Chelsea will be hungry for more as they begin the 2025/26 WSL season not only as defending champions, but as treble winners.
Sonia Bompastor’s debut campaign at the helm of the London club delivered a clean sweep of domestic silverware, as she guided the Blues to their sixth consecutive Women’s Super League (WSL) title, the Adobe Women’s FA Cup, and the FA Women’s Subway League Cup.
As a new season dawns on the topflight of women’s football in England, the question isn’t whether Chelsea can compete, it’s whether anyone can stop them.
The Halfway Line previews what you can expect ahead of Chelsea’s 2025/26 WSL season.
Bompastor’s blueprint
Succeeding the legendary Emma Hayes is quite a task. Bompastor arrived from OL Lyonnes last year with may wondering how she would manage a squad brimming with talent. The Frenchwoman swiftly imprinted her identity on Chelsea, and kept their winning culture alive. Last season may have been one of change in West London, but it remained one full of the ruthless edge that defines champions.
With a successful first campaign under Bompastor complete, there is of course an expectation on Chelsea to perform cohesively on the domestic stage. Manager and players alike, however, have spoken candidly about their disappointment in exiting the Champions League at the semi-final stage last season. Bompastor was ultimately brought in thanks to her elite track record in Europe with Lyon, so they will certainly be looking to make up for this shortfall in the very near future.
Chelsea have made moves in the market this summer, garnering their chances of not just title-defences, but European glory. Most notabley, right-back Ellie Carpenter joined the Blues from Lyon, bringing with her a wealth of experience despite being only 25. Adding competition and depth to the squad, Carpenter plays with valuable attacking instincts and a pace that is hard to compete with, highlighting the energetic approach Bompastor is looking to take this season.
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Great expectations
Chelsea might be the WSL team to beat, but the chasing pack is closing in. Arsenal are fresh off of lifting the Champions League trophy, and the margin for error at the top will no doubt be a small one this season.
The ongoing evolution of the WSL means complacency is not an option for the Blues. For many clubs, one trophy would be enough to declare a season successful, but at Stamford Bridge losing out on the quadruple felt like a missed opportunity last time out.
Success during the 2025/26 season will be measured by Chelsea’s ability to manage four competitions at once. Can they protect their domestic claim without faltering in the Champions League?
For a squad with their level of talent, depth, and experience, the sky is the limit. Anything less than a serious challenge on all fronts would mean Chelsea have fallen short of their remarkable potential.
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Blues to watch in the 2025/26 WSL campaign
Carpenter’s time playing under Bomastor previously provides an additional element of familiarity to the squad. The defender’s tenacity will enhance the width of the Blues, and she will bring another dimension to the right flank with her relentless high press.
Signed for a record-breaking world transfer fee, USWNT centre-back Naomi Girma moved to Chelsea midway through last season. The defender’s playing time was limited due to calf issues, but she is a world class talent and should bring exceptional composure and ability to the Blues’ backline.
After an extended hiatus due an ACL injury she suffered in January 2024, Sam Kerr has returned to full training. The striker has scored 99 goals for Chelsea, and her return to the squad will be pivotal. A world-class forward, Kerr’s presence automatically raises the bar for Bompastor’s side’s.
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Chelsea predictions ahead of the WSL season
Chelsea are undeniable favourites to win a seventh successive league title, but another WSL trophy alone won’t be enough to satisfy the silverware-hungry Blues. On their quest for further domestic dominance as well as a stake in the Champions League, there will be several key factors at play for Bompastor’s side.
Lauren James has proven crucial time and time again for Chelsea, but she has struggled with injuries in recent times. The fitness of players like James, Kerr, and Girma will be a large determining factor in how far the Blues can progress across four competitions. Whilst Chelsea’s depth remains impressive, these players are ceiling raisers and their consistent presence will be pivotal.
Chelsea aren’t the only ones with additional firepower heading into the 2025/26 season. With a strengthened squad and European trophy in the cabinet, should be serious contenders.
The Blues’ second season under Bompastor begins with a target on their backs. The head coach has already sustained their winning culture, but this fresh campaign will be about progress as much as expectation.
Champions League redemption will be firmly on Chelsea’s minds, and when it some’s to the WSL, one thing is clear. The Blues are no longer just chasing titles – they’re chasing legacy.