In early September 2025, Chelsea Women secured the signing of Thompson from Angel City FC on a five-year contract, with a transfer fee reported at about $1.3 million (£1 million), one of the highest ever for a female player from the NWSL.

Before joining Chelsea, Thompson netted 15 goals in 69 appearances with Angel City, including six goals and two assists in just 16 matches during the 2025 season. She was the overall first pick in the 2023 NWSL draft.

Thompson is among Chelsea’s top scorers with four goals across all competitions, providing crucial contributions in both league and European matches. While primarily recognized for her scoring ability, she also excels as a dynamic winger, adept at creating space and opportunities through her dribbling skills.

Thompson made her mark by scoring her first goal for Chelsea against Paris FC in a commanding 4-0 Champions League victory and assisted on another goal with a precise cross, highlighting her impact in the squad.

Macario, who has been with Chelsea since 2023, continues to reveal her potential this season. Her contract is set to expire in the summer of 2026, and interest from NWSL clubs is reportedly growing.

Having spent her professional career overseas, beginning with Lyon after college, Macario may consider a move back to the U.S., especially with the NWSL’s introduction of the “High Impact Player” rule. In 2025, she has alternated between starting and substitute appearances while frequently providing assists, particularly in consecutive matches against West Ham and Manchester United. This year, she also celebrated her 50th appearance for Chelsea against Leicester City.

Lindsey Heaps has been with OL Féminin since 2022, initially joining the top French division club on loan before completing a permanent transfer in 2023. This season, she has featured in multiple matches across various competitions, including both the French League and Champions League. Heaps has scored three goals this season, with notable performances against Montpellier and St. Etienne, plus a crucial assist in Lyon’s 6-1 win over PSG.

Heaps is effective as a ball-winning center midfielder whose aggressive playstyle can dismantle strong defensive setups. However, concerns exist regarding her limited playing time this season, with only five starts and three goals after an impressive 12-goal campaign last year.

Yohannes, at just 18 years old, has made several appearances in the Division 1 Féminine this season, often coming off the bench to gain valuable experience in midfield. She has netted two goals in the French league, with her standout goal being a remarkable long-range shot during a UEFA Women’s Champions League match against St. Pölten. Although capable of scoring, her strength lies in her facilitation skills, as evidenced by her four assists in the league this season.

Fox has emerged as one of the most consistent players among Americans abroad, playing a crucial role in Arsenal’s defense while also contributing offensively. This season, she has scored one goal and provided one assist, along with 11 tackles, 49 duels won, and 69 recoveries. Her passing ability stands out, with over 650 completed passes to her name.

A highlight of Fox’s season came in November when she scored a header just five minutes into the match against Bayern, setting the tone for the game. Although Arsenal ultimately lost 3-2, her performance was one of her most impressive moments of the season.

While the selection for the U.S. Women’s National Team keeper remains uncertain under head coach Emma Hayes, Phallon Tullis-Joyce has made a notable impression in the WSL. She has been one of the top goalkeepers in the league, recording multiple clean sheets and boasting one of the best save percentages. Early in the season, she was the sole goalkeeper in the Champions League group stage to achieve two clean sheets and maintained a five-match shutout streak. The 2024-25 season was pivotal for Tullis-Joyce, as she stepped into a primary role following Mary Earps’ transfer to PSG.

In the spring of 2025, Tullis-Joyce extended her contract with United until June 2028, finishing the WSL season with 13 clean sheets and sharing the Golden Glove award with Chelsea’s primary goalkeeper, Hannah Hampton.