Sonia Bompastor Leads Chelsea Women: New Era Begins

Sonia Bompastor, formerly with Lyon, has been appointed as the manager of Chelsea, the reigning champions of the Women’s Super League, on a four-year contract. Compensation settled, she succeeds Emma Hayes, who left for the US women’s national team. As Lyon’s former captain, Bompastor won the 2022 Women’s Champions League and three straight league titles. However, her tenure ended with this season’s Champions League final loss to Barcelona. Lyon’s assistant coaches Camille Abily and Theo Rivrin will join Sonia Bompastor at Chelsea.

Expressing her gratitude, Bompastor said, “I am incredibly grateful to join Chelsea as the head coach of the women’s team. It is an institution in English football. I will give my all to this new project to meet the ambitions of the club, the staff, and the players. I hope to live up to Emma’s legacy and continue the work that has been done in recent years. Let the adventure begin.” After retiring in 2013, Bompastor directed Lyon’s women’s academy for eight years before becoming their head coach.

She won the Champions League twice as a Lyon player then made history as a player-coach and female manager. Chelsea’s general manager Paul Green praised Bompastor’s vision, coaching philosophy and winning mentality. Chelsea’s recruitment process for Hayes’ successor was meticulous, overseen by the club’s sporting directors and general manager. Bompastor emerged as the preferred choice due to her track record of success and ability to handle the pressure of managing a top team.

Consequently, her arrival signals a new era at Chelsea with potential changes expected in the upcoming transfer window. Additionally, the club has announced a restructuring and long-term strategic plan for the women’s team to further their growth and attract private investment aiming to solidify their position as a leading force in women’s football.