The German international joined the Blues in March 2020 and established herself as a skillful and reliable presence in the Chelsea midfield against both domestic and European opposition.

Her first campaign in west London ended with a Champions League final outing and four trophies. The first was the 2020 FA Community Shield and the Women’s League Cup, the Women’s Super League, and the Women’s FA Cup followed.

Leupolz made 34 appearances for the Blues across all competitions that season and was part of a midfield unit that contained the likes of Ji So-yun and Sophie Ingle.

We again claimed the WSL title and Women’s FA Cup the following season. Leupolz played her part in that success and was supported by the club throughout her pregnancy, which was announced in March 2022.

Leupolz gave birth in October 2022 and rejoined the Chelsea squad at the beginning of 2023. Soon after, she signed a new contract and made her return in an FA Cup match against Liverpool. Once again, it was a campaign that ended with a WSL title and FA Cup.

The 30-year-old was part of the Germany squad for the 2023 World Cup and retired from international football after the tournament. Back with the Blues, she became an increasingly influential figure as our 2023/24 campaign progressed.

She featured in both legs of our Champions League semi-final against Barcelona and started – and scored – on the final day of the season as we defeated Manchester United at Old Trafford to retain our WSL crown.

Everyone at Chelsea would like to thank Melly for the contribution she has made to our success over the last four years. We wish the best for her and her family as they begin a new chapter.