Sonia Bompastor has been officially named the head coach of the women's squad of Chelsea Football Club, effective with the 2024–25 season.
After having served as the manager of Lyon in her home country of France for three seasons, the 43-year-old will take over her new position on July 1, 2024, following the signing of a four-year contract extension.
Upon the completion of the 2023/24 season, Bompastor will take over for the long-serving Emma Hayes, who left Chelsea after nearly 12 years in command of the Blues. Hayes left Chelsea after the conclusion of the season.
"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." stated general manager Paul Green.
The co-sporting directors of Chelsea, Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley, chimed in to say that "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."
"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." Bompastor stated
The 43-year-old player was selected for the French national team 156 times before he retired in 2013 to take a coaching role at Lyon's Academy. He was a member of the French national team. In April of 2021, she was appointed as the head coach of the first team, and she has been quite successful during her tenure in that position. In fact, she has won the Division 1 Feminine championship in each of the previous three seasons.
She became the first person to win the UEFA Women's Champions League as both a player and a head coach to lead Lyon to a league and European double during her first full season in charge. She led Lyon to a league championship and a European championship.
Camille Abily and Theo Rivrin, who are Sonia's aides, will be at her side during the event. After a successful playing career that included 323 games for Lyon and 183 caps for France's national team, Abily decided to retire in 2018. Her career has been filled with accomplishments.
Hello, Sonia, and welcome to Chelsea!
