Millie Bright is, as she puts it, a ‘dinosaur’ of women’s football in England. Given her immense off-field impact and stunning on-field supremacy, she has established herself as an undisputed national icon. Her leadership qualities and tireless work ethic, matched only by her numerous accomplishments, have garnered her respect from peers, coaches, and fans. Bright’s path with Chelsea and the England national team, while marked by challenges, showcases the power of commitment, hard work, and unwavering excellence.
Bright has emerged to be an even more integral force, especially under Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor. From minute one upon joining the club, she has shown her commitment by being omnipresent in the lineup. In addition to being the most influential player on the pitch, her presence has bolstered the team’s confidence and raised the standards for women’s football back in England. As for the impact on her team, Emma Hayes, Chelsea’s manager, has called Bright “super human,” a nod to her steadfast play and impact.
Sarina Wiegman coached Bright while she was with the England national team. She has publicly shared her wonderful memories of their time in community with one another. England head coach Sarina Wiegman acknowledged Bright’s contribution to their successful shift from a near misses country to one of the major champions. That change really started dawning on everyone when England won the Euro 2022 title on home soil. Bright was key to this win, along with Leah Williamson.
In addition to her international success, Bright has greatly helped the cause of domestic football. She has collected an impressive seven Women’s Super League (WSL) titles during her time with Chelsea. All told, she has added to an impressive club total of eight titles won during her career. Her accomplishments serve as reminders of her unique place in the history of English football. She is deservedly Chelsea’s longest serving, continuously playing player.
Yet testimonies of her achievements notwithstanding, Bright did not have an easy ride this year. Her recent announcement of her international retirement has sparked further discussion on her future in football. So when a month before this summer’s Euros, she announced her withdrawal from England contention, it represented an incredible shift in her career. In many ways, she’s still shaping the future of the sport by performing at a high level.
Bright’s commitment and grit have certainly made an impression. Bompastor praised her saying, “It’s lovely to work with someone who has this mentality.” Bright’s unwillingness to get bored of football is a testament to her love for the game and unrelenting pursuit of greatness. Emma Hayes, manager of Chelsea FC Women, expressed this feeling when she referred to Bright as “like an iron lady.” She praised Bright’s fierce competitiveness on the field.
In that famous 2-1 win against Germany, Bright shone through as an unlikely centre-forward. He scored the game-winning goal that won the game for his team. Her versatility spotlighted her impressive ability to adapt on the fly and excel in high-pressure situations. This quality solidifies her as a genuine leader.
Off the pitch, Bright is making her own moves into new spaces within the football industry. She just released a podcast with fellow USWNT footballer Rachel Daly. Together, they want to bring you reflections and narratives from their journeys in the game. This new initiative is a testament to her love of the game. It’s a great example of her dedication to making sure women’s voices are heard throughout the industry.
Millie Bright’s career illustrates the evolution of women’s football in England. Although she embarks on a new chapter of her career after her retirement from international duty, her influence and legacy at Chelsea—and in women’s soccer—are undeniable. Her legacy as a powerful leader and champion will continue to inspire generations of players to come.
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