Chelsea FC Women: WSL preview
Chelsea is a dominant force in the Barclays Women's Super League; a legacy built during the Emma Hayes era.
Her departure in 2024 marked the beginning of a fresh chapter under new head coach, Sonia Bompastor, whose arrival heralded a new style of play, tactical formations, and a dynamic influx of talent.
The Blues have a rich history of success. Since 2015, Chelsea has dominated the WSL with eight league titles, six of these being won consecutively. Hayes influenced this decade of dominance for the London side, Bompastor will continue this legacy.
The Bompastor era
Bompastor's first season at the helm was nothing short of historic. She navigated the Blues to a sensational domestic treble, securing the WSL title, the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, and the Women’s League Cup. In a remarkable display of consistency, her team went the entire league season unbeaten, amassing a record-setting sixty points from twenty-two matches. This incredible run proved that Chelsea's dominance was not only intact but evolving under their new leadership.
Several new signings were central to this philosophy, including Sandy Baltimore and Lucy Bronze, who added significant depth and international experience, with goalkeeper Hannah Hampton ensuring stability at the back. In fact, her performances earned her the number one spot in the Lionesses’ net. These additions, alongside established stars like Millie Bright, Aggie Beever-Jones, and Erin Cuthbert, created a squad brimming with new energy and a deep understanding of the club's winning mentality.
Previous season's record-breaking transfers, such as Mayra Ramírez and Keira Walsh, continued to be pivotal figures. Ramírez's powerful attacking presence gave Chelsea a new dimension in the final third, while Walsh's control and vision in midfield were essential to Bompastor’s possession-based approach. The team’s tactical flexibility was a key asset, with players seamlessly adapting to new formations and roles as required.
European Ambitions and End of Season Awards
While domestic success was celebrated, the quest for a UEFA Women’s Champions League title remains the ultimate goal. Chelsea's European campaign saw them reach the semifinals, where they faced a tough test against a formidable Barcelona side.
Despite falling short, the performance underscored the team's ability to compete with Europe's elite and highlighted the areas for future growth. The challenge now lies in transitioning their domestic invincibility onto the continental stage.
The end of the 2024/2025 season brought well-deserved recognition for several players. Cuthbert was named Chelsea's Women's Player of the Season, a testament to her consistent and commanding performances in midfield. Additionally, Nathalie Bjorn was honoured as the Women's Players' Player of the Season, an award voted on by her teammates, with Lola Brown named the Women's Academy Player of the Season. These are only a few of an entire squad of Champions, hungry for more in the 2025/25 season.
Looking ahead
For the upcoming season, the outlook is one of cautious optimism.
Looking ahead, Chelsea are strong contenders to defend their WSL title, with their main challenges likely coming from rivals such as Arsenal and Manchester City, who have also made significant moves in the transfer market.
The team will need to navigate the departure of key players and the recovery of those from serious injuries, including some of the Lionesses’ stars: Bright, Bronze and forward Lauren James. The squad's depth will be crucial, with young talents such as Kaptein and Beever-Jones poised to take on central roles.
However, with a settled squad, a proven manager, and a culture of winning, the Blues are well-equipped to face any challenge.
The 2025/2026 season promises to be another thrilling chapter as Chelsea aim to better their European title chances and continue to redefine dominance in the world of women's football.