Brighton Women have signed Fran Kirby on a free transfer following the expiration of her Chelsea contract. The 31-year-old England international leaves Chelsea as their all-time leading scorer, having netted 115 goals in 205 appearances since her arrival from Reading in 2015. During her nine-year tenure at Chelsea, Kirby won 14 major trophies, including seven Women’s Super League titles, five FA Cups, and two League Cups.
A Decorated Career at Chelsea
Kirby’s time at Chelsea has been nothing short of remarkable. She joined the club from Reading in 2015 and quickly established herself as a key player. Over the years, she became Chelsea’s all-time leading scorer and played a crucial role in their domestic and international successes. Kirby has won numerous individual accolades, including being named PFA Women’s Player of the Year twice and receiving the Football Writers’ Women’s Player of the Year award.
International Success
Kirby’s contributions extend beyond club football. She has earned 70 caps for the England national team, scoring 19 goals. One of her career highlights was helping England win the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022, a historic achievement for the Lionesses. Despite her impressive international resume, Kirby has her sights set on continuing her career at the highest level and aims to be part of the squad for the upcoming European Championships.
A New Chapter at Brighton
Kirby’s decision to join Brighton was influenced by several factors. She wanted to remain in the Women’s Super League to maintain her competitive edge and continue contributing to the growth of the women’s game. In a press conference, Kirby expressed her excitement about joining Brighton, emphasizing the club’s commitment to pushing the women’s game forward and the sense of being valued she felt from the club’s management.
“Feeling valued is one of the most important things as a footballer,” Kirby said. “When I spoke to Brighton, they were so complimentary of me as a player and as a person. For me, feeling valued in an environment means I know I’m going to get the best out of myself.”
A Vision for the Future
Zoe Johnson, Brighton’s managing director of women’s and girls’ football, expressed her enthusiasm about Kirby’s arrival. “We’re absolutely thrilled to welcome Fran to the club,” Johnson said. “She arrives as one of the most decorated English footballers of all time, playing an integral role in Chelsea’s recent dominance, as well as on the international stage. Her experience on the pitch will be just as important off it, and we have no doubt that she will help us take a significant step towards our long-term targets.”
Commitment to Excellence
Kirby highlighted the importance of joining a club with high standards and ambitions. “I wanted to go somewhere where I could keep my standards up and help bring those standards into another club,” she explained. “I wanted to stay in this league because I still want to be competing week in and week out, and as long as I can help a team progress, then that’s what I want to do.”
Brighton’s Vision
Brighton has shown a strong commitment to developing women’s football. The club’s investment in facilities and their support for the women’s team were significant factors in Kirby’s decision. “When I spoke to Brighton and they told me how the owner was behind the women’s game, how much they wanted to invest in it and push it forwards, and seeing the facilities here, for me, it was a really exciting opportunity and one that I felt I couldn’t really turn down,” Kirby said.
Fran Kirby’s move to Brighton marks a new chapter in her illustrious career. With her wealth of experience and proven track record, she is expected to make a significant impact both on and off the pitch. Brighton’s commitment to advancing the women’s game aligns perfectly with Kirby’s ambitions, making this a promising partnership for the future.
