Sonia Bompastor to become Chelsea Women Head Coach

Having spent three seasons in charge of Lyon in her native France, the 43-year-old will begin her new role on 1 July 2024 after signing a four-year contract.

Bompastor will replace the long-serving Emma Hayes who departed Chelsea upon the conclusion of the 2023/24 season after nearly 12 years in charge of the Blues.

Paul Green, general manager, said: ’The sporting directors and I conducted a thorough and considered recruitment process to identify Emma’s successor. Sonia’s vision, coaching philosophy and winning mentality made her the outstanding candidate.

’She is a world-class coach with a proven track record of success on the biggest stages that will instantly command respect from the dressing room.’

Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, Chelsea’s co-sporting directors, added: ’Sonia is the ideal candidate to build on Emma’s legacy and take the team forward.

’She brings a wealth of experience from managing at the highest levels and winning trophies as a player and a coach. Her ethos and values align with Chelsea Football Club. We are all looking forward to having her on board.’

Bompastor said: ’I am incredibly grateful to join Chelsea Football Club as the head coach of the women’s team. It is an institution in English football. I will give my all to this new project to meet the ambitions of the club, the staff and the players.

’I hope to live up to Emma’s legacy and continue the work that has been done in recent years. Let the adventure begin.’

The 43-year-old was capped 156 times by the French national team before retiring in 2013 to take up a coaching position with Lyon’s Academy. In April 2021, she became first team head coach and has enjoyed much success during her time in the role, winning the Division 1 Feminine title in the last three seasons.

She led Lyon to a league and European double during her first full season in charge, becoming the first person to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League as both a player and a head coach.

Sonia will be accompanied by her assistants Camille Abily and Theo Rivrin. Abily retired in 2018 after an accomplished playing career in which she made 323 appearances for Lyon and earned 183 national team caps for France.

Welcome to Chelsea, Sonia!