Chelsea is delighted to announce the signing of Manaka Matsukubo on a five-year deal from North Carolina Courage.
Matsukubo is regarded as one of the most talented young players in world football and joins the Blues having been named the NWSL Midfielder of the Year last season.
‘I’m so excited to be joining Chelsea, a club with a lot of history,’ said Matsukubo. ‘As a small child, I followed Chelsea because it is a club everyone in the world knows about.
‘The club has a strong history of winning trophies and has done so well at the top of the game, so I couldn’t pass up this opportunity, and I want to help continue this club’s tradition of winning trophies for years to come.’
Matsukubo, who turns 22 later this month, can play as an attacking midfielder or a central striker. Her creativity, precise passing and skilful dribbling make her a threat to any opposition defence.
The Japan international has developed physically in recent seasons and has showcased tactical acumen to make the most of her versatility in attacking areas, marrying football intelligence with technical ability.
Matsukubo hails from Kagoshima in the very south of Japan. She made her professional debut for Mynavi Sendai in March 2023 and joined NC Courage later that year, initially on loan.
She has since thrived in America, establishing herself as a top player in the NWSL, one of the strongest leagues in world football. She scored 11 goals last season and already has five in nine games this term.
By netting three goals against Bay FC in October, Matsukubo became the youngest player in NWSL history to score a hat-trick. She leaves NC Courage with 19 goals in 60 appearances to her name.
At international level, Matsukubo was an important member of the Japan team that finished runners-up at both the 2022 and 2024 Under-20 World Cup. She received the Silver Ball award for her performances in the latter tournament.
Matsukubo stepped up to senior international football in February last year, helping Japan win the SheBelieves Cup. She got her hands on more silverware in March when her country triumphed in the Asian Cup with victory over hosts Australia. She has now accrued 19 caps and scored twice.
Welcome to Chelsea, Manaka!