Having secured eight top-tier league titles, six national cup victories, and three league cup triumphs, Chelsea’s prominent figure, Millie Bright, has achieved widespread success within the nation.
Her recent accomplishment was a national sweep last season – her second while playing for the club – and she also participated in the international arena as a member of the victorious 2022 European Championship squad, subsequently leading the Lionesses as captain to the World Cup final a year later.
Bright was compelled to withdraw from consideration prior to Euro 2025, missing the Lionesses’ title defense; nonetheless, upon reflecting on her career progression and anticipating future possibilities, achieving further European accolades remains a significant priority.
Millie Bright on England ups and downs, plus eyeing Champions League glory
Typically, as is common among accomplished soccer players, Bright’s journey hasn’t always been easy, as she recalls scoring against her own team in the Euro 2017 semi-final and subsequently receiving a dismissal in the 2019 World Cup semi-final. Did she ever ponder whether she was unlucky?
“Indeed… In the Euros, the ball deflected off my person and resulted in a goal, although such isolated occurrences do not determine your lasting impact or overall performance throughout the competition,” Bright shares with FourFourTwo.
“Provided that one extracts lessons from experiences, they transform into assets as opposed to impediments. I faced expulsion during the World Cup semi-final; nevertheless, one develops resilience and learns to navigate challenging circumstances. While enduring animosity or online harassment should not be necessary, it has fortified my resolve. Within the realm of sports, it’s essential to possess resilience – various viewpoints exist, and we must effectively manage them.”
The dedicated efforts bore fruit at Euro 2022, though did she ever envision a momentous occasion like the Wembley final, where Germany was ultimately defeated?
“Oh heavens, definitely not!,” Bright exclaims. “That was undoubtedly the most remarkable day of my career thus far. Should we proceed to clinch the Champions League title at Chelsea, it would surpass even that, primarily due to my extensive tenure with the club and involvement since its inception, recalling times when we were overwhelmed by Wolfsburg.
“We consistently drew Wolfsburg! Each passing year, we progress further; therefore, securing the Champions League title with Chelsea would represent the pinnacle of my career and the proudest moment by a considerable margin. Nonetheless, I also never anticipated finding myself in the position I attained, participating in a Euros final representing our nation.
“The culmination of events at Euro 2022 was truly remarkable – we achieved it domestically, alongside our supporters, and the entire nation erupted in jubilation.”
With Leah Williamson sidelined due to injury for the 2023 World Cup, Bright was bestowed with the captain’s responsibility and steered the squad throughout their journey to the final. How did that feel?
“Unbelievable,” she adds. “Leading the team onto the field at a World Cup felt exceptionally significant, particularly during the final. It felt dreamlike. Those are the moments that stay with you always, irrespective of the eventual result.”
Bright has launched her own limited edition sports bra and sportswear range, in partnership with MAAREE. For more information, visit MAAREE.com
