Millie Bright Retires From Professional Football Citing Abuse And Injury
The defender, who won the Euros in 2022, stated she has been unable to read a letter from her mother following the announcement due to overwhelming emotions.
Former England and Chelsea captain Millie Bright has announced her retirement from professional football. The 32-year-old defender, who left Chelsea after 294 appearances and eight Women's Super League titles, cited the cumulative effect of severe online abuse and persistent physical injuries as the primary reasons for her decision.
Bright, who won the Euros in 2022, stated she has returned to her family farm in Sheffield to focus on recovery and her passion for horses. She confirmed she will remain involved with Chelsea as an ambassador and trustee of the club's foundation.
The decision follows a period of significant personal and professional strain. Bright withdrew from England's 2025 Euros squad, stating she could not give 100% mentally and physically; this decision triggered a significant amount of abuse questioning her integrity and dedication. She described the past year as the most challenging of her life, noting that the volume of abuse she has dealt with has been too much to handle.
Her playing career has been marked by substantial physical struggles. Bright revealed she has been unable to play for Chelsea since February due to an ankle problem and has undergone two knee surgeries. Turning 30 marked a shift in her perspective on life and priorities, leading her to decide to retire at the top rather than continue playing while injured.
Regarding the emotional toll of the announcement, Bright revealed she has been unable to read a letter from her mother following the announcement due to overwhelming emotions. She noted that while she has been surrounded by family and horses, she needs time to heal and fix her foot before fully engaging with the outpouring of support.
While Bright hinted at the possibility of running her own horse yard in the future, no formal plans or timeline for this venture have been confirmed. She expressed hope that the game would be looked after to ensure it does not become a toxic place, emphasising the need to keep it on the right track.
