Copy linkFacebookXPinterestEmailShare this article 0Join the conversationFollow usAdd us as a preferred source on GoogleNewsletterSubscribe to our newsletterChelsea Women have confirmed the retirement of 32-year-old defender Millie Bright.The former Doncaster Belles player has made just shy of 300 appearances for the Blues since arriving in 2014 and is calling time on her professional career upon the expiry of her contract as a decorated European Championship winner and World Cup finalist.In October last year, Bright announced her retirement from international football, ending her nine-year stint as a key fixture of the most successful period in Lionesses history. You may like Chelsea star Lucy Bronze reveals why she is 'sad' ahead of League Cup final Why Mary Earps being honoured at Wembley was important to close the Lionesses saga Champions League-winning Arsenal defender confirms 'interest' ahead of summer contract expiry Millie Bright hangs up her boots as Chelsea skipperWith 88 caps and six goals to her name, Brights international legacy has been cemented by her role in the 2022 European Championship victory where she started every game during Englands historic triumph.Following injury to Leah Williamson, Bright took the captains armband for the 2023 FIFA World Cup, leading the side to their first-ever final in Sydney.Get VIP tickets to the Women's FA Cup Final HERE!Why just watch history when you can experience it from the best seats in the house? Treat yourself to the ultimate day out at Wembley with a Seat Unique VIP package. Avoid the turnstile crowds with exclusive fast-track entry and relax in luxury pitch-view lounges before kick-off.View DealHaving also represented Team GB at the Tokyo Olympics, Bright cited the 'physical and mental toll' of the modern game when stepping aside.The Chelsea skipper has now taken the difficult decision to hang up her boots altogether, despite featuring prominently for the Blues in the Womens Super League (WSL) this season.Get FourFourTwo NewsletterThe best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.Contact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.With the team six points and several goals short of league leaders Manchester City, Bright has decided to announce her retirement. There are only two matches of the domestic campaign remaining, after which she will depart Kingsmeadow.On her watch, Chelsea have won nine WSL titles, six Womens FA Cups, two League Cups and finished Champions League runners-up in 2021.Bright is a two-time inductee of the annual FIFA FIFPro Womens World XI and was awarded an OBE in the 2024 New Year Honours for her services to the women's game.TOPICSChelsea WomenEngland WomenJoe DonnohueSocial Links NavigationSenior Digital WriterJoe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.
