England international Fran Kirby announces departure from Chelsea at end of Women’s Super League season

Fran Kirby has announced she will be leaving Chelsea at the end of the Women’s Super League season.

The 30-year-old will depart as the team’s all-time top goalscorer, hitting 115 goals in 205 appearances. 

She signed with Chelsea from Reading in 2015, lifting six Women’s Super League titles, five FA Cups, two League Cups, one Community Shield, and the WSL Spring Series during her nine years at the club. 

Kirby has struggled with injury and illness during the latter stages of her career, but she has still managed five goals in 30 appearances this season. 

"I always wanted to win growing up, so coming to a club that shared that ambition was something that I valued," Kirby said. "That is one of the main reasons I joined the club. I believe the club could help me do that.

"To leave with the trophies that I have won, with the team-mates I've played with - some of the world's best players - it has been one of the biggest privileges of my life."

Kirby added: "The support I've had has been unmatched. When I had my illness, my injuries, that's when I've made some friends for life. I will never forget that no matter how bad I felt during those moments, I always felt loved and supported.

"For me, I was just a young girl who loved football. And it still is that now. I'm a bit older now, but still someone who just loves to play football.

"Part of my job is to play well, win trophies and football games. If I can do that and inspire young girls to be footballers or any form of athlete. That is enough for me."

Kirby has also made 70 appearances for England, scoring 19 goals and playing a crucial part in the historic Euro 2022 triumph.

"Fran has been a hugely important player for us over the last nine years," said Chelsea Women general manager Paul Green. "She has played an integral role in the club’s success, winning 15 trophies and earning numerous individual accolades.

"She is the club’s leading goalscorer in the modern era and leaves Chelsea with legendary status. We sincerely thank Fran for her contributions and wish her well for the future."

While Chelsea have exited the Women’s FA Cup and UEFA Women’s Champions League at the semi-final stage, the Blues are still in contention for a fifth successive WSL title, despite manager Emma Hayes's recent claim that they were out of the race.

It would not just be the perfect ending for Kirby but for Hayes too, with the long-serving coach departing the club at the end of the season to take charge of the United States women’s national team.

Defender Maren Mjelde has also announced she will be leaving after seven years with Chelsea.

Manchester City stand in the way of Chelsea and another WSL title, however. The current league leaders have played one game more than their rivals, but are six points clear with just two matches remaining.

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