Chelsea have officially announced Sonia Bompastor as the new head coach of their women’s team, replacing Emma Hayes.
Her job is effective from the start of the 2024/25 season.
Bompastor, who has spent three successful seasons managing Lyon, will take over from Hayes, who departed after nearly 12 years at the club.
The 43-year-old boasts a fine resume, having being capped 156 times by the French national team before retiring in 2013 to take up a coaching position with Lyon’s Academy.
In April 2021, she became the club’s first team head coach and has enjoyed much success during her time in the role, winning the Division 1 Feminine title in the last three seasons.
She led Lyon to a league and European double during her first full season in charge, becoming the first person to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League as both a player and a head coach.
Bompastor expressed her excitement about the new role, stating: “I am incredibly grateful to join Chelsea Football Club.
“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,” she added.