With the kick-off to Chelsea Women’s 2026/27 season fast approaching, we caught up with Blues and England defender Lucy Bronze, who extended her contract earlier this summer, to find out a bit more about her life off the pitch...

Where did you grow up, and what was it like there?

In the North-East of England, in Northumberland. I'd say it was very peaceful and quiet. It didn't feel like it, but it was very far away from anything, really. But it was the best; I played outside every day. Every sport, climbing trees, going to the beach. I had a very peaceful childhood and was very active.

At what age did you first start playing football?

Pretty much as soon as I could walk. At the age of five or six, my brother was always kicking a football around. I was two years younger –  three or four probably – and was playing, but I probably fell in love with it the most around the age of five or six.

What was the name of your first grassroots team?

Alnwick Town Juniors.

How old were you when you first joined an academy?

12 at Sunderland.

Who would you say has been the biggest influence on your football career to date?

Probably my mum. From being in a village where there wasn't any access to girls' football, she and my dad took me everywhere, but my mum's the one who looked up everything. She didn't even really like football at the time, but she just wanted me to succeed in whatever it was I loved.

What's your biggest career highlight to date?

I think winning the Euros in England.


Who are your best friends in football?

My whole life, from the age of 12, I played with Lucy Staniforth. She has just retired this summer, but I think it would have to be her.

Can you name your top three favourite players of all time?

Marta, Mia Hamm, Rachel Yankey.

Have you got any nicknames?

Probably Bronzie, I guess.

What do you like to do most away from football?

I’m either with my dog or just trying new food.

Are you watching any TV series at the moment?

I just started rewatching some of the Marvel series because, obviously, Spider-Man has been out, so I'm going back to watch some of the old Marvel movies.

If we looked at your Spotify playlist, who would be dominating your most-played artists?

At this moment, it's probably Bad Bunny.

What are your top three holiday destinations, either that you've been to already or you would like to go to?

I'd like to go to Brazil. Of the nice places I've been, Sardinia and Formentera.


If you had guests over for dinner, what would you cook for them?

I was in Mexico this summer, so I learned how to make proper homemade tacos.

Can you tell the fans something that they might not know about you?

When I visit new places on holiday, I like to do cooking lessons.

What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?

Just to always work hard.

What does football mean to you?

Football means everything to me. It's how I've made friends and in the whole of my life because of football. So, I'd say close to everything, but not quite.