Millie Bright is one of the most respected defenders in women’s football, renowned for her strength, leadership, and consistency. As captain of Chelsea and a key figure for England, Bright has played a central role in her teams’ domestic and international successes, earning a reputation as one of the sport’s most reliable centre-backs.
Early Life and Background
Born on August 21, 1993, in Chesterfield, England, Millie Bright was horse-mad as a child before discovering football at age nine. She began her grassroots football journey with Killamarsh Dynamos and was later scouted by Sheffield United’s academy, developing her game before moving into the professional ranks.
Club Career
Early Career
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Started her senior career with Doncaster Rovers Belles in 2009, after time in Sheffield United’s academy and a loan spell at Leeds Ladies.
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Gained experience and recognition for her physicality and defensive skills.
Chelsea
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Signed for Chelsea in December 2014, debuting in the 2015 season.
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Became a mainstay in the Chelsea backline, recognized for her leadership and reliability.
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Has won every major domestic honour with Chelsea, including:
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Seven Women’s Super League titles
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Five FA Cups
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Two League Cups
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The Community Shield
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Integral to Chelsea’s domestic treble in 2020–21 and their run to the 2021 UEFA Women’s Champions League final.
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Twice named in the PFA Team of the Year and Chelsea Players’ Player of the Year.
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Appointed Chelsea captain, leading the team through record-breaking seasons and surpassing 200 WSL appearances.
International Career
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Progressed through England’s youth teams, representing the U19s and U23s.
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Made her senior England debut in September 2016.
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Was the only player to start every match at UEFA Women’s Euro 2017, just ten months after her debut.
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Formed a formidable centre-back partnership with Steph Houghton and later with Leah Williamson.
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Key figure in England’s run to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup semi-finals and captained the Lionesses to the 2023 World Cup final.
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Vice-captain for England’s UEFA Women’s Euro 2022-winning squad, starting all six matches.
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Noted for her defensive solidity but also a threat on set pieces and in tournaments like the Arnold Clark Cup, where she finished as joint top scorer in 2022.
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As of April 2025, has earned 88 senior caps and scored 6 goals for England.
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Returned from a long-term knee injury in 2024 to rejoin the England squad for Euro 2025 qualifiers.
Achievements and Honors
Club Honors
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Women’s Super League: 7 titles
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Women’s FA Cup: 5 titles
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FA Women’s League Cup: 2 titles
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FA Community Shield: 1 title
International Honors
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UEFA Women’s Euro: Winner (2022)
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FIFA Women’s World Cup: Runner-up (2023)
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Arnold Clark Cup: Winner (2022)
Individual Awards
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Vauxhall England Young Player of the Year: 2016
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PFA Team of the Year: 2017–18, 2019–20
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FIFA FIFPro Women’s World11: 2020
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Chelsea Players’ Player of the Year: 2015
Playing Style and Strengths
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Commanding centre-back known for her strength, aerial ability, and leadership.
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Excellent reader of the game and organizer of the backline.
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Reliable in high-pressure matches and a vocal presence on the pitch.
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Threat on attacking set pieces and capable of scoring crucial goals.
Career Stats (as of April 2025)
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Date of Birth: August 21, 1993
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Age: 31
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Height: 1.78 m
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Position: Centre-back
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Preferred Foot: Right
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Current Club: Chelsea FC Women (Captain)
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Club Number: 4
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WSL Appearances: 200+
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England Senior Caps: 88
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England Senior Goals: 6
Frequently Asked Questions About Millie Bright
How old is Millie Bright?
She is 31 years old, born on August 21, 1993.
What position does Millie Bright play?
She plays as a centre-back for Chelsea and the England national team.
What are Millie Bright’s major achievements?
She has won multiple league and cup titles with Chelsea, the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 with England, and captained England to the 2023 World Cup final.
How many England caps does Millie Bright have?
She has 88 senior caps and 6 goals as of April 2025.
What makes Millie Bright stand out?
Her leadership, defensive strength, consistency, and ability to deliver in high-stakes matches for club and country.
Conclusion
Millie Bright’s journey from grassroots football in Derbyshire to captaining Chelsea and England is a testament to her talent, resilience, and leadership. With a trophy-laden career and a reputation as one of the world’s top defenders, she continues to set the standard for excellence at the highest level.
