Our long-serving central defender joined the Blues from Doncaster Belles back in 2014, where she had worked with general manager Paul Green. The 30-year-old takes on the captaincy after the departure of former skipper Magdalena Eriksson at the end of last season.

‘It’s a massive honour to have the title of club captain,’ Bright said. ‘Chelsea is my home. It always has been and always will be, so I’m delighted to have that title, but nothing changes. I’m in a really privileged position.

‘I’m excited and delighted Emma has given me the trust and put me in this position. It’s an absolute honour to be captain of Chelsea, and I’m really looking forward to the season ahead.’

Manager Emma Hayes commented: ‘I would like to congratulate Millie on becoming our new captain. I’ve watched her grow as a player and a person in the nine years we’ve worked together and she’s ready for this.

'The biggest compliment I can pay her is that you can always count on her. However big the challenge, whatever the occasion, she can cope with the pressure and the expectation. 

‘Even without the armband, she’s been a leader for so many years. I’m not just talking about the example she sets, but she’s vocal, she’ll organise people on the pitch and she’ll drive the team on, whether we’re pushing for goals or seeing a game out.

'I can’t tell you how important it is for a manager to have someone like that on the pitch.’

Bright has made 245 appearances for the Blues and is approaching nine years with the club. She has amassed 15 trophies, including six Women’s Super League titles, five FA Cups, two League Cups, the Community Shield and the Spring Series.

In March, Bright suffered an injury which ruled her out for the remainder of our Double-winning 2022/23 campaign. However, she returned to captain England at this summer’s World Cup, where the Lionesses achieved a second-place finish.

Bright’s exploits for club and country have seen her named among the 30 nominees for the Women’s Ballon d’Or award, with the winner announced in October. When she next steps onto the field in Chelsea blue, she will do so as our official club captain.

Congratulations, Millie!