Sonia Bompastor, the head coach of Chelsea Women, has made a remarkable impact in her inaugural season at Stamford Bridge. Under her leadership, Chelsea stands as the only unbeaten team in the league, having dropped just two points this season. A recent draw against Leicester City, which ended in a 1-1 stalemate, remains the only blemish on an otherwise stellar record. Chelsea has established a commanding seven-point lead at the top of the Women’s Super League (WSL) and recently secured a stoppage-time victory against Everton, thanks to an impressive goal from Lauren James.
Bompastor's coaching prowess is evident as she steers her team toward their long-sought Champions League glory. Despite their strong domestic performance, the team's ambitions extend beyond national borders. Chelsea's pursuit of European success has intensified with the recent acquisition of two stars—Keira Walsh and Naomi Girma—signed for a world record fee in January. These strategic additions bolster Chelsea's already formidable lineup as they prepare to face Manchester City four times within just 12 days, covering three competitions: the League Cup final, the Champions League quarter-finals, and a WSL match.
Bompastor, known for her perfectionism, balances her demanding role with a commitment to personal well-being. During the latest international break, she dedicated three days to reconnecting with friends and family in France. This downtime reflects her belief in the importance of self-care amidst the pressures of coaching at the highest level. She enjoys indulging in activities such as shopping, dining out, and watching television shows like 'Koh-Lanta.'
Beyond her professional achievements, Bompastor has recently opened up about her personal life, revealing that she was in a long-term relationship with former teammate and current coaching assistant Camille Abily for 13 years. While initially hesitant to discuss her private life, she has become more open after publishing a book that touches on her experiences.
"When you write a book, of course, you don't want to hide anything," Bompastor stated, emphasizing her desire to share her life story.
The decision to share her journey stems from a wish to inspire others, especially women. Bompastor expressed pride in being a high-powered football coach and aims to serve as a role model for those looking to break barriers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Her journey has not been without challenges. Bompastor reflected on societal expectations regarding relationships, highlighting how difficult it was for her to publicly embrace her identity and relationship with Abily.
"I grew up with a model where a couple were a man and a woman and it was too difficult for me to just say I'm in a couple with a woman," she shared.
Despite these challenges, Bompastor values authenticity and aims to convey the message that personal happiness is paramount.
"It's when you realise people care about your happiness and that's the most important thing," she noted.
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