Chelsea are pleased to confirm that defender Maren Mjelde has signed a one-year contract extension with the Blues, keeping her at the club for a further 12 months.
Mjelde joined Chelsea ahead of the Spring Series in 2017 and has established herself as a key member of the squad. The Norwegian international has won the Spring Series, five Women’s Super League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups and the Community Shield.
She contributed to one of our most memorable moments of the 2022/23 season against Lyon in the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarter-finals at Stamford Bridge, scoring a penalty with the last-kick of extra time to force a shootout where she scored again to help us into the semi-finals.
On signing her extension, Mjelde said: ‘I feel really happy, Chelsea is my club and it has been for six-and-a-half years. I’m happy to stay here, it’s been my home for a long time and I’m really excited for next season.’
General manager Paul Green commented: ‘We’re delighted that Maren has committed to the club for another season. She is one of our leaders both on and off the pitch. Her experience and quality within the group is really important. She’s been a big part of our success over the years and we’re looking forward to seeing her again next season.’
The 33-year-old has made 131 appearances for the Blues, scoring 22 goals and showing prowess from the penalty spot in particular. Mjelde’s versatility has seen her named in the PFA Team of the Year as both a defender and midfielder during her time with the club.
A taste for important goals on the European stage is something Mjelde relishes, one of her highlights in a Chelsea shirt was scoring a stoppage time winner against Paris Saint-Germain which sent us through to the UEFA Women’s Champions League semi-finals during the 2018/19 season.
On the international stage, Mjelde has been a regular figure for Norway since her teenage years. She captained her country to the quarter-finals of the 2019 Women’s World Cup and was part of the Norwegian squad at the European Championship last summer.
Everyone at Chelsea sends their congratulations to Maren on her contract extension, and we look forward to seeing her representing the Blues next season.