Ellie Carpenter joins Chelsea from Lyon, teaming up with Matildas captain Sam Kerr

Star Matilda Ellie Carpenter has signed a four-year deal to play for English powerhouse Chelsea, joining fellow Australian Sam Kerr at the London club.

The defender, 25, leaves Lyon after a successful five-year stint at the French women's football giant, winning two Champions Leagues.

Carpenter is reuniting with coach Sonia Bompastor, who was in charge of Lyon for those Champions League triumphs, with the duo hoping to add to Chelsea's immense success in the women's game.

Chelsea has won six consecutive English Women's Super League titles, while also claiming the FA Cup and League Cup last season.

"I'm very proud to join such a big club, one of the biggest in women's football," Carpenter said in an interview with the club.

"Chelsea have enjoyed so much success in England, and I'm delighted to now be a part of it."

Carpenter joins Matildas captain Kerr, who has been a stalwart for Chelsea over a number of years.

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Kerr has missed a season-and-a-half after sustaining an ACL injury in January of 2024.

Born in Cowra, NSW, Carpenter has achieved more than most despite being just 25 years of age.

She earned her first Matildas cap at the age of 15 and became the youngest ever woman to compete in football at the Olympic Games in Rio, 2016.

She was named Young Footballer of the Year in Australia in 2018, 2019 and 2020, won an A-League premiership and grand final with Melbourne City.

Carpenter has also had a stint in the United States playing for Portland Thorns.

The Australian is now contracted to Chelsea until the end of the 2028-29 season.

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