Chelsea Women have officially named Sonia Bompastor as their new head coach, succeeding Emma Hayes who departed to join the United States Women’s national team. Bompastor, who signed a four-year deal, transitions to Chelsea after a successful tenure at Lyon, where she claimed three league titles and the Women’s Champions League.

Sonia Bompastor, aged 43, steps into the role of head coach at Chelsea Women following her impactful leadership at Lyon, where she secured seven trophies, including three French league titles and the 2022 Women’s Champions League victory. Despite a recent loss in the Champions League final against Barcelona, Bompastor’s coaching prowess and achievements make her a standout choice for Chelsea.

Chelsea had a select list of candidates for the head coach position, with Bompastor emerging as the preferred choice. Lyon is set to receive compensation for her early departure due to her existing contract obligations. Bompastor will be supported by her assistants Camille Abily and Theo Rivrin, with Abily bringing extensive experience from her playing career at Lyon and the French national team.

Chelsea’s general manager, Paul Green, highlighted Bompastor’s exceptional coaching acumen, vision, and winning mentality as key factors in her selection. The co-sporting directors, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, expressed confidence in Bompastor’s ability to build on Emma Hayes’ legacy and lead the team to further success.

As Sonia Bompastor takes the helm at Chelsea Women, the club looks forward to her guidance in player recruitment and strategic development. Her proven track record and alignment with Chelsea’s values position her as a pivotal figure in shaping the team’s future trajectory, building on the strong foundation laid by Emma Hayes during her remarkable tenure at the club.