Kirby is one of the most renowned footballers on the planet, known for being technically gifted and clinical in front of goal. Since joining from Reading in 2015, the 30-year-old has been influential in our success while becoming the club’s top goalscorer in the modern era.

With 115 goals in 205 appearances for Chelsea, Kirby has enjoyed a trophy-laden career, helping to add 15 trophies to our cabinet with six Women’s Super League titles, five FA Cups, two League Cups, one Community Shield, and the WSL Spring Series to her name.

As well as collective success, numerous personal accolades have fallen her way at Chelsea. After 25 goals in all competitions in 2017/18, Kirby won the PFA and FWA Player of the Year awards – the first to win the female version of the latter – and the club’s Women’s Player and Players’ Player of the Year.

Once more, her performances warranted further individual recognition in 2020/21. She was named Chelsea Women’s Player of the Year, Barclays WSL Player of the Season and PFA Players’ Player of the Year – an award decided by votes of fellow professional footballers.

Having managed nine goals in 16 appearances in all competitions during the 2022/23 campaign, her season was cruelly cut short by injury but her contributions prior to that helped the Blues to a fourth consecutive WSL title and third successive FA Cup triumph.

Kirby made her competitive return from injury in our 2023/24 WSL season opener against Tottenham at Stamford Bridge before making her 200th Blues appearances in a 2-0 victory over West Ham in March, becoming only the sixth Chelsea Women’s player to reach this landmark.

In her final season as a Blue, Kirby has managed five goals in 30 appearances to date as we reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup and UEFA Women’s Champions League, the League Cup final and she will continue to help us fight to retain our WSL crown with three matches remaining.

On Kirby’s departure, general manager Paul Green commented: ‘Fran has been a hugely important player for us over the last nine years. 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.’