The midfielder joined the Blues as a teenager from her native Scotland in December 2016 and made her Chelsea debut in April 2017. She takes on the armband following the retirement of former skipper Millie Bright at the end of April.

‘It’s a great honour,’ said Cuthbert. ‘I never imagined myself doing this 10 years ago or being in the position that I am. It’s beyond the wildest dreams of a little girl from Irvine.

‘I know the weight the armband comes with at a club like Chelsea, and I'm ready to step up and show that I can live up to that.’

Cuthbert has made 301 appearances for Chelsea and scored 70 goals. She has been at the club for all but two of our 20 trophy wins, claiming seven Women’s Super League titles, one Spring Series, five Women’s FA Cups, four Women’s League Cups and a Women’s Community Shield.

Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor said: ‘What stands out about Erin is her character on and off the pitch, her standards, and the way she leads by example every single day.

‘You need to understand what this club means to captain Chelsea, and I think Erin is the person who knows that best. You need to care deeply and you need to be ready to take responsibility.

‘Erin has all of those qualities. She's passionate about the game, she's brave, she's honest and she always wants to push the team to be better. In the dressing room, she brings energy, personality and belief.

‘She cares about the people around her and I think that's what makes her such a natural leader.’

Cuthbert has also been the Scotland national team vice-captain since February 2026 and was awarded the Chelsea Player of the Season Award in 2019 and again in our domestic Treble-winning season of 2024/25.

Congratulations, Erin!