Emma Hayes to leave Chelsea and ‘pursue a new opportunity outside the WSL’

The pioneering Chelsea manager is the leading candidate to take up the vacant position at the United States

Emma Hayes led Chelsea to four WSL titles in a row (The FA via Getty Images)

Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, who has led the Blues to six Women’s Super League titles and five Women’s FA Cups during an unprecedented period of domestic dominance, has confirmed that she will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

A statement confirmed Hayes will be leaving to “pursue a new opportunity outside of the WSL and club football”.

The nature of Chelsea’s statement suggested Hayes could be set for a role in international football, and the English manager has been heavily linked with the vacant United States position ever since the departure of previous boss, Vlatko Andonovski.

Andonovski resigned after the four-time World Cup winners suffered a shock last-16 exit last summer and the role is currently occupied by interim coach Twila Kilgore.

Hayes, who led the Blues to a second WSL and FA Cup double last season, announced the news following a 6-0 away win at Aston Villa on Saturday.

The 47-year-old is one of the most successful coaches in the history of the women’s game, having won six WSL titles, five FA Cups, two League Cups and one Community Shield since joining Chelsea in 2012.

Under Hayes, Chelsea have won four WSL titles in a row as well, as three consecutive FA Cups. Europe remains the final frontier for Chelsea under Hayes and the Blues will look to go deep in this season’s Women’s Champions League, as well as defending their current titles. Chelsea reached the Champions League final in 2021 and the semi-finals last season, where they were beaten by Barcelona on both occasions.

Chelsea thrashed Aston Villa 6-0 before Hayes’s departure was announced (The FA via Getty Images)

“Emma has been one of the biggest drivers of change in women’s football,” said Chelsea co-sporting directors Laurence Stewart and Paul Winstanley in a statement. “Her achievements at Chelsea are unrivalled and will live in the club’s history forever.

“Given everything she has contributed to Chelsea in over a decade with the club, and the legacy she leaves behind, we would never stand in her way when she felt it was the right time to pursue a new challenge.

“We are pleased that she will remain with the club for the remainder of the season to give us the time to identify her successor.

“There will be plenty of time to celebrate Emma’s many achievements at the club and to give her the farewell she deserves, but for now, as she always has been, Emma will be solely focused on making this season as successful as possible for Chelsea.”

Chelsea’s chairman Todd Boehly and co-controlling owner Behdad Eghbali said: “Emma’s contribution to Chelsea cannot be understated. She has been a pioneer in women’s football and is hugely respected within the game. We look forward to continuing to work together over the coming months.”