Ellie Carpenter, a standout defender for the Matildas, has signed a four-year contract with Chelsea FC, leaving her previous club, Lyon, where she achieved significant success.

The transfer comes on the heels of Canadian defender Ashley Lawrence's departure from Chelsea to Lyon, which occurred just a day before Carpenter's signing.

Carpenter reunites with her former Lyon manager, Sonia Bompastor, who now leads the Chelsea Women.

At Chelsea, the 25-year-old will join fellow Australian and Matildas captain Sam Kerr, enhancing the team's defensive strength.

During her tenure at Lyon, Carpenter became the first Australian to win a Women’s Champions League medal, securing league titles in four of her five seasons and winning a second Champions League trophy in 2022.

Overall, Carpenter boasts an impressive record, including two Champions League titles and five domestic league titles throughout her career.

Carpenter has a rich international career, having made 87 appearances for the Matildas since debuting at age 15.

She made her debut for Australia at age 15 and became the youngest female footballer to compete in the Olympics at 16 during the Rio 2016 Games.

Paul Green, head of women's football at Chelsea, expressed enthusiasm for Carpenter's signing, highlighting her experience and athleticism as key assets for the team.

Carpenter expressed excitement about joining Chelsea, considering it a significant opportunity in her career and a new adventure.